Breast Implant Removal

Researchers have found that silicone breast implants have a rare association with certain autoimmune diseases but whether they cause certain autoimmune diseases is still under much study.

Cellulitis is a rare type of skin infection that can occur after breast surgeries. It affects only about 1 in 20 women who undergo breast surgery, so Dr. Howland can help you learn how to mitigate your risk.

Yes - certain complications can occur years after your initial implant surgery. This can include capsular contracture, infection, or implant rupture.

There are known (and rare) risks that come with breast implants. Dr. Howland can discuss them during your consultation so you can make an informed decision.

Implants are subject to gravity the same as natural breast tissue. The best way to reverse sagging is through a breast lift procedure.

The risk of capsular contracture can range from 10-30% of women who opt for implant surgery. You can mitigate your risk level by selecting a board-certified plastic surgeon.

You should prepare for breast implant removal the same as your initial implant surgery - avoid taking blood-thinning medications, cease smoking, and follow any pre-op instructions in the days before your surgery date.

Research about breast implant illness and the causes is ongoing. However, the estimated risk level is between 1 in 2,000 and 1 in 86,000 cases depending on various factors.

The FDA recommends screening silicone implants with MRI scans every 2-3 years after surgery.

The risks of breast implant removal are similar to the initial breast implant surgery. This includes risks with anesthesia, bleeding, and infection.

After the occurrence of breast implant illness following augmentation with specific textured implants and expanders by Allergan, the FDA issued a request for a voluntary recall. If youve had augmentation with textured implants in the past, your board certified plastic surgeon can help you determine if youre at risk.

High-grade capsular contracture can cause visible distortion of the breasts and implants. In many cases, they feel hard and look displaced from their natural position.

This depends on the type of implant. Saline implants will simply deflate and the saline will be safely absorbed into the body. The silicone gel inside silicone implants will remain inside the breast pocket and may not look or feel noticeably different. In either case, the implants will need to be removed promptly.

In the case of implant rupture, leaving the implants in place can be life-threatening.

High-grade capsular contracture will require surgical removal of the scar tissue around the implant.

Breast implants are designed to be life-long medical devices and dont necessarily need replacement if they are structurally sound.

There has been no link found between saline implants and autoimmune diseases.

Life-threatening risks during and after breast augmentation are extremely rare. Your board-certified plastic surgeon can help you make an informed decision and understand the risks.

Breast implant removal can be performed for a number of reasons, including complications, new implant technologies, and changes in your cosmetic goals.

Ruptured saline implants can be easily noticeable because they will deflate. Ruptured silicone implants can cause pain, firmness, and swelling over the course of a few weeks.

Diagnosis for breast implant illness can involve medical imaging and sampling of the fluid and tissue around the implants. Your plastic surgeon can help you determine the best first steps.

This can be based on many different factors. Recovery from breast implant removal surgery can take about 6 to 8 weeks, however.

According to statistics gathered by the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, it costs an average of $3,049 to undergo breast implant removal.

The earliest signs of capsular contracture include firmness, tightness, pain, and asymmetry.

There are many associated symptoms of breast implant illness, including chronic fatigue, joint and muscle pain, and problems with sleeping, focusing, and breathing. Your plastic surgeon can help you determine your next steps if you think youre experiencing breast implant illness.

Typical symptoms of silicone toxicity include fatigue, achiness and joint pain, and other symptoms of an autoimmune response. Speak with your plastic surgeon about your options if you think youre experiencing implant complications.

Textured implants and expanders manufactured by Allergan have been linked to an extremely rare type of lymphoma. Your plastic surgeon can help you determine if youre at risk.

Implant bottoming is a complication where the implant is placed too low on the chest and drops below the natural breast crease. This can cause them to appear bottom-heavy, with nipples that appear higher than normal.

Some analyses report that between 3% and 10% of implants rupture or deflate within 10 years of insertion.

Breast implants should be promptly replaced if they rupture or experience capsular contracture. Although the FDA recommends replacing implants every 10 years, most patients undergo breast implant replacement because of cosmetic reasons.