What Is Breast Implant Removal Surgery?
Breast implant removal, also known as “explantation” surgery, is a common procedure which involves the permanent removal of saline or silicone breast implants. Comparatively, when a patient wishes to remove one set of implants and replace them with another, that is typically referred to as breast revision surgery.
Patients sometimes choose to have a breast lift following breast implant removal. During the consultation process, Dr. Restifo will review whether this is necessary to achieve the desired aesthetic results.
During breast implant removal surgery, Dr, Restifo removes any excess silicone material and evaluates whether it is advisable to remove scar tissue capsules that may have formed as the result of having breast implants.
Why Do People Choose Breast Implant Removal Surgery?
The most common reasons that people consider breast implant removal surgery include:
- Your saline implants have deflated or an MRI suggests your silicone implant has a shell leak
- You experienced capsular contracture (tightening/hardening of the scar tissue around the implant)
- Your lifestyle has changed and you no longer want breast implants
- You suspect you may have Breast Implant Illness (BII)
- You have textured implants and are concerned about Breast Implant Associated-Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma (BIA-ALCL)
You are likely a good candidate for breast implant removal surgery if you are in good health and have realistic goals and expectations.
Dr. Restifo’s Approach To Breast Implant Removal
Fully Customizable Breast Implant Removal
During different seasons in life, a woman’s body may change alongside her aesthetic preferences based on lifestyle and life-stage. For this reason, our pre-operative consultations focus on understanding what each patient hopes to gain and what approach will achieve the best long-term health and aesthetic results.
The Buzz About En Bloc Removal & Total Capsulectomy
Many patients who are concerned about BII may have read about the need to have an “en bloc” removal or a “total capsulectomy”. At a consultation, Dr. Restifo will discuss when it is and isn’t appropriate to use these approaches.
En bloc removal involves removing any scar tissue capsule and the implant(s) at the same time, with the implant still inside the intact scar tissue capsule. This allows the silicone to stay inside the scar tissue capsule minimizing the possibility of silicone, other chemicals, and bacteria from leaking into the body. This typically requires a larger incision and may not always be the safest option available.
Should I Consider Breast Implant Removal Surgery?
Great Consultations Begin At Home
Do I Need En Bloc Removal?
Total Capsulectomy is sometimes used as a synonym for en bloc removal, but they are not identical. A total capsulectomy is the removal of the breast implants and all the scar tissue, or capsule, that forms around a breast implant, but the implant is not necessarily removed inside the intact scar capsule (i.e. the en bloc method). Most surgeons use the term “total capsulectomy” to indicate that they will remove the implants first, then will remove all of the scar tissue capsule.
Considerations for En Bloc Removal & Total Capsulectomy
Dr. Restifo commonly addresses questions surrounding the benefits and limitations of the en bloc and/or total capsulectomy procedures with explant surgery. There are some important considerations that patients should be aware of, including:
- The possible need to leave a portion of the capsule behind to prevent significant damage to muscles, ribs or lungs.
- Larger and/or different incision points than the original breast augmentation surgery will likely be necessary.
- There are increased surgical risks associated with en bloc capsulectomy because it requires a complete dissection of all the tissues surrounding the breast implants.
- There is not enough collective data to suggest that there will be improvement in symptoms that have been labelled Breast Implant Illness (BII).
Dr. Restifo has over twenty-five years of experience specializing in plastic surgery of the breast and body. He takes the health and safety of his patients seriously and will make recommendations based on your priorities and well-being. He has performed hundreds of breast implant removal surgeries and is fully committed to ensuring patient satisfaction and comfort. He will also be candid about what can be accomplished and will make recommendations to ensure the best possible outcome. He will only recommend additional procedures that are in alignment with your aesthetic and health-related goals.
Complementary Procedures
Dr. Restifo may recommend combining breast implant removal with other procedures such as a breast lift for more satisfying results.
Please note: Although many doctors perform cosmetic procedures, you need to know that plastic surgeons, facial plastic surgeons, and cosmetic surgeons are not the same thing, plus board-certification matters. Learn more about specialization here. Also be sure to watch the video: How to Avoid Unqualified Practitioners.
Dr. Restifo is a Harvard-educated, board-certified plastic surgeon with over twenty-five years of experience performing surgery with excellent results. He does breast implant removal procedures (sometimes combined with a breast lift or implant replacement) several times each month.
Schedule A Breast Implant Removal Consult With Dr. Restifo!
Give us a call at 203.772.1444 to learn more about Breast Implant Removal and whether you are a candidate! You can also go to our contact page and fill out a form to book a personalized consult with Dr. Richard J. Restifo. Our practice serves Orange and the surrounding areas of Connecticut.
