Breast Implant Removal

In light of recent events and media coverage surrounding breast implants, there is a growing number of women who desire to have their implants removed. Regardless of her reasons, any woman who wishes to have her implants removed is welcome to see Dr. Cohen for a consultation. At this time, any implant that was placed for cosmetic enhancement may not be removed through health insurance, therefore making implant removal a self-pay operation.

For women with smaller breast implants and good tissue elasticity, implant removal along with capsule removal (capsulectomy) is sufficient to achieve a good cosmetic result. For women with larger implants or loose skin, a mastopexy (breast lift) may also be necessary in order to achieve good breast shape following implant removal. A mastopexy can be done in the same operation.

Dr. Cohen has extensive experience with this procedure resulting in extremely high rates of patient satisfaction. The excess skin is the only portion of the breast that is removed during this procedure; no other part of the breast is removed. The bottom third of the breast, which is typically the ptotic portion of the breast, is used for auto-augmentation of the breast by relocating it internally to the central portion of the breast where the implant used to be, giving the breast more fullness in the location where it makes the most sense aesthetically.

Breast implant removal and capsulectomy, with or without a mastopexy, is an outpatient procedure that takes anywhere from 1 to 3 hours. Most women will require between 1 and 4 days of pain medication. It is important to have help at home during the first few days of recovery, because lifting in excess of 10 pounds is not recommended for at least two weeks. At the end of the surgery, the patient will wake up in a surgical bra provided by the surgery center. All surgical sutures are dissolvable and hidden under the skin. A drain tube is usually necessary in each breast, and stays on average for six days. It is okay to shower 48 hours after this surgery, even with the drains. There will be swelling for up to 4 months. Most of this swelling will resolve by 6 weeks, which is when it’s okay to start buying new bras.