Breast Implant Removal and Capsulectomy in Scottsdale, AZ

While many women desire breast implants to enhance the size and shape of their breasts, others who have already undergone breast augmentation decide in the future to have their implants removed. At some point, these women begin to feel unsatisfied with their implants, either because they feel they are too large or have implant problems such as rupture or capsular contracture. There are also some who feel their implants are in some way causing health issues. Breast implant removal is a surgical procedure that involves removing a woman’s current silicone or saline implants, along with the scar tissue (capsule) surrounding them. This is also called explant and capsulectomy surgery. Unlike breast implant replacement or breast revision, the goal is not to replace old implants with new implants, but to permanently remove the breast implants for a natural breast appearance.

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What Are the Reasons for Explant and Capsulectomy?

Breast implant removal is an increasingly popular procedure designed to permanently remove breast implants that are unsatisfactory or causing issues to the patient. The decision to remove breast implants is a personal one, and each patient will have their own reason for doing so. For some, the aesthetics of having large silicone or saline implants is not what they want anymore; others experience pain, discomfort, or other complications that make keeping their breast implants too difficult. In any case, breast implant removal offers a permanent solution to unsatisfactory breast implants, improving both comfort and aesthetics.

Lifestyle Changes

Over time, many women may experience weight fluctuations that can cause their augmented breasts to look unbalanced and too large. This is more common for women who have their breast implants placed when they are younger, only for aging or pregnancy to increase their weight and cause their breasts to be too large for their frame. Breast implant removal may help give them a more proportional breast size for their height and weight.

Implant Complications

Some women may experience implant complications even years after their initial procedure. Breast implant complications, such as capsular contracture, implant rupture, implant leaks, or implant malposition, can all contribute to larger issues in breast appearance and comfort. These conditions can result in discomfort, disfigurement, or pain. Removal can resolve these issues.

Unsatisfactory Results

Breast augmentation can leave some women unhappy with their results because the outcome is not what they expected. Implant removal can help patients feel more like themselves by restoring their natural breast appearance.

BIA-ALCL Textured Breast Implant Concern

BIA-ALCL stands for Breast Implant Associated Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma. This is a very rare and highly treatable type of lymphoma that can develop around textured implants. The treatment is called an en-bloc capsulectomy and breast implant removal (where both the breast implant and the capsule/scar tissue around the breast implant are removed in one piece). The important consideration is to remove the capsule around the implant completely.

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What Can Breast Implant Removal Achieve?

Natural Breasts

During the natural aging process, women may notice their implants no longer look as attractive or proportionate as they once did. Patients who wish to regain their natural-looking breasts can opt for this procedure to achieve the results they desire.

A Balanced Figure

Weight fluctuations and pregnancy can cause a woman’s breast implants to appear misshapen or asymmetrical. Explant and capsulectomy can improve the shape of breasts and make them more proportionate, producing a balanced silhouette.

Improved Self-Esteem

Patients who no longer want their breast implants may feel self-conscious about their appearance. Others may believe their implants no longer reflect who they are as a person. Explant and capsulectomy surgery can not only restore the breasts to their original state, but it can also boost a woman’s self-esteem.

What Is the Breast Implant Removal Procedure Like?

Explant and Capsulectomy Only

The goal of a complete capsulectomy is to remove both the existing implants and the surrounding scar capsule. Sometimes, the capsule and implant can be removed as one unit, or “en bloc,” but this is only possible depending on the quality of the implant and surrounding scar tissue. During your procedure, the capsule and implant are removed through an incision on each breast. In most cases, your surgeon can avoid additional scarring by making the incision over the scar tissue from the primary breast augmentation. Once the treated area has been cleaned, the incisions are closed using surgical sutures.

Explant and Capsulectomy With Breast Lift

Breast lift surgery can be combined with your explant procedure to lift and reshape the breast tissue to a perkier, more beautiful appearance. This option may be particularly attractive to patients who have previously had large implants, as the weight can cause the breast skin to stretch, resulting in more breast ptosis. Combining your breast implant removal with a breast lift will address both volume and breast shape.

What Can I Expect During Breast Implant Removal Recovery?

Following your procedure, a surgical bra will be placed around the breasts to protect them as they heal, as well as help reduce swelling. Swelling and bruising may occur, but these side effects typically resolve within a few days. You will be asked to refrain from any strenuous activities that may put stress on your breasts for a few weeks. While recovery times vary, most patients can return to work between one and two weeks after surgery. You may experience some discomfort following your implant removal procedure. Dr. Spies will prescribe you medication to help minimize the pain.

Explant and capsulectomy is an extensive procedure. Most are performed utilizing the scars you have from your first surgery. However, the operation may require a longer scar than the one used when your implants were placed. The scars will fade over time and are well hidden by bathing suit tops and bras.

When Will I See My Breast Implant Removal Results?

This procedure is an extremely satisfying procedure that can leave you feeling relieved, comfortable, and happy with your new breasts. However, some women need a breast lift to remove the excess skin that was stretched by the implant size.

Breast Implant Removal FAQ

How much does breast implant removal cost in Scottsdale, AZ?

The cost of your surgery will vary based on several factors, including surgical technique and anesthesia fees. Dr. Spies will provide you with a cost estimate during your consultation and determine the best plan to reach your aesthetic objectives.

How long does the breast implant removal procedure take?

Explant and capsulectomy surgery is performed on an outpatient basis under general anesthesia. The length of your surgery will vary depending on the extent of correction needed and can last between two and three hours.

What are the potential risks or side effects associated with explant and capsulectomy?

As with most surgical procedures, there are some risks involved with explant and capsulectomy surgery.

They are rare but can include:

Bleeding
Poor wound healing
Change in skin sensation
Asymmetry
Excess fluid

What should I know about Breast Implant Illness?

Breast Implant Illness (BII) is a term that describes a collection of symptoms in patients with breast implants when there is no abnormal laboratory or physical finding to explain their symptoms. Common symptoms of BII can include fatigue, joint pain, brain fog, and chronic pain, among others; many of these concerns fall under the umbrella of autoimmune disorders, although there are yet to be concrete connections between BII and autoimmune disease. The exact cause of BII is unknown, and it is not currently considered a formal medical diagnosis.

Many patients are curious about BII and wonder if it can affect them and if explant surgery is necessary. Here are some of the most current facts we know about BII:

BII has also been called different names, including silicone incompatibility syndrome (SIS), systemic symptoms associated with breast implants (SSBI), silicone implant illness (SII), and silicone implant incompatibility syndrome (SIIS).
The risk for developing BII has not been well established. There is no definitive causation of developing BII from breast implants—only a potential association.
Removing the breast implants is the most common treatment for BII.
The term “en bloc removal” has been commonly discussed on social media sites about BII. Women are asking for en bloc removal because of concerns that toxins from the implants, silicone, or bacteria/fungus could be in the capsule, and failure to remove it would leave toxins behind and impede symptom improvement.
En bloc capsulectomy is a surgical technique that removes the entire breast implant and surrounding scar tissue as one unit without breaking the capsule. En bloc capsulectomy is a more complex surgical procedure with higher risks of complications.
En bloc should not be labeled with capsulectomy in the absence of a malignancy.
Several papers have been published about BII. Results have shown that many patients experience rapid improvement in their symptoms (up to one year) independent of the extent of the capsule removal (en bloc, total, or partial capsulectomy). A partial or incomplete capsulectomy achieves the same result in most patients as a total capsulectomy. A study published in the Aesthetic Surgery Journal found that the type of capsulectomy—total, partial, or en bloc—showed similar symptom improvement without any statistical difference regarding the reduction of symptoms based on the type of capsulectomy.
Total capsulectomy may be indicated for cosmetic implant operations, such as capsular contracture treatment, removal of ruptured silicone gel implants, or removal/exchange of textured implants.

If you are experiencing symptoms, schedule an appointment with your physician or board-certified plastic surgeon.

Verified Realself

Dr. Spies' office is located in Paradise Valley, Arizona, adjacent to the Paradise Valley Cosmetic Surgery Center.

Robert J. Spies, M.D.
5410 N Scottsdale Rd C 100
Paradise Valley, AZ 85253
Tel: 480-359-1019