Breast Implant Removal (Explantation)
What is the goal?:
The goal is to remove the breast implants. Typically after having breast implants for a long period of time, patients will eventually want to completely remove their implants or exchange them.
Who is a good candidate?:
Good candidates for breast implant removal are otherwise healthy but would like their implants removed due to several potential reasons, including asymmetry, rupture, deflation, leak, back pain, size change, concerns during breast imaging, fear of breast implant illness, fear of BIA-ALCL, breast sagging, or other health conditions.
How is the procedure performed?:
Breast implant removal can be performed in 30-60 minutes under local anesthesia or general anesthesia, depending on the complexity of the procedure, type of implants, and patient comfort. Dr. Kalaria will use your previous incisions to access the implant and will remove the implant completely. She will close the incision meticulously using absorbable sutures so you will not require painful removal of sutures during your follow-up visits. You will be sent home after surgery to recover.
What is the recovery time?:
You can expect 1-2 weeks of bruising and swelling. You will be sent home in a surgical bra and should keep this on until your follow-up appointment. You should refrain from driving for 1 week after surgery and physical exercise for 4-6 weeks after surgery. You should wear a soft bra for 3 months and avoid underwire bras for 3 months. Full recovery can be expected in 3 months.
