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Breast Implant Removal at Aesthetic Plastic Surgery of Pittsburgh

At Aesthetic Plastic Surgery of Pittsburgh, we understand that your journey with breast implants may not be forever. Whether you're experiencing unexpected health concerns, seeking a change in appearance, or simply reclaiming your natural silhouette, our board-certified plastic surgeons are here to guide you through a safe and personalized breast implant removal process. We believe in providing a supportive environment where your individual needs and goals are the top priority. With locations in Pittsburgh and Wexford, PA, we are on hand to guide you through your options and help you achieve your goals for a healthier, more comfortable quality of life.

Rewrite Your Narrative

What is Breast Implant Removal?

Also referred to as explant surgery, breast implant removal may be desired for a range of reasons. In some cases, complications like rupture or capsular contracture necessitate the removal of breast implants. Other people choose to have their implants removed due to a change in preferences or in order to facilitate replacement with a different size or shape of implant. Whatever your reason for seeking implant removal, it is important to work with a plastic surgeon who is skilled in performing this procedure. Our board-certified surgical team focuses on providing care that improves patient wellness through the careful excision of all scar tissue and capsule formation while providing an aesthetically pleasing result that you can feel confident in.

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A Lighter, Freer You

What are the benefits of Breast Implant Removal?

Specializing in breast implant removal, our surgeons focus on providing beautiful results, restoring the desired breast contours, and addressing any complications related to previous breast implants like rupture or capsular contracture. Some individuals may wish to return to their pre-augmentation breast size, while others opt for implant replacement. At Aesthetic Plastic Surgery of Pittsburgh, each treatment plan is designed to align with the patient’s goals.

Partners on Your Journey

Your Breast Implant Removal Consultation

Individual differences in physiology, age, body type, and skin quality—along with the specifics of a previous implant surgery—make every patient’s experience with breast augmentation somewhat unique. For this reason, it is important to work with a highly qualified surgeon who possesses the expertise necessary to skillfully address both the functional and aesthetic aspects of breast implant removal.

Specializing in breast procedures, our surgeons work closely alongside each patient, beginning with the consultation. This in-depth conversation will focus on your individual goals and any complications you may be experiencing, providing the blueprint for your treatment. If you think it may be time to have your breast implants removed, we invite you to learn more about your options by scheduling a personal consultation with one of our surgeons today.

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Artistry & Precision

Your Breast Implant Removal Procedure

During the breast implant removal procedure, the patient is typically placed under general anesthesia. The surgeon usually makes an incision along the original scar from the initial breast augmentation surgery. Depending on the type of implants and their placement, the surgeon carefully incises through the tissue to access the implant. The implant is then removed along with any surrounding scar tissue if necessary. After ensuring the area is thoroughly cleaned, the incision is closed with sutures, and dressings are applied. In some instances, patients may opt for additional procedures, such as a breast lift, to address any changes in breast shape or sagging that occurred due to the presence of the implants.

Step Into Your Next Chapter

Breast Implant Removal Results

Our Breast Implant Removal Pittsburgh patients will often experience improved comfort, alleviating issues like implant-related pain, discomfort, or tightness. It can also restore a more natural breast contour and symmetry, providing relief for those who have experienced changes in breast shape or position due to implants. Moreover, some individuals find emotional relief and enhanced self-confidence following the removal, embracing their natural body and feeling more at ease without the presence of implants. Overall, the procedure can empower you to regain a sense of physical and emotional well-being by returning to your pre-augmentation state.

Beautiful Inside & Out

Breast Implant Removal Recovery and Aftercare

At Aesthetics Plastic Surgery in Pittsburgh breast implant removal recovery can vary depending on individual factors like procedure type, health conditions, and healing capacity. For the first couple of days, you will need to avoid strenuous exercise and lift nothing heavier than a few pounds. Within one to two weeks, you will be able to resume light activities but will need to wait about six weeks before lifting anything heavy. The results of breast implant removal surgery improve over time as the tissues adjust and surgical scars fade, with optimal results typically enjoyed within six months to one year.

Our team will check the progress of your healing at post-operative appointments and provide ongoing support throughout the recovery phase. Remember, everyone heals at their own pace. Don't compare your recovery to others, and don't hesitate to reach out to your doctor should you have concerns or questions. With proper care and attention, you can ensure a comfortable and successful recovery from breast implant removal.

Breast Implant Removal Frequently Asked Questions

How will Breast Implant Removal affect my breasts’ appearance?

To provide the best outcome, we often perform breast implant removal simultaneously with a breast lift. When the implants are removed, the natural breast tissue that expanded to accommodate them may display sagging and loss of elasticity. Performing a breast lift along with implant removal allows the surgeon to carefully reduce excess tissue, move the breasts to a higher position, and craft more shapely contours.

Do I need to have my Breast Implants replaced after the old ones are removed?

Sometimes, after removing implants, individuals may opt for a replacement surgery to maintain breast volume and shape. However, others might choose not to replace them, especially if they had issues or complications with the previous implants. Those who don’t wish to replace their implants may opt to incorporate a breast lift into breast implant removal surgery to prevent excess, sagging skin left behind after the implants.

Will Breast Implant Removal leave visible scars?

Some amount of scarring is unavoidable. However, whenever possible, our surgeons will make the incisions for removing breast implants along the same lines as those made for the original breast augmentation procedure, minimizing the overall extent of scarring. We will also provide recommendations on expert incision care and measures you can take to help the scars fade and flatten out faster. The appearance of scars often continues to improve for up to one to two years after surgery, gradually blending in better with the surrounding tissue.

Can I combine Breast Implant Removal with other procedures?

Yes, breast implant removal often provides the best result when combined with a breast lift to reduce sagging and bring the breasts to a higher position on the chest. A breast lift can also readjust the position or size of the nipples to address sagging or downturned nipples. Other patients may elect to have their breast implants replaced with new ones at the time of removal. See our Breast Implant Revision and Breast Lift pages for more information on these procedures.

How much does Breast Implant Removal cost?

The total cost of breast implant removal depends on the details of the procedure. Once your surgeon has assessed your needs during your consultation, our office team will be able to provide you with a cost breakdown.

Is Breast Implant Removal covered by insurance?

Insurance will not cover breast implant removal for cosmetic reasons. Implant removal may be covered if it is deemed medically necessary in order to treat complications such as capsular contracture, implant rupture, or other health concerns associated with your implants.

Breast Implant Removal in Pittsburgh