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At Southwest Breast & Aesthetics, we understand that the decision to remove breast implants is as personal and significant as the choice to get them. Our board-certified Phoenix plastic surgeons bring extensive experience and a compassionate approach to every breast implant removal surgery. We're committed to helping you achieve your goals, whether driven by changing preferences, health concerns, or the desire to return to your natural silhouette.
At our practice in Phoenix breast implant removal, also known as explantation, is an outpatient surgical procedure to remove breast implants placed during a previous breast augmentation or reconstruction. At Southwest Breast & Aesthetics, we offer various techniques for implant removal tailored to each patient's specific needs and circumstances.
Our expert plastic surgeons are skilled in multiple removal approaches, including simple implant removal surgery, capsulectomy (removal of the implants and scar tissue), and repair of the pectoral muscles. We'll discuss these options in detail during your consultation to determine the best approach for your situation.
Women choose to have their breast implants removed for various reasons, all of which we approach with understanding and respect. Some women may undergo breast implant removal for cosmetic reasons, such as a desire to return to a more natural breast size or changes in their personal style or body image preferences.
Others may have medical concerns such as capsular contracture (hardening of scar tissue around implants), implant rupture or leakage, concerns about Breast Implant Illness (BII) or BIA-ALCL, or other complications. Lifestyle changes, such as discomfort during physical activities or changes in weight or body composition, can also influence the decision to remove implants. Additionally, some women may choose to remove older implants as a preventative measure. Whatever your reason, our team is here to support your decision and guide you through the process with expert care.
A capsule is the layer of scar tissue your body naturally forms around a breast implant. In some cases, the implant can be removed while leaving some or all of this tissue in place. In others, your surgeon may recommend removing part or all of the capsule based on its condition, your symptoms, and the reason for implant removal.
A partial capsulectomy removes a portion of the capsule while leaving some scar tissue behind. This may be appropriate when only part of the capsule needs to be addressed or when removing the entire capsule would add unnecessary surgical risk.
A total capsulectomy removes the entire capsule surrounding the implant. The capsule does not necessarily need to come out in one piece. Your surgeon may recommend this approach in certain cases based on findings such as capsular contracture, implant rupture, or the condition of the surrounding tissue.
The term “en bloc capsulectomy” has a specific medical meaning. It involves removing the implant capsule along with a margin of surrounding tissue and is used when a breast implant-associated cancer is established or suspected after appropriate medical evaluation. It is not routinely necessary for breast implant removal or concerns about Breast Implant Illness.
Your surgeon will explain whether capsulectomy is appropriate for you and how much capsule, if any, needs to be removed. The goal is to choose the safest approach that addresses the reason for your explant surgery.
Our approach to breast implant removal is as unique as you are. Here's what you can expect:
Comprehensive Solutions: From your initial consultation all the way through your journey, we'll take the time to understand your concerns, medical history, and goals. This is your opportunity to ask questions and feel truly heard.
Personalized Treatment Plan: Based on your needs, we will create a customized surgical plan. This may involve choosing the most appropriate removal technique, discussing options for addressing breast shape post-removal, and considering complementary procedures like a breast lift, fat grafting, or autologous augmentation to ensure your highest level of satisfaction and confidence. These procedures, if desired, can be performed at the same time as your implant removal for a streamlined treatment experience.
State-of-the-Art Techniques: Our surgeons utilize advanced methods to minimize scarring and optimize results.
Compassionate Care: From our surgical team to our nursing staff, you'll be surrounded by professionals who understand the physical and emotional aspects of your journey.
Comprehensive Aftercare: Your care doesn't end when you leave the operating room. We provide detailed recovery instructions and ongoing support to ensure optimal healing.
Recovery after breast implant removal depends on the extent of your surgery. Recovery may be relatively straightforward after implant removal alone, while capsulectomy, muscle repair, a breast lift, or fat grafting can add to the healing process.
During the first week, some swelling, bruising, soreness, and tightness are common. Most women can return to work and many normal daily activities within one to two weeks, although strenuous exercise and heavy lifting are generally restricted for several weeks. A gradual return to exercise usually takes place over about four to six weeks based on how you are healing and the procedures performed.
We’ll schedule follow-up appointments to monitor your recovery and let you know when it’s safe to return to each level of activity.
Your breasts will have less volume immediately after the implants are removed, but their appearance will continue to change as swelling subsides and the tissues settle. Your final breast shape depends on several factors, including your natural breast tissue, implant size, how long you have had implants, skin elasticity, and whether the skin and tissues have stretched over time.
Some women are comfortable with their natural breast shape after implant removal alone. Others may have loose skin, sagging, or loss of upper breast fullness and choose to add a breast lift or fat grafting. It can take several weeks to months for the breasts to settle into their longer-term shape.
The cost of breast implant removal in Phoenix varies depending on what your surgery involves. Simple implant removal is different from a procedure that includes partial or total capsulectomy, treatment of a ruptured implant, muscle repair, or additional breast reshaping.
Other factors can include anesthesia and facility fees, and whether implant removal is combined with a breast lift or fat grafting. After your consultation at Southwest Breast & Aesthetics, your surgeon will create a surgical plan based on your anatomy, implant history, and goals. Our team can then provide detailed pricing for your procedure.
