Many women who choose breast augmentation receive stunning results that increase their feminine curves and boost their confidence for years to come. However, somewhere down the line, some patients may decide that they wish to remove their breast implants for one reason or another.
Whether you want to exchange your implants, revise complications, or remove the implants altogether, breast implant removal can help you achieve your goals. Dr. Al Cohn performs breast implant removal surgery in Birmingham, AL, to support patients along their breast surgery journeys and help them feel comfortable and confident in their bodies.
What Is Breast Implant Removal?
Breast implant removal, also called explant surgery, involves taking out the breast implants from a previous breast augmentation or reconstruction procedure. Sometimes, patients love their breast augmentation results but, after a while, decide that their augmented breasts no longer suit their lifestyle or desired aesthetic. In other cases, implant complications may arise, causing breast implant removal to be necessary. Patients may choose to remove their implants and go back to their natural breast size or exchange their old implants for new ones with breast revision or breast implant replacement.
What Are the Benefits of Breast Implant Removal?
There are many reasons why women may choose to get their breast implants removed. Some of the benefits of this surgical procedure include the following:
- Treating capsular contracture
- Addressing ruptured implants
- Fixing a leaked implant
- Exchanging implants that are over 10-15 years old
- Allowing patients to restore their natural breast size
- Adapting to changes in lifestyle and preference
Am I a Candidate for Breast Implant Removal?
If you’re dissatisfied with your breast implants, breast implant removal may be right for you. Whether you have implant concerns that need to be addressed, want to change your implant size, or simply want to be done having implants, breast implant removal surgery can allow you to feel comfortable and confident in your body.
Candidates for breast implant removal surgery should be in overall good health and have realistic expectations for their results. Additionally, it is important to note that patients may experience some degree of breast sagging or the appearance of deflated breasts after breast implant removal. This is because the breast skin stretches to fit over the implants, and once those implants are removed, the stretched skin will remain. Due to this, many women choose to add a breast lift to their breast implant removal procedure.
To find out if you’re a good candidate for breast implant removal, schedule a consultation with Dr. Cohn at Cohn Plastic Surgery.
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At the beginning of the procedure, you will be given anesthesia to make for a more comfortable experience. Once you’re sedated, Dr. Cohn will create the agreed-upon incisions around the breasts. The incisions allow Dr. Cohn to access the breast pocket and remove the implants, as well as hardened scar tissue and implant leakage if necessary. The specifics of the procedure will depend on your unique treatment plan. New implants may be inserted, or a breast lift may be performed if desired. After the adjustments have been made, Dr. Cohn will close the incisions.
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Breast implant removal recovery is similar to recovery from breast augmentation in many ways. Some discomfort and swelling are to be expected, and you may be prescribed pain medication to manage these symptoms.
You can expect to have limited mobility in your arms for the beginning of the healing process, restrictions on all strenuous activities, and modified sleeping positions to ensure your breasts heal safely. You’ll be instructed to wear a surgical bra throughout your recovery period during the day and night, and this bra will help reduce swelling and allow your breasts to adjust to their new size. Lifting your arms or carrying heavy objects can strain your incisions and cause them to reopen, so it is important to follow Dr. Cohn’s recovery instructions and refrain from these movements. Sleeping on your side or stomach too soon can put harmful pressure on your healing breasts and stunt the healing process.
Always attend your scheduled follow-up appointments and check in with Dr. Cohn throughout your recovery to ensure your body is healing properly. Don’t hesitate to reach out with any questions you have throughout recovery, as Dr. Cohn and the Cohn Plastic Surgery staff are here to guide you through the entire process.
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Final results will be initially obscured by swelling during recovery. Swelling and other changes throughout the healing process may continue to occur over the next few months to one year, after which your full results will be visible. Breast implant removal results are long-lasting and can be enjoyed for many years. Results will vary based on the size of the removed implants and the remaining natural breast tissue.
Want to Know More About Breast Implant Removal in Birmingham, AL?
If you’re seeking breast implant removal in the Birmingham area, our team at Cohn Plastic Surgery can help. Whether you need to address implant complications or simply desire a new look, our team is ready to guide you along your breast journey.
To learn more about breast implant removal and your options in Birmingham, AL, call Dr. Cohn’s office at (205) 590-9900 or fill out the online contact form.
