Breast Implant Removal
Breast Implant Removal/ Capsulectomy in Miami, Fl
Even though breast augmentation remains the most popular cosmetic surgery procedure in the United States, a small percentage of women choose to have their breast implants later removed through explanation surgery. The choice could be due to a lifestyle decision or required for health reasons caused by an implant rupture. Tissue atrophy due to weight fluctuations and aging, which results in the breasts beginning to sag, could be another reason.
Dr. Jorge de la Pedraja is an expert in cosmetic breast surgery who has performed countless breast surgery procedures throughout his years as a plastic surgeon. Dr. de la Pedraja wholly dedicates his efforts to ensuring his patients are safe, have a premium experience, and receive outstanding results. Are you ready to enjoy the life-changing benefits of breast implant removal?
Learn more about breast implant removal in Miami by calling (305) 441-9144 or contacting us online today.
What Is Breast Implant Removal Surgery?
Breast implants are not lifelong devices, and they typically need to be removed or exchanged approximately every 10-15 years. The decision to remove them sooner could be due to aesthetic or medical reasons. Breast implant removal surgery refers to the process in which a highly trained plastic surgeon meticulously extracts the implants from the body in the safest and most efficient manner.
When Is Breast Implant Removal Needed?
One of the leading signs that it’s time for an implant to be removed is capsular contracture, which occurs when scar tissue hardens around the implants and begins to constrict them. This can cause discomfort, pain, and also negatively affect the breasts’ appearance. Implants may also be removed due to breast implant leakage or other personal reasons.
Who Is a Candidate for Breast Implant Removal?
Breast implant removal surgery is a highly customized procedure. It should be performed if capsular contracture (hardening of the breast) is present, pain with implants, or if imaging tests indicate an implant leak.
You may be a good breast implant removal candidate if you:
- Are physically healthy and at a stable weight
- Have realistic expectations
- Are a nonsmoker
- Bothered by the appearance of your implants
- Experience discomfort or pain
- Feel your breasts are too heavy
- Feel your capsule scar tissue is getting harder or tighter
- Have discovered a leak or rupture of your implants
As you prepare for your surgery, spend some time reviewing our before and after photo gallery to learn what to expect during recovery. Preparation ahead of time will help you have reasonable expectations and a smoother recovery.
Breast Implant Removal Options: En Bloc vs. Capsulectomy
Breast implant removal can be achieved with either an en bloc procedure or a capsulectomy. The goal for either procedure is the same: to remove your implants and remove or reposition the scar tissue (capsule) that has developed around them. These procedures can result in greater physical comfort and wellness if you have been experiencing difficulties with your current implants.
En Bloc
En bloc is a term that means “all together.” An en bloc capsulectomy is a method of breast implant removal that eliminates the scar tissue capsule and the breast implant in a single step without having to open the capsule. The en bloc method ensures that the contents of the capsule do not escape into the surrounding tissue.
Capsulectomy
A capsulectomy also refers to the removal of a breast implant. Here, an incision is made in the capsule, and the implant is removed from the capsule. Once the implant is extracted, the capsule can then be removed, if necessary. What makes this the preferred method in some cases is where parts of the capsule have fused to the rib cage or chest muscle and need to be left in place as a safety precaution.
When Is an En Bloc Capsulectomy the Preferred Method of Implant Removal?
An en bloc capsulectomy is preferred when there is a rupture in the wall of the implant or if there are signs of BIA-ALCL, a type of lymphoma that can develop around breast implants, occurring most frequently in patients who have breast implants with textured surfaces. In these cases, removing the encapsulated implant as a whole is vitally important. Similarly, it is essential to keep any cancer cells within the capsule separate from the breast tissue.
Why Choose Dr. de la Pedraja for Breast Implant Removal in Miami?
There are several reasons that a woman who has had breast augmentation might later choose to have revision surgery with their implants replaced or removed altogether. Dr. de la Pedraja believes in taking a patient-centric approach to breast revision surgeries that focuses on the patient’s goals and safety. Building a customized treatment plan is one of the best ways to ensure that you are satisfied.
When you choose Dr. de la Pedraja, you can expect:
Due to breast augmentation’s popularity, countless clinics offer the procedure with sub-par results. Dr. de la Pedraja has undergone rigorous training in each of the operations provided at Gables Plastic Surgery. He is fellowship-trained in aesthetic and breast surgery at the prestigious Georgetown University with world-renowned plastic surgeon Dr. Scott Spear. In addition to his considerable training and many years of practice, Dr. de la Pedraja actively seeks out the latest advancements in the field and stays current with the most sought-after techniques.
Dr. de la Pedraja always stresses that his office is not a clinic—he is here for the long run. All patients are considered to be family and are treated as such. Whether during a consultation or any other appointment, Dr. de la Pedraja takes his time with each patient to ensure they are fully heard and given more than enough time to learn about all of their options. You will never be pressured to make a decision at Gables Plastic Surgery, and you can always reach Dr. de la Pedraja with any questions or concerns.
Dr. de la Pedraja is aware that patients may ask for things that he can’t deliver. He tries to reason with them and explain his thought process. With their health and well-being in mind, Dr. de la Pedraja will turn down patients if he thinks what they want is not in their best interest.
- Board Certified By The American Board Of Plastic Surgery
- Fellow Of The American College Of Surgeons
- Member Of The American Society Of Plastic Surgeons
- Member Of Miami Society Of Plastic Surgeons
- Committed To Providing The Highest Quality Of Care To Each And Every Patient
Why Choose Dr. de la Pedraja
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Board certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery
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Fellow of the American College of Surgeons
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Member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons
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Member of Miami Society of Plastic Surgeons
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Committed to providing the highest quality of care to each and every patient
Your Breast Implant Removal Consultation with Dr. de la Pedraja
Your consultation with Dr. de la Pedraja will be a private, one-on-one conversation in which you can learn all about the surgery and discuss your aesthetic goals with an experienced and well-qualified plastic surgeon. A pre-surgical consultation is your opportunity to ask questions or address any concerns you have about the procedure. Dr. de la Pedraja will discuss your goals and answer any questions you might have. During your consultation, you’ll also be able to review other patients’ before and after photos, which will help with your decision towards taking the next step.
Since it is essential that he understands your medical history, Dr. de la Pedraja will spend time reviewing any health concerns you might have. If you have any anxieties regarding your procedure, this consultation is the perfect time to address them. Dr. de la Pedraja will make sure you are fully briefed and empowered to make an informed decision that best aligns with your goals.
Dr. de la Pedraja is committed to providing the highest quality of care to every patient. His philosophy is to develop an individualized care plan to meet the needs of each patient with the utmost compassion and concern in a setting of comfort and confidentiality.
What Can I Expect On My Breast Implant Removal Surgery Day?
Your breast implant removal is an outpatient procedure performed under general anesthesia, ensuring that you’ll experience no pain or stress during surgery and will immediately begin a healthy recovery.
The incision is positioned along the inframammary fold (breast crease), and through this, the damaged or unwanted implant is extracted. For women who underwent augmentation through an inframammary incision, the same incision will be utilized to minimize post-surgical scarring. If necessary, any scar tissue or loose silicone gel will also be removed and the breast pocket cleaned. Your incisions will be closed with sutures. Sometimes drains may be needed as these help to reduce swelling by allowing blood or fluid to drain away from the breasts.
After you wake up from general anesthesia, you’ll be taken to a recovery room where a nurse will closely monitor your vital signs, pain levels, and dressings for any potential complications. Dr. de la Pedraja will decide when you can leave with a friend or family member who will drive you home after the surgery.
Look your best, feel your best
Dr. de la Pedraja is committed to providing the highest quality of care to each and every patient. His philosophy is to develop an individualized care plan to meet the needs of each patient with the utmost compassion and concern in a setting of comfort and confidentiality.
When Can I See My Breast Implant Removal Results?
The aesthetic results of your breast implant removal will be visible immediately following your surgery. Still, it may take several weeks or even months for your final breast appearance to take form. Scarring will likely be visible at the incision site, but this will fade with time and is easily hidden with bathing suits or bras.
The youthful look of your breasts following your implant removal will last for several years. As aging occurs, natural breast changes will continue, and women will eventually experience sagging regardless of whether a breast surgery was performed. Weight fluctuations, pregnancies, and unhealthy lifestyles
Partner with One of Miami’s Best Breast Implant Removal Surgeons
Getting the best breast surgery results begins with selecting Dr. de la Pedraja, one of the best plastic surgeons in Miami, to help you achieve your goals.
If you would like to begin this journey, your next step is to schedule a consultation by calling (305) 441-9144 or contacting us online today. We proudly serve Miami, Coral Gables, Coconut Grove, Key Biscayne, Miami Beach, Pinecrest, and other areas of South Florida.
Look Your Best, Feel Your Best!
Breast Implant Removal in Miami, Florida FAQs
You will start by receiving an anesthetic, and then an incision will be made along the inframammary fold beneath the breast or around or below the areola. The implant is then removed together with the breast capsule, which is the fibrous scar tissue that forms around an implant. The incision will be closed, and you’ll have the opportunity to rest and recover.
The procedure usually takes 1-3 hours, depending on if there was leaking, excess scar tissue, or a rupture. Once the procedure has been completed, you’ll have a few hours of recovery time to rest as the anesthesia wears off.
To prevent visible scarring, the incisions are placed in inconspicuous areas. The same incision from the breast augmentation procedure is often used to avoid adding scars. Should a new incision need to be made, it will be placed either under the breast along the inframammary fold or around the areola. Here, changes in skin pigmentation will make the scar less noticeable.
The way you look at the end of your procedure will depend on factors such as the initial size of your implants, the amount of breast tissue left, and whether there is scar tissue left behind. There will initially be swelling from the surgery, delaying your final results for several weeks or even a year after your procedure.
Having been under anesthesia, you will need a friend or family member to drive you home from Dr. de la Pedraja’s practice and stay with you for at least the next day following your surgery. Narcotic pain medication will be prescribed for around two days, after which NSAIDs (like Aleve or Advil) may be taken for any pain or discomfort. Once off the narcotics, you should be able to drive again and return to work in two or three days. Compression garments will be provided to wear for up to six weeks. During this recovery time, you are advised to avoid strenuous activity and exercise (besides walking.) During your recovery, it is essential that you sleep on your back or side.
The cost of your breast implant removal depends on multiple factors: the type of previous augmentations, how severe the scar tissue is, and any associated procedures like a breast lift.
The cost of your breast implant removal includes all pre-op and post-op appointments, anesthesia, surgery, and surgical materials, as well as your post-op compression garments.
Removing breast implants is typically a very safe procedure with minimal risks and complications. The most common complications include hematoma, infection, pain, and scars.
You will have a minimum of three follow-up appointments after your surgery: one appointment a week after the surgery, the next at one month post-surgery, 3 months after surgery, and a possible final appointment at six months after surgery. If you need to see Dr. de la Pedraja at any time between these appointments, please call us, and we will accommodate you. Everything is included in the operative package.
You should be able to resume your normal activities within one week of the procedure. Dr. de la Pedraja will provide you with a comprehensive list of instructions to follow in your pre-op meeting to make your recovery as effortless as possible. He will also be available should you have any questions about your recovery. It would help if you avoid any heavy lifting or strenuous activity for several weeks after your surgery.
Each patient heals differently, but you should be able to enjoy some of the results immediately. Your full results will become evident once you have healed completely, which could take up to several weeks.
Dr. de la Pedraja recommends that you wear a compression garment after your surgery, as this will make your healing process more comfortable.
While there are potential complications to any surgery, Dr. de la Pedraja is an expert at this kind of surgery and prepared for any complications. He values patient safety above everything else.
If you are a smoker, Dr. de la Pedraja will ask you to quit before and after surgery. Smoking can slow your circulation and impede healing. If you typically take care of most household tasks like cooking, cleaning, and laundry, it is best to take care of these activities in advance. You may be able to do some meal prep and cleaning beforehand, so you can recover without worrying about those chores. It will be most beneficial to have a friend or family member help you around your home and help take care of your children for the first few days after your surgery.
You will want to take at least two weeks off from work—longer if your job is physically demanding.
Because every patient has different needs, the cost of breast implant surgery varies greatly. Dr. de la Pedraja will provide a detailed cost breakdown once your surgical plan has been decided.
Breast implants are long-lasting, but they aren’t lifetime devices. Besides carrying risks like rupture or breast implant illness, they might cause discomfort after approximately 10 to 15 years. Lifestyle choices or physical changes due to aging, pregnancy, or weight fluctuations may also inspire you to remove your breast implants.
Breast implant removal pairs well with many other breast surgeries. For example, Dr. de la Pedraja commonly performs breast revision surgery and breast lift alongside breast implant removal. A breast revision exchanges your old implants for new ones. A breast lift removes excess skin and tissue and repositions the breasts to sit in a higher, more youthful position on the chest wall.
If your breasts appear saggy, wrinkled, or flat after your breast implant removal, you may need a breast lift to resolve these concerns.
Depending on your current breast proportions, your breasts might droop after you have implants removed. Then, you may benefit from a procedure that reshapes your breast tissue for an uplifted and perkier look.
During breast revision surgery, Dr. de la Pedraja can take out your old implants and exchange them for new ones. You can also select a different size, shape, material, or projection to refresh your look.
Since breast implant removal involves general anesthesia, you will not feel any pain during surgery. But as with other surgical procedures, recovery may involve mild to moderate pain. Dr. de la Pedraja can help you manage your post-op pain with prescription and over-the-counter medications to ensure your comfort.
You can typically breastfeed after having your breast implants removed, but please follow all your post-op care instructions and only try breastfeeding after making a full recovery. You can discuss your concerns and goals about breastfeeding with Dr. de la Pedraja to get a precise answer according to your recovery and health.
Typically, insurance does not cover the cost of breast implant removal performed for purely cosmetic reasons. If your breast implants have caused medical concerns like capsular contracture or rupture, please check with your health insurance provider.
After your initial consultation, Dr. de la Pedraja and his medical team will provide a detailed breakdown of your breast implant removal surgery costs to help you make an informed decision about affordability.
There are no adverse long-term effects of getting your breast implants removed. You can enjoy your revised proportions and go back to your usual lifestyle without any repercussions.
You can typically resume light activities after two weeks of your breast implant removal. At your follow-up appointments, Dr. de la Pedraja will advise you on how soon you can return to vigorous workouts, based on how well your recovery is progressing.