Breast Implant Removal and Lift

Conveniently located to serve the areas of Dallas, TX

Breast Implant Removal and Lift USA Plastic Surgery Dr. Steven J. White

A combined breast implant removal and lift is a surgical procedure performed to remove breast implants while also lifting and reshaping the breast tissue. This operation aims to restore the natural contour and appearance of the breasts, which may change over time due to various factors such as aging, changes in body weight, or health concerns impacting breast tissue health.

Patients may choose to receive a breast lift along with their breast implant removal procedure for numerous reasons. They might be experiencing complications like capsular contracture, where the tissue around the implant becomes hard and painful. Others may seek this surgery after feeling dissatisfied with the size or look of their implants following breast augmentation. Additionally, some women choose this treatment as part of a body image improvement journey, wanting to better align their physical appearance with their personal aesthetic preferences.

Whatever your reason for removing your implants and lifting your breasts may be, you can expect high-quality treatment at USA Plastic Surgery. Led by board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Steven J. White, our practice has faithfully served the Dallas area for many years, helping countless patients improve their health and achieve the bodies they desire. To take the first step in your breast improvement journey, please schedule a consultation with Dr. White.

If you have any pressing questions or would prefer to schedule your appointment over the phone, we encourage you to call us at (214) 833-6751.

About Breast Implant Removal and Lift

Breast implant removal and lift is a procedure that not only addresses the mechanics of removing implants but also rejuvenates the breasts post-augmentation. The anatomy involved includes skin, breast tissue, fat, and connective tissue, all of which play a role in achieving overall breast aesthetics. Over time, implants can change in position and shape and may even lead to complications that necessitate intervention.

In general, breast augmentation procedures have been prevalent since the early 1960s, allowing millions of women to enhance their body image and self-esteem through cosmetic surgery. However, statistics indicate that the number of women opting for breast implant removal has also increased, reflecting an important trend in patient preferences and safety considerations regarding long-term implant use. (1)

The surgery typically involves careful examination and attention to detail to achieve excellent aesthetic results while minimizing scarring and other complications. Although many women may initially desire breast enhancement through implants, they often find that their needs change over time, making options like implant removal and lift essential for ongoing satisfaction with their body image.

Benefits

Including a breast lift in a breast implant removal procedure offers patients many benefits. In general, combining procedures can shorten recovery times. When patients undergo personalized treatment from Dr. White, they often experience benefits like:

  • Improved comfort: Many patients report relief from discomfort or pain related to poorly positioned implants or hardened breast tissue (capsular contracture).
  • Restored shape: A breast lift restores youthful contours and eliminates sagging, enhancing overall appearance.
  • Enhanced body image: Regaining confidence in one’s appearance can significantly improve mental well-being and self-esteem.
  • Minimized scarring: Advances in surgical techniques allow for concealed incisions, reducing visible scarring.
  • Ability to address complications: It can effectively resolve issues related to capsular contracture or implant leakage.
  • Customizable outcomes: Patients can tailor their results to match current aesthetic preferences, perhaps opting for a different size or no implants altogether.
  • Increased longevity of results: A well-executed lift can maintain aesthetic benefits for many years, aligning with the natural aging process.
  • Healthier breast tissue: The procedure can improve the overall restoration and health of breast tissue by removing materials that may compromise it.

Candidates

Ideal candidates for a combined breast implant removal and breast lift treatment are women who are experiencing sagging breasts and complications from their breast implants. In many cases, aging, relaxed skin, and a weakened muscular foundation may lead to poor support for heavy implants, leading to significant sagging. Other common indicators include pain or discomfort related to implants, dissatisfaction with breast appearance or size, physical changes due to post-pregnancy, weight loss, or aging, and concerns about the longevity or safety of implants. The ideal candidate should be in good overall health and have realistic expectations regarding the possible outcomes. A personal consultation with Dr. White is crucial for assessing each patient’s specific situation and confirming suitability for surgery.

Personal Consultation

A personal consultation at USA Plastic Surgery serves as a foundational step toward a successful breast implant removal and lift. During this appointment, Dr. White will review your medical history, discuss your goals, perform a thorough examination, and go over any potential risks associated with the procedure.

This meeting will allow for an open dialogue about any concerns you may have, and Dr. White will recommend the best surgical approach tailored specifically for you. Understanding the full scope of your options empowers you to make informed decisions as you embark on this journey toward enhanced aesthetics.

Preparation

Once you confirm your surgery date, you will receive specific instructions to ensure the best outcome. Preparation steps typically include:

  • Discontinuing certain medications and supplements that could increase bleeding risk.
  • Avoiding nicotine products before surgery and throughout recovery (if applicable).
  • Arranging for rides home and post-operative care, particularly if sedation or anesthesia is used.
  • Planning your recovery time away from work and social obligations.

Procedure

Your breast implant removal and lift procedure will begin with anesthesia administration. Patients are placed under IV sedation or general anesthesia to ensure comfort throughout the surgery and also receive supplemental local anesthetic on their breasts to reduce post-procedure discomfort.

The first phase of this treatment is removing breast implants. This is done by following the same steps as the implantation procedure but in reverse. Dr. White will make incisions along the scars left from your implantation procedure, but he may also make new incisions depending on your unique needs. These can be periareolar (around the nipple), inframammary (below the breast fold), or vertical (descending from the nipple). (1) After he makes the incision, he can remove hardened breast tissue and the implant. If you are exchanging your implants for new ones, he will place a new implant in the breast pocket.

Once implants are removed, the procedure shifts focus to a breast lift, also known as a mastopexy. Like other cosmetic “lift” procedures (facelifts, neck lifts, thigh lifts, etc.), this treatment works to remove excess, ptotic, aged skin that causes drooping and sagging in the breasts as well as tighten the breast tissue. The targeted skin on the chest will be surgically excised. (2) In some cases, the nipples are repositioned once the breasts are raised with careful techniques to preserve the nerves within the breast. Following this, the pectoral, lateral, and oblique muscles are tightened with sutures to provide a better foundation for the raised breasts. (2) Once all internal corrections are made, incisions are closed with sutures and dressed with antibiotic ointments, gauze, healing compounds, and other beneficial dressings. The entire procedure can take two to three hours, depending on its complexity.

Recovery

Recovery following a breast implant removal and lift will vary from patient to patient. Common recovery hurdles include initial swelling, soreness, and bruising on the chest. Light walks, cold compresses, compression garments, and pain medications can help you manage this effectively. Activity restrictions will be communicated by Dr. White, typically recommending avoiding heavy lifting or strenuous activity for several weeks. Follow-up appointments are essential to monitor healing and address any concerns. You can expect to return to light activities within a week, and most patients feel comfortable resuming everyday routines within two to four weeks.

Results

Breast Implant Removal and Lift USA Plastic Surgery Dr. Steven J. White

Most patients notice a significant improvement in breast shape, firmness, and overall aesthetic appearance once fully healed. Satisfaction rates are high among those undertaking this procedure, as it aligns their physical characteristics with internal feelings of confidence and satisfaction. While scars will fade, Dr. White emphasizes scar management techniques to further minimize their appearance.

Corresponding & Complementary Procedures

If a patient wants to retain their breast implants, breast implant revision procedures are available. Many of these treatments include a breast lift as well. Whether a patient wishes to alter the size of their implants, address complications, or more, Dr. White can help them revise their breast implants to match their ideal appearance goals, reduce discomfort, and enjoy restored self-confidence. These procedures can also include a breast implant exchange, which allows patients to replace older implants with new ones to give their breasts enhanced fullness.

Dr. White is one of Dallas’ leading breast augmentation experts. In addition to breast implant removal and revision and breast lifts, he also offers customized breast implantation procedures, breast reductions, and even treatments for enlarged male breasts. USA Plastic Surgery understands that your breasts are an important part of your confidence and your personal sense of femininity, so we want to help you achieve your ideal breasts with ease. Whatever your goals may be, we are here to help you with personalized, attentive care and expert surgical techniques.

Cost of Breast Implant Removal and Lift in Dallas

The total cost of a combined breast implant removal and lift procedure can differ based on various factors, including the complexity of the procedure, anesthesia used, and required post-operative care. After your personal consultation with Dr. White, a comprehensive quote will be provided so you can plan accordingly. USA Plastic Surgery prides itself on competitive pricing, but we also strive to provide the highest-quality care available. If you have any questions regarding our prices, please explore our pricing page to learn more. With this said, investing in a breast implant removal and lift is an effective way to improve your health, confidence, and outlook on life, and we encourage each prospective patient to schedule a consultation to explore their options. If you have any further questions, please do not hesitate to call our Dallas office at (214) 833-6751 and collect the information you need.

FAQ

Why would someone want to remove their breast implants?

Individuals may desire to remove implants for health and aesthetic reasons, dissatisfaction with size or shape, age-related changes, or complications such as capsular contracture.

What is capsular contracture?

Capsular contracture occurs when the scar tissue that forms around the implant tightens, leading to discomfort and altered breast shape.

Is anesthesia used during breast implant removal and lift procedures?

Yes, general anesthesia or IV sedation is commonly utilized to ensure a comfortable experience during surgery.

Will a breast implant removal and lift procedure leave scars?

While some scarring is inevitable, it is usually minimized through careful incision placement. Dr. White will discuss effective scar management options with you post-surgery.

How long does it take to recover from breast implant removal and lifting?

Full recovery can take several weeks, but many individuals return to lighter activities within a week or two, depending on their unique situations.

References

  1. Townsend AN, Shah S, Bouz A, Nichols N, Lampert JA. Safely Shaping the Breast After Implant Removal and Total Intact Capsulectomy Using the Mammary Imbrication Lift and Fixation Technique. Aesthetic Surgery Journal Open Forum. Published online April 12, 2023. doi:https://doi.org/10.1093/asjof/ojad037
  2. Ramanadham SR, Rose Johnson A. Breast Lift with and without Implant: A Synopsis and Primer for the Plastic Surgeon. Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Global Open. 2020;8(10):e3057. doi:https://doi.org/10.1097/GOX.0000000000003057