Breast Implant Removal in Bucks County, PA, and Hunterdon County, NJ
Pregnancy, hormone changes, weight loss, and age may create significant changes in a woman’s body, and these natural changes may cause a woman to feel that her breasts are unsatisfactory and that they are not accentuating her figure, as they once did. The exchange of breast implants or the complete removal of the implants is an option for women who find that they are now dissatisfied with their breast augmentation. Breast implant removal or replacement is sometimes mandatory due to an implant that ruptures or when her implants must be removed due to health concerns. Located in Doylestown, PA and Flemington, NJ, Buinewicz Plastic Surgery, led by board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Brian R. Buinewicz, provides breast implant removal or exchange for women who live in and around Hunterdon County, NJ and Bucks County, PA who find that their original implants no longer fit their lifestyle or physique.
What is Breast Implant Removal?
Women who have had a previous breast augmentation may elect breast implant removal to:
- Replace their current saline or silicone implants with new implants
- Reduce or enlarge the size of their current implants
- Return to natural breasts
With time, there could be a variety of personal or private causes for a woman to opt to have her breast implants either removed or exchanged. Medical concerns that would require breast implant removal include trauma, infections or surgical complications, or systemic illness from their breast implants.
Benefits of Breast Implant Removal
Cosmetic or silhouette dissatisfaction is a possible concern with any breast implant, but some women with breast implants may experience an increasing dissatisfaction with their breast implants over time. Because of his extensive experience, he patiently explains to each woman who is contemplating surgery that even if she is initially happy with her implants, she may at some point become unsatisfied with them. He explains to each patient prior to surgery that he will restore their breasts to pre-surgery condition or have the implants replaced in order to meet their expectations.
Good Candidates for Breast Implant Removal
Women’s breasts change over the passage of time due to the natural causes of gravity, hormones or aging, and the breast’s shape, symmetry, and volume may alter after augmentation surgery. Breast implant removal candidates may have any of the following issues:
- Systemic illness from breast implants
- Breast implants that bottom out, and have become displaced and are now below the breast’s fold
- Breast implants that have shifted
- Malposition of the breast’s nipple or its displacement
- Breast implants have formed a “uniboob” or symmastia due to the implants sliding together
- A stretching occurred in the bottom section of the breast
- The breast implant or implants experience a rupture or leak
- Hardening of the implant due to a capsule contracture
- Implant site infection
- Ptosis or severe sagging or drooping of the breasts
- Wrinkle or rip in a breast implant
What Happens During Breast Implant Removal?
During the breast implant removal procedure, Dr. Buinewicz will use the original incisions to extract the implants from within the pocket of the breast and will then suture the incision. The breast implants might have altered the breast’s internal structure if they were in position for a number of years. This damage could create issues to the skin that are seen after the implants are removed. Sagging or excess skin can be removed and treated at the time of the removal with a breast lift or re-implantation performed by Dr. Buinewicz.
Dr. Buinewicz performs each revision and corrective breast augmentation surgery with a customized approach. He understands that every implant removal and implant exchange operation is unique. Revision surgery is commonly used to correct ruptured implants, capsular contracture, implant migration and any other complications that arise with breast implants. If you are experiencing complications with your implants or if you have simply decided to have your breast implants removed, Dr. Buinewicz can answer your questions and address any of your concerns with a customized solution.
Recovery after Breast Implant Removal
After removal, patients can anticipate a recovery process that is very similar to their breast augmentation surgery. Patients commonly return to work after one week and are permitted to resume any strenuous activities after approximately three weeks. Patients with repositioned implants that have been placed under the pectoral muscle or patients who have undergone a more complicated revision surgery should anticipate a longer recovery process.
What Problems Can Breast Implant Removal Address?
Breast implant removal is used to correct a number of implant-related concerns, such as:
- Systemic illness for breast implants
- Capsular contracture
- Implant rupture
- Visible rippling
- Malposition
What Is Capsular Contracture?
Capsular contracture is a complication of any breast implant procedure. This is the most common condition that occurs after augmentation or reconstruction, and the cause for the capsular contracture differs between patients. Inflammation surrounding the implant is the most common contributing issue. Capsular contracture occurs when the capsule that surrounds the breast implant tightens and thickens. The area surrounding the implant becomes significantly smaller and may decrease so significantly in size that the implant becomes distorted and firm.
How Much Does Breast Implant Removal Cost?
Dr. Buinewicz offers his patients affordable financing, and he also accepts personal checks, cash or credit cards.
Breast Implant Removal FAQs
What happens when breast implants are removed and not replaced?
When breast implants are removed and not replaced, the breasts will typically return to their pre-implant appearance. However, depending on the individual patient’s breast tissue, the breasts may look deflated after the implant is removed. In some cases, the skin may also appear to sag or wrinkle. In most cases, these cosmetic concerns can be addressed with a breast lift.
When should breast implants be removed?
The decision on if and when to have breast implants removed is often based on individual circumstances and preferences. Some patients choose to have their implants removed because of complications related to the implants, such as rupture or capsular contracture. Others may choose to have their implants removed for aesthetic reasons, for example, if they no longer desire to have the appearance of larger breasts.
How long is breast implant removal recovery?
The recovery time for breast implant removal varies depending on the extent of the surgery. In general, most patients can return to their normal activities within a few weeks, but full recovery can take up to a couple of months.
Will insurance pay for breast implant removal?
Insurance coverage for breast implant removal can vary depending on the reason for the surgery and your insurance plan. Some insurance providers cover the cost of implant removal if it is deemed medically necessary, such as in the case of a rupture or other complications. However, in many cases, insurance will not cover the cost of implant removal if it is being done for cosmetic reasons. The best way to know for sure if you are covered for breast implant removal is to check with your insurance provider about your coverage and policy.
If you are experiencing pain related to your breast implants or a medical complication, or if you are generally unhappy with the appearance or condition of your breasts, Dr. Buinewicz will assist you. He offers breast implant removal and will educate you regarding other revision procedures that may give you the relief from pain or the cosmetic results that you are seeking. Buinewicz Plastic Surgery, located in Doylestown, PA, and Flemington, NJ, welcomes the residents of Hunterdon County, NJ and Bucks County, PA. Contact us today!
