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Breast Implant Removal in Houston

Breast implant removal also known as breast explant surgery is a highly personal decision that should be guided by a highly experienced and honest surgeon, like Dr. Paul Vitenas.

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Discover why patients from across the U.S. and around the world choose Dr. Vitenas as the premier surgeon for naturally-appearing breasts.

“Dr Vitenas is fabulous my results were better than expected. The care at the facility was excellent and continued follow up calls made everything seem less. I would recommend Dr. Vitenas highly.”

Breast Implant Removal Before & After Photo

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Each Patient is Unique and Individual Results May Vary

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    About Breast Implant Removal Surgery

    Dr. Vitenas has extensive experience in breast implant removal procedures and may recommend it to reverse a prior breast augmentation or change the size or shape of a woman’s breasts based on her cosmetic preferences or changes in lifestyle that make larger breasts less desirable.

    He may also advise implant removal due to complications like infection, rupture, capsular contracture (painful scar tissue around the implant), or other symptoms. If you are considering breast implant removal in Houston and want to learn more, we invite you to schedule a consultation with Dr. Vitenas.

    The Ideal Candidate

    Ideal candidates for breast implant removal in Houston are individuals who are in good overall health, have realistic expectations, and express dissatisfaction with the appearance or feel of their implants. Women experiencing issues like ruptured/leaking implants, discomfort, asymmetry, or excessive scar tissue may also be well-suited for this procedure. Additionally, some women develop general body symptoms that may be improved with the removal of their implants. Being a non-smoker and maintaining a stable weight are desirable qualities for a good candidate for breast implant removal.

    When to Consider Implant Removal

    There are various reasons why a woman may want her breast implants removed or replaced. During a private consultation, Dr. Vitenas will listen to your goals, review your health history, and perform an exam before advising on the best options for you.

    Implant removal is a common choice for several reasons, including:

    • Decreasing breast size
    • Improving breast shape
    • Repositioning after pregnancy or change in weight
    • Enhancing comfort during activity or exercise
    • Reducing breast weight
    • Improving sleep comfort

    Medical Issues that Require Implant Removal

    Some medical issues that may warrant implant removal include:

    • Capsular contracture (scar tissue contraction)
    • Infection around the implant
    • Rupture/deflation of a saline implant
    • Folding/rippling of an implant
    • Leaking silicone gel
    • Asymmetry due to tension bands
    • Displacement of implant

    Preparing for Your Implant Removal Procedure

    During your consultation, Dr. Vitenas will review before/after photos, explain what to expect during and after surgery, and answer any questions you may have.

    Your Preoperative Preparation

    In preparation for your implant removal surgery, Dr. Vitenas will give you instructions to ensure a smooth and safe process. These may include undergoing lab testing to assess your health status before the procedure. Additionally, if you are taking specific medications or supplements that could potentially interfere with surgery or the healing process, adjustments may be recommended. Dr. Vitenas will advise you to stop smoking for at least three weeks before and after the surgery.

    The Day of Your Surgery

    The implant removal procedure will be customized to your specific goals. It is performed under general anesthesia, typically taking 1-3 hours. You will be able to return home on the same day as your surgery.

    Breast Implant Removal Techniques

    There are a few techniques Dr. Vitenas may use to remove breast implants, depending on each patient’s specific goals and anatomy.

    Implant Removal

    For a simple implant removal, Dr. Vitenas will make an incision along the existing scar from the original augmentation. He will carefully open the scar tissue capsule surrounding the implant and remove it in one piece. The implant capsule will be dealt with according to what is observed and/or what the specific goals are.

    Implant Removal With Breast Lift

    If a patient has breast ptosis (sagging) or excess skin, Dr. Vitenas may recommend combining an implant removal with a breast lift. This can remove loose skin and reshape the breasts into a perkier, uplifted position. The areola may also be resized to make it proportional to the new breast size.

    Fat Grafting

    In order to add additional volume to the breasts, some women may benefit from fat grafting of the breast. This may be accomplished at the same time as removal or at a later stage.

    Implant Deflation

    For saline breast implants, the removal process may involve first deflating the implant by inserting a small needle and draining the saline fluid. Once deflated, the empty silicone shell can be easily removed through a small incision.

    The Breast Implant Removal Procedure

    On the day of surgery, Dr. Vitenas will precisely mark the planned incision site and injection sites for local anesthesia. Once the anesthesia takes effect, he will make the incision and carefully open the tissue to reach the implant. He will gently separate the scar capsule from the surrounding breast tissue and remove the implant in one intact piece.

    After irrigating the pocket to remove any debris, Dr. Vitenas may insert a new smaller implant (breast implant exchange), perform a breast lift, or allow the breast to reshape naturally. The incision is closed with layered sutures. Bandages and a soft surgical bra will be applied to support the breasts as they heal.

    Breast Implant Removal Recovery

    The recovery process after breast implant removal is usually shorter and involves less discomfort than the original augmentation surgery. Patients typically wear a surgical bra for support and take prescription pain medication as needed for the first couple of days. In removals involving capsular contracture, the recovery time is longer, and patients may experience more discomfort due to the increased amount of dissection required.

    Swelling and bruising generally subside within a couple of weeks. Most patients can get back to work within 2-3 days. Strenuous exercise and heavy lifting should be avoided for 6 weeks.

    It can take several months for the breasts to fully settle into their new shape and position after implant removal. Scars will also continue to mature and fade during this time.

    Most patients can return to work within a few days of surgery. While recovery is relatively quick, it is important to ease back into your routine and not rush the healing process.

    Breast Implant Removal with Capsule During Replacement Surgery

    by Plastic Surgeon, Dr. Vitenas

    Breast Implant Removal Results

    Long-Term Results

    Caring for Your Incisions

    Proper incision care is essential for minimizing scarring after surgery. Avoid exposing scars to sunlight until fully healed. Silicone scar gels and other treatments can also improve the appearance of scars over time.

    Maintaining Results

    A healthy lifestyle can help patients maintain their results following breast implant removal. A stable weight, a nutritious diet, regular exercise, and avoidance of nicotine all support optimal healing. Should you become pregnant or experience significant weight fluctuations in the future, some revision surgery may be recommended to adjust your results.

    The Experience and Expertise You Deserve

    At Vitenas Cosmetic Surgery, Dr. Paul Vitenas offers exceptional skill and experience performing breast implant removal and other related procedures. He provides personalized care tailored to your cosmetic goals.

    The Houston Surgery Center, our state-of-the-art surgical facility, was designed for your comfort, privacy, and safety. Right from your first consultation, you will appreciate our compassionate, attentive service.

    The Experience and Expertise You Deserve from Dr. Vitenas

    Breast Implant Removal FAQ

    The cost of breast implant removal varies based on factors like the complexity of the procedure and whether additional surgeries like a lift are performed. This includes the surgeon's fees, operating room costs, anesthesia, implants if replaced, and postoperative appointments.

    After Dr. Vitenas has assessed your needs at a consultation, you will receive an individualized quote from our financial coordinators.

    The surgery takes 1-3 hours, depending on whether you are having your implants replaced or combining additional procedures such as a breast lift. It is performed under general anesthesia as an outpatient procedure, allowing you to return home the same day.

    Yes, you can choose to simply have your implants removed without replacements. This allows the breasts to return to their natural shape and size. Patients seeking smaller, less heavy breasts may opt for this.

    If you had large implants, Dr. Vitenas might recommend a lift after removal to tighten loose skin. Otherwise, the breast tissue can reform to fill the empty pocket over time.

    Most patients report the surgery is less painful than the original augmentation. You may experience some side effects, such as discomfort, tightness, and swelling during the first week. This is managed with prescription medication. After the initial healing, significant pain is uncommon.

    Many patients describe feeling relief and reduced anxiety after implant removal, especially if they were experiencing complications or dissatisfaction. Your breasts will look smaller and feel less heavy. Scars from incisions will continue to fade over 12 months.

    While adjusting to your new breast size takes time, most women feel positive about removing implants that were impacting their comfort and confidence.