The breast implant and capsule removal cost varies, but it starts at approximately $17,999 and up, depending on the situation and the condition of the implants upon removal, whether the pocket will be modified and lifted and, of course, if another smooth gel implant is to be inserted.
When having a breast implant removed, you should expect to take off at least 5-7 days from work and limit your activity for another 3-4 weeks.
Most procedures last 4 hours.
A breast implant and capsule removal is a surgery to remove an old or no longer necessary implant and the surrounding scar tissue, called a capsule. During the procedure, we remove both the implant itself and the hardened scar tissue formed from the implant, called the breast capsule. The removal of the breast implant capsule, can eliminate the discomfort from the scar tissue and the risk of localized lymphoma, called ALCL.
If you are no longer happy with your implants or they are past their prime, or you have symptoms like, hardness, misshapen implants, swelling, lumps and pain, then having the implants and the breast capsule removed could be the best option possible.
Most healthy people are good candidates for breast implant removal. You are a good candidate if:
If you are not found to be a good candidate for a breast implant removal at this time or you simply do not want to undergo a surgical procedure, we can also help with nonsurgical options. Consult the nonsurgical procedure section to find out what other options may be right for you.
Increased Confidence
Some women get breast implants only to find that the new look doesn’t fit their overall image. Breast implant removal helps women regain their confidence.
Option to Change the Size of Your New Implants
Years after your first implant procedure, you may want to increase or decrease the size of the new implants
Easier Mammograms
The placement and type of implant can make mammograms difficult. Cancer screenings must then be conducted by an oncologist with special imaging devices. Once implants are removed, women can go back to getting normal mammograms.
Alleviates Pain
For some, implants cause aches and pains as the extra weight from the implants puts stress on the neck and back muscles. This dissipates once the implants are removed.
Peace of Mind
Many women choose to remove implants for their peace of mind. They no longer worry about ruptures, and they also don’t have to stick to a replacement schedule.
Reduced Risk of ALCL, Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma
The older rough surface, textured implant shells have a 1;30,000 – 1:40,000 risk of developing a localized ingrowth of Lymphocytes, called ALCL and this can result in death if the breast capsule is not removed.
Like every procedure, breast implant and breast capsule removal come with a small chance of potential complications. Selecting a highly experienced, trusted surgeon is paramount to minimize the likelihood of complications. Dr. Bell and the team at SpaMedica have over 20 years of breast implant experience. With years of experience performing breast implant and breast capsule removal surgery, SpaMedica has not experienced most of the risks associated with the procedure:
Loss of Feeling in the Nipples
Some women lose some sensation in their nipples when they get breast augmentation surgery. Removing implants can cause women to lose additional sensation. Also, those who did not lose sensation with the augmentation procedure can still lose some sensation when the implants are removed.
Infection
All surgeries include a risk of infection. Infections can occur in the cavity that held the implant or at the incision site. Preventative antibiotics are given.
Loose Skin
Breast implant removal can cause sagging skin. The degree of sagging depends on the size of the implants, the length of time they were implanted, and the elasticity of the skin. Dr. Bell will help patients understand what to expect regarding sagging skin during the consultation.
Anesthesia Complications
Anesthesia complications are possible with any procedure. Possible complications include pain, headaches, backaches, and vomiting. Hematoma, anaphylaxis, and hypothermia are also common, although serious complications are rare.
Plastic surgery of any kind should only be done under the best circumstances and with the best staff on hand. By turning to the SpaMedica professionals, you can be certain they will take every step possible to ensure your explant surgery goes smoothly. Dr. Bell has performed thousands breast procedures over the past 25+ years.
Plus, the follow-up to the procedure will also be smoother due to the level of expertise of Dr. Bell and his team. The facilities used for surgery surpass all certification requirements, which allows us to ensure you have the best pre- and post-operative care available.
There are several types of explant procedures. Which one you choose will depend on the final result you desire.
Explant
This is when the implant or implants are fully removed from the patient’s body.
Capsulectomy
This is when the scar tissue that forms around the implant, called the capsule, is removed. This happens during an explant procedure or when a patient experiences a capsular contracture.
En Bloc Removal
In this situation, the surgeon takes out the capsule and the implant as one unit. This procedure takes about 2 hours and is often performed when an implant has leaked or ruptured.
The use of shock wave technology and treatments is offered at SpaMedica to reduce, non surgically, any mild pain, discomfort and hardening around your breast implant.
Patients receive general anesthesia or intravenous sedation for the procedure. The surgeon makes an incision, usually the one made during the original insertion, to reach the implant. The surgeon then proceeds to remove the implant and capsular scar tissue and closes the incision.
Prior to a breast implant removal procedure, we recommend our patients take the following steps:
You will likely be sore when you first go home after the surgery, but the medication we suggest you take will help keep the pain under control. Expect to see some bruising and bleeding at the incisions. After one week at home, you can go back to your normal routine, so long as you still take it easy for a few weeks.
Day 1: In the first 24 hours, you will need help. Someone should drive you home and assist you the first day.
Day 2-4: We will want to see you and check how you are healing.
Week 1: Keep everything clean and replace bandages as instructed. Monitor for signs of infection. Use a cold compress to help manage swelling and reduce bruising and stay relaxed.
Week 2-3: You can return to work. No heavy lifting.
Fat Grafting to the breasts, liposuction, tummy tuck and internal breast pocket modification can be paired with breast implant and breast capsule removal.
Most people feel very little discomfort following a breast implant removal procedure.
Pain or any type of discomfort, sudden onset swelling, hardness and/or lumps are the most important signs that you need to consider having your breast implants removed.
Yes, it is usually possible to undergo another breast augmentation in the future, if you undergo removal alone. However, this depends on the reason you are having them removed. Ask your surgeon during your consultation as each case is unique.
Yes. Dr. Bell will regularly perform a breast lift and breast augment removal and exchange with or without breast capsule removal all at the same time. Dr. Bell can explain more during the consultation.
As long as the scar tissue does not interrupt your milk ducts, breastfeeding in the future should not be an issue. Under the breast incision (inframammary) is one of the least destructive to the breast gland and milk ducts.
Most breast augments, breast lifts, breast implant removals, and breast capsule removal patients can successfully breastfeed after.
