As time passes, our attitudes about fashion, health, and fitness inevitably change. Today, some women who once desired augmented breasts find themselves searching for a different aesthetic a few years out from their initial surgery.
Whatever the reason you find yourself wondering about breast implant removal in Long Beach, rest assured an experienced breast surgeon at The Waltzman Institute Plastic Surgery & Aesthetics can help. We work closely with you to determine whether you will follow your era of implants with fat transfer breast augmentation, a trim breast lift, or an exchange for different, more sophisticated implants.
Women today are seeking breast implant removal in Long Beach for three reasons: lifestyle changes, aesthetic changes, and health precautions.
If you are experiencing any of these issues, it is worth speaking to a plastic surgeon in Long Beach to explore your options.
Depending on the reason for breast implant removal in Long Beach, one of two techniques will be used—simple removal or en bloc removal.
In the cases where patients want implants removed only due to a change in their lifestyle or attitude (not a medical issue), a simple breast implant removal suffices. In these cases, no complications with the implant or the surrounding tissue are present. The surgeon simply re-opens the initial incisions and removes only the implant.
Not all breast implant removals are simple, however. Sometimes, after breast augmentation, the body surrounds the implant with tissue. This response occurs with all devices inserted into the body – pacemakers, artificial joints and more. These tissues cause no problem in the majority of cases.
However, sometimes with breast augmentation, the tissues accumulating around the implant build to the point that they encapsulate it and even put pressure on it. This pressure causes rippling and hardening, and is called “capsular contracture.” Sometimes, the pressure is enough to rupture the implant. Silicone can come into contact with the capsule, taking with it “biofilm,” skin cells, proteins and bacteria that can cause the immune system to cause swelling in the area.
With en bloc implant removal, surgeons are careful to keep the capsule surrounding the implant intact so no biofilm can escape. The surgeon removes the implant and capsule together—en bloc means “as a whole.”
With traditional breast implant removal, the surgeon cuts into the capsule, removes the implant and then removes as much of the capsule afterwards. When the capsule is thin, removing it all is almost impossible. The body can absorb some of the remaining tissue.
In both simple and en bloc removals, the procedure and recovery process will be very similar to your original breast augmentation.
During your consultation with Dr. Waltzman, you will discuss why you want the procedure and what you hope to achieve from it. Understanding your ideals and motivation helps Dr. Waltzman provide the best possible service to you.
You will then set a date for your procedure and should begin to prepare for the surgery and recovery.
On the day of your breast implant removal surgery, a friend or family member will need to drive you to and from our Long Beach clinic, as the procedure requires general anesthesia.
Breast implant removal is done on an outpatient basis using general anesthesia. To minimize scarring, Dr. Waltzman will cut along the scars from your first procedure. He will then remove the implant and any damaged tissue.
Some patients will require a temporary drain to be placed in the breast so as to release excess fluid as the body heals from the procedure.
Upon completion of the surgery, you will be monitored in-house before being released from the center’s care. You will then be driven home by your driver, where you’ll begin following Dr. Waltzman’s strict guidelines for recovery. These will include (but are not limited to):
Depending on the size of the original implants, breasts may appear stretched, saggy, and lack shape. For this reason, a breast lift or fat transfer is often recommended in conjunction with breast implant removal in Long Beach so as to restore a firm, plump shape to the breast.
No matter what your reasons are for breast implant removal in Long Beach, you want it done correctly. Dr. Josh Waltzman provides the highest possible levels of patient care. Call (562) 448-6100 or fill out this online form to arrange your consultation with him today.
Most patients will likely experience somewhat smaller, “deflated” breasts after having implants removed. The extent of this depends on the size of your implants, your age, skin stretch, and body fat percentage. Nonetheless, if you choose to have your breast implants removed and are unhappy with your appearance, you can opt for a follow-up surgery to correct this issue.
Most women who opt for breast implant removal also choose complementary procedures to counter the flattening of their breasts after having implants taken out.
Many select a breast lift, which repositions the breasts higher on the chest, and makes the areolas and nipples point forward in a youthful, aesthetically pleasing position.
Others may choose breast fat transfer, which restores some size to the breasts without placing any foreign objects in the body. This solution is excellent for those looking to remove their implants, but maintain some degree of size in their bust.
Alternatively, some women choose to have their implants replaced after removal, either going larger or smaller to achieve their desired aesthetic.
Which solution is best depends on the individual, according to aesthetic goals, implant size, and age.
BIA-ALCL is lymphoma that has been linked only with the Allergan brand BioCell textured breast implants. BIA-ALCL is not cancer, but the lymphoma can be threatening and painful. In 2019 the FDA (Food and Drug Administration) recalled Allergan’s textured implants. However, they also issued the following information:
If you are having any pain or concerns with your current breast implants or have reason to believe there is a problem with your existing implants due to a scan or mammogram, then it is a good time to see a plastic surgeon for a breast implant removal consultation.
Most patients are able to return back to mild activities or a desk-setting in about 4-5 days post operative. You may experience some tenderness at the incision site, but the pain is manageable.
There are many factors that can alter the appearance of your breast after having a breast implant removal such as the duration of time that you had the existing implants, fluctuation in weight, nursing, and laxity of skin before and after implants.
The usage of drains depends on the patient and the assessment by the plastic surgeon during their procedure.
