Breast Implant Removal Las Vegas, NV | Explant Surgery Henderson| Breast Implant Illness
When Is It Time for Breast
Implant Removal ?
Your breast implants were never meant to last forever. In fact, it is recommended that breast implants be replaced every 10 to 15 years. Typically, after this period, many Las Vegas and Henderson patients may decide that their breasts’ overall appearance needs a change. Perhaps you are ready to have your implants removed entirely.
In every generation, the features that are considered beautiful change. Today’s trend of creating more natural enhancements to a woman’s body is a stark shift from the old mantra of “bigger is better.” As a result, some Las Vegas women are seeking breast implant removal as a means of updating their appearance to match this newer emphasis on natural curves.
Unnaturally large breasts can also impede a woman’s ability to participate in certain physical activities like jogging and weight training. For women committed to getting fit and staying that way, breast implant removal can eliminate discomfort when running and alleviate undue pressure on the spine and back caused by disproportionately large breasts.
Dr. Shah will discuss your breast implant removal options at his Las Vegas or Henderson plastic surgery office and let you know what you might expect.
How Do I Know if Breast Implant Removal Is Right for Me?
Reasons for removing breast implants will differ for each person. Whether it’s time for breast revision surgery or you no longer wish to have breast implants, you may be a good candidate for breast implant removal if:
- You are in overall good health
- Your weight is stable and not fluctuating
- You have a healthy outlook and expectations about the removal surgery
- The appearance of your current breast implants is not what you wanted, and you want them fixed
Board Certified Plastic Surgeon
Himansu Shah M.D., F.A.C.S.
In Dr. Shah’s capable hands, the options are almost endless. From surgical and nonsurgical facial rejuvenation, Brazilian butt lift and Breast Augmentation, Dr. Shah can deliver the results you’ve always desired with a simple trip to the office.
Breast Implant Removal Procedure
While breast implant removal is an outpatient procedure, you will be under general anesthesia and need someone to take you home. Dr. Shah will determine the placement of your incision, which is typically around or below your areola. Your breast implants will be removed and (if this is part of your plan) new implants inserted. Your incision is then closed, and Dr. Shah will place a compression garment around you to help minimize swelling.
Why Should I Have Breast Implants Removed from a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon in Las Vegas?
The decision to undergo breast implant removal surgery is deeply personal. A breast implant removal procedure can help restore your breasts to their natural shape, size, and appearance. This can be beneficial for patients who are no longer satisfied with the appearance of their implants, whether it be the size, shape, or feel of their initial procedure. Removal is also recommended for patients experiencing complications with the implants, such as rippling, asymmetry, or capsular contracture.
What Is the Risk of Breast Implant Removal?
If your current breast implants are leaking or have ruptured, it’s imperative you have them removed and replaced for your overall health. Complications with breast implant removal are not common but may include: infection, numbness at the incision site, asymmetry, and persistent pain.
Does Insurance Cover Breast Implant Removal?
Breast implant removal is considered elective cosmetic surgery and generally not covered by insurance. It is best to discuss your options with your insurance provider. Dr. Shah offers payment and financing options for your convenience.
Delivering the Results You’ve Always Desired
Signature Plastic Surgery | Breast | Body | Face Results in Las Vegas
How Do I Know if My Breast Implant Is Leaking or Ruptured?
Most women won’t know their breast implant is leaking. If you have saline implants, the saline is absorbed in your body and inherently won’t cause issues. You may notice your breasts look a little deflated and asymmetrical. If you have silicone implants, it will be harder to tell if a rupture has occurred, but if you notice hardness in your breast area, you will want to see your doctor in order to determine the best course of action.
What is Capsular Contracture?
Capsular contracture is when the capsule around the implant starts to get thicker. Eventually, the capsule squeezes the implant and causes the breasts to harden, become misshapen, or make the implants change position. No one’s quite sure why capsular contracture occurs, but the capsules may contain substances like silicone gel, silicone gel fragments, bacteria, calcified tissue, and inflammatory cells—all substances that can cause further complications. In situations of capsular contracture, en bloc breast implant removal is necessary—by removing the capsule and implant as a complete unit, the contaminants will be self-contained and remnants are less likely to be left behind.
What is Breast Implant Illness?
While neither implant type has been directly correlated to an increased risk of cancer, recent years have also seen a rise in secondary health issues related to breast implants. For patients experiencing breast implant illness (BII), symptoms like headaches, chronic fatigue, fever, and joint pain can be especially debilitating and provide enough reason for women to seek explant. Furthermore, the FDA has identified over 450 cases of Breast Implant-Associated Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma—a rare form of cancer that can develop in the scar tissue around the implant. In the face of these very real medical concerns, many patients have chosen implant removal as a means of protecting their overall health.
Can I Get a Breast Lift at the Same Time as an En Bloc Implant Removal?
Yes, breast lift is commonly recommended as a concurrent procedure with en bloc implant removal. A patient having implants removed may have extra loose skin that can be reduced to further improve the aesthetic appearance of the breast at the time of device removal. Many Las Vegas and Henderson patients may also have sagging breasts due to pregnancy/breastfeeding, weight changes, aging, and other factors. In some cases, a breast lift can help mask any contour irregularities (indentations, bulges, creases, etc.) that can occur with capsule removal, while also enhancing the perkiness of the remaining breast tissue.
What Is Recovery like for Breast Implant Removal?
As the swelling dissipates, it’s normal to see some reduction in volume. Obviously, your implants are gone, but changes in the breast due to aging and stretching from the implants will lead to further changes in shape and sagging. When removing an implant and the capsule, you might experience a longer recovery time than a regular breast augmentation: about a week longer than the typical 2 weeks of abstaining from any strenuous activity. After that, you can return to light fitness activity, and it’s advised that you take about a week from social activities and refrain from driving for at least 10 days or as long as you’re taking any prescription pain medication. You will be asked to wear a surgical bra for a few weeks to support your new breast contour and minimize swelling.
Am I a Candidate for Breast Implant Removal in Las Vegas, NV?
In general, candidates for a breast implant removal procedure are those who are unsatisfied with the results of their initial breast augmentation or are experiencing rare conditions associated with their implants. Dr. Shah suggests that breast implant removal candidates in Las Vegas be:
- Non-smokers
- In good overall health
- At a stable weight
- Understand the details of the procedure
- Have a positive outlook and realistic expectations regarding their results
- Be prepared to closely follow all pre- and post-operative care instructions
How is Breast Implant Illness Treated?
The most successful BII treatment in Las Vegas, NV currently is breast implant removal (explant surgery). Given the increasing number of cases and recent FDA announcements regarding breast implant-related cancers such as lymphomas (ALCL) and a new squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), Dr. Shah approaches each breast implant removal case very carefully.
During explant surgery, Dr. Shah removes the entire capsule (total capsulectomy) in one piece without rips or tears (en bloc). Depending on the initial incision and breast implant size, implants may be removed through a previous areola incision under the fold or through a breast lift incision.
When Should I See My Las Vegas Plastic Surgeon about Breast Implant Illness (BII)?
If you have breast implants and have noticed an increase in unexplained symptoms, such as fatigue, joint pain, breast pain or burning, enlarged axillary lymph nodes, brain fog, or other symptoms that doctors have not been able to explain or resolve, it may be time to schedule a visit with an explant surgeon.
How Do I Care for Myself or a Loved One with Breast Implant Illness?
Breast Implant Illness can be difficult to manage for many women and their families as they struggle with extreme fatigue and other symptoms, some of which may even be debilitating. Many women have visited countless doctors and specialists and still do not have definite answers or an improvement in symptoms. Following a low-inflammatory diet and limiting exposure to other environmental toxins is a great place to start in reducing other sources of inflammation within your body.