Breast Implant Removal
in Kalispell, MT
Breast implants continue to be a very popular cosmetic surgery option for women who want to enhance the size or shape of their breasts.
Even though the vast majority of women are happy with the results of breast augmentation, at some point, you may want to have breast implant removal surgery. In Kalispell, Montana, our board-certified plastic surgeons perform this procedure, usually combined with breast lift surgery.
Breast implant removal, also called explant surgery, is a procedure to remove saline or silicone breast implants. Depending on the reason for surgery and the condition of the surrounding tissue, your surgeon may remove the implants alone or remove some or all of the scar tissue capsule that naturally forms around them.
The procedure is highly individualized. Some women simply want to return to a smaller, more natural breast size. Others have implants removed because of discomfort, capsular contracture, rupture, changes in breast shape, or other implant-related concerns. During your consultation, your surgeon will examine your breasts, review your implant history, and explain which approach makes the most sense for you.
There are many reasons why women may choose to get breast implants, including to improve their self-confidence, to restore breast volume after weight loss or pregnancy, or to reconstruct breasts after mastectomy. However, over time, women may experience changes in their body shape and weight, which can cause their implants to shift, sag or become asymmetrical. In addition, the weight of breast implants can cause discomfort and may even contribute to back pain. Some women may experience health complications related to their implants, such as capsular contracture, rupture, or leaking. As women age, they may find that their implants no longer serve their needs, and they may decide to have them removed.
Removing breast implants and having a breast lift can provide many benefits, both physical and emotional. One of the main benefits of removing breast implants and having a breast lift is that it can help alleviate these physical symptoms. A breast lift can restore the breasts to a more youthful, natural shape, while also reducing sagging and asymmetry. This can help alleviate discomfort and pain, and improve overall physical function.
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When considering the benefits of removing breast implants and having a breast lift, it is important to note that every woman’s experience will be unique. However, some potential benefits include:
Over time, breast implants can become heavy or uncomfortable, causing pain or discomfort in the back, shoulders, or neck. Removing implants and having a breast lift can eliminate these symptoms and improve overall comfort.
Some women may find that their breast implants no longer align with their personal aesthetic preferences or lifestyle goals. Removing implants and having a breast lift can help restore confidence and self-esteem.
Aging, weight fluctuations, and hormonal changes can cause breasts to sag or lose volume. A breast lift can improve breast shape and restore a more youthful appearance.
Removing breast implants can alleviate health complications related to the implants, such as capsular contracture, rupture, or leaking.
Removing breast implants can help women feel more comfortable in their own skin and minimize emotional stress or anxiety related to their implants. They no longer have to consider monitoring implants and thinking about potential future procedures.
The details of explant surgery depend on your implants, scar tissue, anatomy, and whether another procedure is being performed at the same time. Your surgeon will usually remove the breast implant through an incision along the existing breast crease or another appropriate incision.
In some cases, the implant can be removed while leaving most of the surrounding capsule in place. In others, part or all of that scar tissue may need to be removed as well. A ruptured implant, significant capsular contracture, or another medical concern can change the surgical plan. Your surgeon will explain the recommended technique before surgery so you understand exactly what is being removed and why.
It’s important to note that every woman’s experience with breast implants is different, and there is no “right” or “wrong” decision when it comes to choosing whether or not to remove or replace implants. Some women may choose to keep their breast implants, and have new implants placed when it is time for another procedure, while others may opt for a breast lift or complete removal without a breast lift. Ultimately, the decision is based on a woman’s individual needs, preferences, breast and overall health status.
We can discuss your options, including how to finance your surgery, when you come in for your personal consultation.
If you’re considering breast implant removal (explant surgery), you can discuss your options with one of our two highly trained plastic surgeons at Mountain West Plastic Surgery. You can request a consultation using the online form or you can call our office at (406) 609-0210 to schedule an appointment.
Not everyone needs a breast lift after explant surgery. Much depends on the size of your implants, how much the skin has stretched, your natural breast tissue, age, pregnancies, weight changes, and your preferred breast shape.
After larger implants are removed, some women are left with loose skin or breasts that sit lower on the chest. In that situation, a breast lift can remove excess skin and reshape the remaining tissue. Others may be comfortable with their breast shape after implant removal alone. Your surgeon can help you compare those possibilities during your consultation rather than assuming that a lift is necessary.
Recovery varies depending on how extensive your surgery is and whether a breast implant removal is combined with a breast lift or another procedure. After surgery, you can expect some swelling, bruising, tightness, and soreness. Dressings and a supportive surgical bra may be used while your breasts begin to heal, and some patients may temporarily have drains.
Most importantly, follow the activity restrictions and incision-care instructions your surgeon gives you. Swelling gradually improves over the following weeks, but your breasts continue changing as the tissues settle. It can take several months for the shape to become more predictable, and incision scars continue maturing beyond the early recovery period.
Before surgery, we’ll review your health history, medications, previous breast procedures, and any concerns you have about your implants. Depending on your situation, additional imaging or medical testing may also be appropriate.
You may be asked to adjust certain medications or supplements before surgery and to stop smoking because nicotine can interfere with healing. You’ll also need to plan for transportation home after surgery and arrange for help during the early part of your recovery as recommended by your surgical team. We’ll give you specific instructions based on your procedure.
Your breasts will look smaller after the implants are removed, but exactly how they look depends on your natural tissue and how your breasts have changed over time. Some patients retain a pleasing breast shape after explant surgery alone. Others notice loose skin, sagging, flattening, asymmetry, or changes in the upper portion of the breast.
Try not to judge the final result too early. Swelling and tissue changes can make the breasts look different during the first stages of healing. Their shape continues to settle over the following months. If additional reshaping is important to you, we can discuss whether a breast lift or another approach would help you reach that goal.
Breast implant removal is surgery, so it carries many of the same risks as other breast procedures. These can include bleeding, infection, fluid accumulation, changes in breast or nipple sensation, poor wound healing, asymmetry, scarring, persistent discomfort, anesthesia-related complications, and the possibility that another procedure may eventually be needed.
There are also aesthetic considerations specific to explant surgery. The breasts may appear flatter, looser, asymmetrical, or different from what you expected once the implants are gone. Understanding those possibilities before surgery is an important part of deciding whether implant removal alone or a combined procedure is right for you.
The cost of breast implant removal varies because every procedure is a little different. Factors can include the complexity of implant removal, whether scar tissue needs to be removed, operating room and anesthesia fees, and whether you combine your surgery with a breast lift or another procedure. During your consultation at Mountain West Plastic Surgery, we can create a personalized surgical plan and provide a more accurate estimate of your costs.
Treatment depends partly on the type of implant and what imaging shows. A ruptured saline implant usually deflates as the saline is absorbed by the body. Silicone ruptures can be less obvious and may require imaging to confirm. If a rupture is suspected or confirmed, your surgeon can determine the safest way to remove the implant and address the surrounding tissue.
Yes. Implant removal may be recommended when capsular contracture causes firmness, discomfort, or visible changes in breast shape. Depending on the severity of the contracture and your surgical plan, your surgeon may remove part or all of the scar tissue capsule surrounding the implant.
Whenever possible, your surgeon may be able to use an existing breast augmentation incision to remove your implants. The final scar pattern depends on your original incision, the condition of the implant and capsule, and whether you have a breast lift at the same time. Scars are permanent, but they typically soften and fade as they mature.
Yes. Breast implant removal is often combined with a breast lift when stretched skin or sagging needs to be addressed. Depending on your anatomy and goals, your surgeon may also discuss other options for reshaping the breasts. Combining procedures is not right for everyone, so your surgical plan should be based on your tissue, health, and desired result.
Yes. You do not have to replace your implants after removal. Some women choose explant surgery because they no longer want implants, while others decide to replace them with a different size or type. How your breasts will look without implants depends on factors such as your natural breast tissue, implant size, skin elasticity, and how your breasts have changed over time.
Some degree of loose skin or sagging can occur after breast implants are removed, but the amount varies considerably. Larger implants, longer implant duration, pregnancy, weight changes, age, and skin elasticity can all affect the final breast shape. If sagging is a concern, your surgeon can discuss whether a breast lift would improve the shape of the remaining breast tissue.
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