Breast implants may need to be taken out for a variety of reasons. They may have ruptured. They may be causing problems. Or you may have decided you just don’t want them anymore. Whatever the reason, our expert team can help you through the process of Breast Implant Removal.
• Women unhappy with the size of their breasts after breast augmentation
• Women who have developed capsular contracture after breast augmentation
• Women with ruptured implants
• Women who simply no longer desire having breast implants
Our team will:
• Ask about your goals and expectations for breast implantremoval
• Ask about your overall health, including other medical conditions, prior surgeries, medications and drug allergies.
• Ask specifically about your prior breast surgery, including current size of implant. If you still have your breast implant card, usually given at time or surgery, please bring it!
• Ask about any Personal or Family history of breast cancer. We will discuss prior results of any mammograms or breast biopsies
• Examine and measure your breasts, including detailed measurements of their size and shape, skin quality and placement of your nipples and areolas
• Take photographs
• You will have a detailed discussion with Dr. Elkins-Williams to determine your goals and realistic outcome of the surgery. Dr. Elkins-Williams will discuss all of your options and recommend a course of treatment
• Some women are eligible for a simple implant removal; others may need a breast lift to preserve an aesthetic breast shape. Dr. Elkins-Williams will take the time and help you make the best choice for your own unique circumstances.
• A simple breast implant removal takes about 60 minutes, and can be performed under IV sedation. All sutures are underneath the skin and are absorbable. You may need drains placed after surgery. The drains are sometimes needed to evacuate any fluid that builds up in the cavity where the implant used to be.
• You will be put into a post-operative bra after surgery. There are no dressings to change.
• You will have some pain and swelling immediately after surgery. Most patients don’t require pain medication for more than a couple of days. We encourage our patients to resume normal activities of daily living as soon as possible. You will need to hold off on aerobic exercise for 2 weeks after surgery, and refrain from weight training for 4 weeks.
• Swelling will gradually improve over a period of around 3 months.
You will receive a surgical quote and any clearance forms required at your consultation. Should you decide to proceed, we will connect you with our patient care coordinator, Shannon Jones. At this time, you will select a procedure date and pay a $500.00 non-refundable booking fee to reserve this date. Once the surgery date is set, we schedule a pre-operative appointment two weeks prior to surgery.
At your pre-op, you will have ample time to discuss your upcoming procedure in great detail and have all your questions answered. We will review all pre- and post-operative care, prescribed medications, and any provisions we may give you for use pre- and post-surgery. You will review and sign the consent for surgery, and the balance will be due at the conclusion of this appointment.
Avoid blood thinning medications/supplements for two weeks prior to surgery. This includes any aspirin or aspirin-containing products as well as any anti-inflammatories such as ibuprofen or naproxen (including Motrin, Aleve and Advil). Generally, you may take Tylenol (Acetaminophen). Avoid supplements such as Vitamin E, multi vitamins, and omega 3 fatty acids (fish oil and flax seed oil.) You will be given a complete list of medications/supplements to avoid at your pre-op. All these medications can contribute to bleeding problems following surgery and can increase the amount of bruising.
