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Christopher K. Patronella, MD, FACS, FICS homepage

Breast Implant Removal in Houston, TX

Some women choose to undergo breast implant removal due to aesthetic preferences, lifestyle changes, and/or unexpected complications after their breast augmentation. Depending on the look a patient desires, Dr. Patronella will recommend a treatment plan that will best achieve her objective, whether that is breast implant removal alone or breast implant removal in conjunction with a breast lift, and/or fat grafting to the breasts for a subtle increase in volume.

Christopher K. Patronella - MD, FACS, FICS

Am I a Candidate for Breast Implant Removal?

Women who are candidates for breast implant removal are physically healthy, at a stable weight, non-smokers, and realistic in their expectations. These women can relate to at least one of the following:

Are bothered by the look or feel of their implants

Desire smaller breasts

Have firm or hard implants

Experience implant pain

Have a ruptured or leaking implant

Have developed capsular contracture

Are concerned that the implants are causing other issues

How Is Breast Implant Removal Performed?

Breast implant removal is an outpatient procedure that takes between one and three hours to complete under general anesthesia, depending on the degree of correction that is required to yield the desired result.

The incision is made in the lower crease of the breast. In some situations, Dr. Patronella can use the same incision as your augmentation to prevent additional scarring. The implants and any scar tissue that has formed are removed, and the breast pocket is tightened before the incisions are closed.

If the removal is due to the rupture of a silicone implant, any loose silicone that can be safely removed will be extracted at this time.

Combining Breast Implant Removal with a Breast Lift

Depending on the degree of breast sagging they have, younger women or women with smaller implants can often remove their implants without needing further correction.

Older women (traditionally those over the age of 45) or women with more substantial implants may require a breast lift to correct ptosis (sagging) that may occur after the implants are removed. Breast lift surgery tightens the tissue and skin of the sagging breast to restore youthfulness and perkiness. The nipples may be lifted and adjusted during this surgery as well.

How Long Is Breast Implant Removal Recovery?

To help reduce discomfort following breast implant removal surgery, Dr. Patronella prescribes a pain reliever and may also recommend Exparel — a long-acting local anesthetic he injects into the tissue during surgery.

A compression garment is worn following the operation to minimize swelling and allow the smaller breasts to heal in the correct position. Stitches are usually removed after one week, and most women can return to work within a week. Patients should refrain from strenuous activity and heavy lifting for four to six weeks; however, lighter activity may be resumed before that.

A sports bra should be worn for several weeks following implant removal.

When Will I See My Breast Implant Removal Results?

The results of your breast implant removal will become apparent once all of the bruising and swelling subsides, usually after a few weeks. Many women gain comfort and confidence in their smaller, perkier breasts following this procedure.

Frequently Asked Questions About Breast Explantation

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