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Category: En Bloc Breast Implant Removal

After Breast Implant Removal: Here Are Your Options

Breast augmentation via implants remains one of the most popular cosmetic surgical procedures in the U.S., with over 190,000 operations performed annually. However, due to changes in lifestyle preferences, body image desires, or even health concerns, around 35,000 patients a year opt for breast implant removal. The FDA has recommended a checklist that patients should review before considering breast augmentation that speaks to current understanding of breast implant illness symptoms and other concerns.

Many patients are understandably concerned about their options after breast implant removal and what their breasts will look like. Here, Dr. Sayed discusses post-breast implant removal options and what patients can expect from the procedure.

What Happens to the Breasts After Implant Removal?

The concept behind breast implants is to add volume and shape to the breasts. As such, when a surgeon removes the implants, that volume and shape are lost. This then leaves the breasts looking deflated and unshapely, something patients are understandably concerned about.

Fortunately, there are several options available to restore an appealing look to the breasts after breast implant removal.

Breast Lift

Probably the best option available to people after a breast implant removal is a breast lift.

Breast lift surgery removes excess skin and positions the breast in a higher, more youthful, and appealing position on the chest wall. When done by a highly experienced plastic surgeon, such as Dr. Sayed, a breast lift should also reposition the areolas and nipples in a more forward-facing, youthful setting.

In many cases, a breast lift is all that is required to restore desirable aesthetics to post-implant removal breasts.

Breast Implant Removal in Newport Beach, CA

Just as opting for breast implants is a significant life decision, so too is getting them removed. We strongly recommend discussing your breast implant removal procedure with several qualified and recognized surgeons before committing to the procedure. This way, you can find the perfect surgeon to help with the procedure and follow-up treatments so that you get the results you desire.

Fat Grafting to the Breast

Fat transfer breast augmentation essentially uses liposuction to take fat from other parts of your body and inject it into your breasts. While it can provide some volume improvement to the breast after the deflation associated with implant removal, it is not a perfect substitute for the shape of an implant and there are some trade-offs. However, most patients who elect fat grafting to the breasts are glad they did, as it provides additional shaping and volume that they would otherwise not have with implant removal, especially those patients who had larger implants and smaller natural breasts.

Want to Learn More? Get In Touch with Us Today!

Reach out to Dr. Tim Sayed in Newport Beach or La Jolla, CA at (858) 247-2933 or via this online form to arrange a consultation to discover how we can help you look and feel your best.

How to Evaluate an En Bloc Breast Implant Removal Surgeon

When a breast implant is placed into the breast, the body creates a capsule of scar tissue around it. Much of the time, this capsule will remain soft and malleable. If your implant ruptures, the capsule can hold the leakage in place, keeping it from escaping into the body.  This capsule is a good thing and helps protect your body and your implants. Capsules form anytime a foreign object is placed into the body; it is a natural form of protection your body uses to stay safe. 

Sometimes, the capsule will contract or harden, a condition known as capsular contracture. When this occurs, the breast may feel harder or the implant may become distorted. Capsular contracture can be uncomfortable. To treat it, we perform a procedure called en bloc breast implant removal. The implant and its surrounding capsule are removed together, with the capsule remaining intact. After the implant and capsule are removed, we can replace your breast implant with a new one. En bloc removal offers benefits when an implant has leaked or ruptured too, as it can help contain the leakage and protect the body.

Does Your Surgeon Have the Qualifications?

En bloc removal is a complex procedure, one that many surgeons don’t have the skill set to perform well. En bloc means as a whole, and in this specialized type of implant removal, the implant and capsule are removed in one unit. 

We like to think of the capsule surrounding your implant as a balloon. It is made of scar tissue, but it is delicate and easy to open. This scar-tissue balloon must be carefully separated from your breast tissues and removed through the inframammary incision created for the procedure. This precise dissection is a skill that must be honed through practice and training. If the capsule is opened, the biofilm, implant leakage, or bacteria can seep into the breast, potentially causing complications. 

Removal is often only the first step. If you’re hoping to remove and replace your implants, you’ll need a surgeon skilled in breast augmentation. If you’re not planning to replace your breast implants, you’ll need a surgeon that can carefully reconstruct your breast shape so it doesn’t look saggy or deflated. 

Look for these qualifications when choosing a surgeon for your procedure:

  • Specializes in breast surgery
  • Performs en bloc removal often
  • Board-certified plastic surgeon
  • Known for their precision and attention to detail

Dr. Sayed meets these qualifications and more. If you’re in the San Diego area, come in for a consultation to discuss your breast implant removal in more detail.

Do I Need En Bloc Breast Implant Removal?

En bloc implant removal isn’t always needed, but it can be beneficial to many patients, especially those experiencing complications with their breast implants. Removing the whole capsule keeps fluids, leaks, and biofilm contained, reducing the risk of future complications when new implants are placed. 

En bloc removal is recommended if:

  • You have capsular contracture
  • Your implant has a leak or rupture
  • You want to change your implant type or size
  • Your breast implants were placed many years ago
  • You want to remove and not replace your breast implants
  • You have implant rippling or distortion
  • You’re experiencing health complications that require breast implant removal

If you’re considering en bloc breast implant removal in San Diego, come in for a consultation with Dr. Tim Sayed. Contact our office at 1-858-24SAYED to schedule your consultation or learn more.