Breast Implant Explantation in Dallas, TX
While durable and lasting, breast implants are not meant to be lifelong devices. Over time, your preferences, lifestyle, or health may change, causing you to consider breast implant removal surgery. Some patients choose to remove their implants due to physical discomfort, aesthetic concerns, or complications. Others simply feel their implants no longer align with their personal identity or goals. Whether your reasons for seeking breast implant removal are for medical or personal reasons, undergoing breast implant explantation can help you feel more comfortable and confident in your own skin.
What Is Breast Implant Removal?
Breast implant removal, also called breast implant explantation or explant surgery, is a cosmetic procedure designed to remove your silicone or saline breast implants. Depending on your needs, this surgery can be done alone or in combination with the removal of surrounding scar tissue, called the capsule. The technique used depends on your health, whether the implants are damaged, and whether you have implant complications (like capsular contracture)
Explant surgery can be performed alone or in combination with a breast lift to ensure your breasts look as beautiful as ever.
What Are the Benefits of Breast Implant Removal?
Physical Symptom Relief
Many women choose to remove their implants to alleviate chronic pain, pressure, or tightness caused by complications from breast augmentation, such as capsular contracture, breast implant illness, or implants that are too large for their frame.
Cosmetic Improvement
Implants can sometimes shift or become misaligned, leading to an asymmetrical or unnatural appearance. Breast implant removal can correct these issues and restore the shape and symmetry of your breasts.
Improved Imaging During Mammograms
Breast implants can sometimes obscure natural breast tissue and make mammograms more difficult to read. Removing them can help provide more accurate breast cancer screenings.
Improved Self-Esteem
Your sense of self and your aesthetic goals often change over time. In some cases, removing your breast implants may align better with your current sense of self and boost your confidence in your natural appearance.
Am I a Good Candidate for Breast Implant Removal?
If you are dissatisfied with the look or feel of your breast implants or are experiencing discomfort or medical complications, you may be a good candidate for breast implant explantation.
Candidates for breast implant removal include people who:
- Are in good overall health
- Want to correct aesthetic or functional concerns
- Have experienced complications like implant rupture, capsular contracture, or implant displacement
- Understand what breast implant removal can realistically achieve
The best way to determine if you’re a good candidate for breast implant explantation is to schedule a consultation with Dr. Morales.
Common Reasons for Breast Implant Explantation
Medical Issues
Though rare, complications can arise following breast augmentation. These may include:
- Capsular contracture (scar tissue tightening around the implant)
- Implant rupture or leakage
- Implant malposition or shifting
These issues require surgery to eliminate discomfort and restore the aesthetic appearance of your breasts.
Lifestyle or Aesthetic Changes
Your body, lifestyle, and personal style often change over time. Some women opt for implant removal because large breasts interfere with exercise, feel out of proportion, or no longer align with their ideal figure. Others may want to return to their natural breasts.
Breast Implant Age
Breast implants are designed to last 10–20 years, so there is a good chance you’ll have to have them replaced at some point, which requires explantation surgery.
How Is Breast Implant Removal Performed?
Breast implant removal is typically done as an outpatient procedure using general anesthesia. In most cases, Dr. Morales will use the original incisions from your augmentation to perform the surgery to minimize scarring.
There are several breast implant removal techniques:
- Implant removal only: Used when no significant scar tissue or complications exist.
- Total capsulectomy: The implant is removed first, followed by the removal of the surrounding scar tissue (capsule).
- En bloc capsulectomy: The implant and capsule are removed together in one piece—often recommended for ruptured silicone implants.
Once your implants are removed, Dr. Morales will perform a lift or other enhancement (if that was included in your surgical plan). The incisions are closed, and the area is dressed with sterile bandages.
What Can I Expect From My Breast Implant Explantation Recovery?
Overall, recovery after breast implant removal is similar to what you experienced after your initial breast augmentation procedure. Any pain or discomfort can be alleviated with over-the-counter or prescription pain medications, and you should expect to take at least a week off work to rest. You will need to take it easy for the first few weeks, gradually working back up to your daily activities and light exercise by four weeks post-surgery. Strenuous activities and exercise must be avoided for about six weeks.
When Will I See the Results of My Breast Implant Removal?
Some initial changes in breast size and shape will be visible immediately after your surgery. However, it can take up to a year for all of the swelling to dissipate and your skin to “bounce back” and retract.
Why Choose Dr. Morales?
Dr. David Morales is a board-certified plastic surgeon with extensive experience in breast surgeries, including breast augmentation, implant removal, and breast reconstruction. His skill and eye for aesthetics, combined with his personalized treatment plans, ensure that you’ll receive the gorgeous results you desire.
Dr. Morales understands that undergoing cosmetic surgery is a highly personal decision, so he takes the time to listen to your concerns and goals, ensuring that your expectations can be met with realistic results. Dr. Morales and his team of dedicated professionals will guide you through every step of the process, making sure you are comfortable and cared for throughout your entire experience.
Frequently Asked Questions About Breast Implant Removal
How will my breasts look after implant removal?
After breast implant explantation, the appearance of your breasts will depend on factors such as implant size, how long you had your implants, skin elasticity, and age. Many women experience a deflated or sagging look after implant removal due to stretched skin. A breast lift or fat transfer may be recommended to restore a shapelier and more youthful contour.
Can I remove my breast implants without replacing them?
Yes. Many women choose not to replace their implants. Dr. Morales can reshape your natural breast tissue to improve its appearance, and in some cases, fat transfer can be used to subtly enhance volume.
Can I combine breast implant removal with a breast lift?
Absolutely. In fact, a lift is often performed at the same time as breast implant explantation to address sagging or excess stretched skin. Dr. Morales will go over your options with you at your consultation.
How long should I wait before removing my implants?
It is usually recommended that you wait at least a year after your initial breast augmentation before considering breast implant explantation to allow your implants to settle and your body to fully heal. This also gives you time to adjust to your new look and decide if removal is right for you.
How much does breast implant removal cost in Dallas?
The cost of breast implant removal in Dallas can range from $5,000 to $10,000, depending on several factors, including the complexity of the procedure and whether a breast lift is performed. This figure may not include all other associated costs, such as those for the surgical facility, anesthesia, surgeon’s fee, and post-operative necessities.
When you come in for your consultation with Dr. Morales, he will provide you with an accurate quote tailored to your specific needs. He also offers financing options to help make the procedure more affordable.
