Breast Implant Removal or Replacement in St. Louis

Women in St. Louis, MO, seek implant removal or revision for various reasons, such as changing implant size, switching from saline to silicone, or updating their breast shape. While breast implant technology has advanced, implants are still man-made devices that may need replacement over time due to rupture, capsule contracture, or personal preference.

Dr. Scott E. Geiger and Dr. John Hulsen will guide you in choosing the best options to achieve your breast goals, whether that involves replacing implants with a different size or type or opting for removal without replacement. For enhanced shaping, a breast lift or fat transfer may also be considered.

Benefits of Breast Implant Removal or Replacement

Undergoing breast implant removal or replacement in Chesterfield Plastic Surgery offers numerous advantages that can significantly enhance your quality of life. Many patients experience improved comfort and relief from physical discomfort caused by their current implants. Additionally, this procedure can restore your natural breast shape, boost self-confidence, and provide an opportunity to achieve a more desired aesthetic.

QUICK FACTS:

Length: 30-90 minutes per breast
Anesthesia: General
Outpatient surgery – home the same day
Recovery: Three to seven days
Side Effects: Bruising, swelling. Minimal discomfort.

IMPLANT REMOVAL OR REVISION CAN:

Remove ruptured implant material
Remove areas of calcification or silicone granuloma
Allow reshaping or resizing of the breast

IDEAL CANDIDATES

Individuals dissatisfied with their current implants
Those experiencing physical discomfort related to their implants
Patients with health concerns such as leakage or capsular contracture
Individuals looking to update their breast size or shape
Patients with specific medical conditions that may affect surgery eligibility
Women who are pregnant or breastfeeding should consider alternative options

Before & After

Patient #4500

Before:

After:

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PREPARING FOR BREAST IMPLANT REMOVAL OR REVISION

Smoking and all forms of nicotine should be stopped at least four weeks prior to any breast reshaping. This includes e-cigarettes, patches, and gum.

Any medications and supplements which cause an increased risk of bleeding should also be stopped two weeks prior to any major surgery. Please see our list of medications and supplements to avoid. As always, make sure to check with your doctor before stopping any medications.

Medications to avoid

BREAST IMPLANT REMOVAL OR REPLACEMENT TECHINQUE:

Our surgeons will typically remove your implant(s) using your prior scar or a well-concealed incision in your breast fold. If the breast is being reshaped with a breast lift, additional incisions will need to be placed around your nipple to return this to the desired position.

Thin drainage tubes will be inserted to help remove any fluid during your initial healing process. Several layers of absorbable sutures will be used to meticulously close your incisions, followed by a medical skin glue.

You will be placed in a postoperative bra that will need to be worn at all times other than bathing for the first six weeks to help support the breasts while they heal.

RECOVERY FROM BREAST IMPLANT REMOVAL

Implant removal and/or replacement is performed on an outpatient basis. Patients will have some discomfort, but typically, this procedure is not overly painful. Drainage tubes are removed within one to two weeks when the daily fluid output has decreased to acceptable levels.

Plan to take three to five days off of work. Light exercise can typically be resumed in two to three weeks, with a return to full activities in four to six weeks. The recovery may be a little different if additional shaping or filling procedures are performed concurrently. You can often shower within 24-48 hours after your surgery.

COST OF BREAST IMPLANT REMOVAL

The cost of breast implant removal or replacement can vary based on several factors, including the surgeon’s expertise, facility fees, anesthesia, and necessary follow-up care. While it’s essential to consider the overall investment involved, many patients find that the long-term benefits and improved quality of life outweigh the costs.

**Warning. Graphic content. Video is of actual surgeries showing removal of ruptured silicone implants. This video is for educational purposes.**

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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Do you Have a Question?

Symptoms suggestive of a ruptured implant may include hard lumps around the breast or armpit, a change in size or shape of the breast or implant, swelling, tingling, or pain. If any of these are experienced, a board-certified plastic surgeon needs to further evaluate the implant. Other times, the rupture may be “silent” without noticeable symptoms. Thus, it is recommended that implant exams be performed at least every other year. The FDA also recommends a breast MRI to evaluate for rupture starting three years after the implant was placed and every other year thereafter.

Silicone is not harmful for the body. However, the body does not recognize it as part of its “self” and will either try and remove the silicone through the immune system or wall it off with scar tissue. Soon after knowledge of a breast implant rupture, our surgeons recommend having it removed. This will make the removal process easier and minimize any secondary breast irregularities incurred from the removal of scar tissue.

The average life span of a saline implant is estimated to be around 8-13 years. Thus, many patients desire elective implant replacement around this time rather than waiting for a deflated breast to occur. Silicone implants will typically last much longer, but patients still often desire a size change, implant upgrade, or concurrent breast reshaping around this point in time.

This depends on a number of factors, including the size of the breasts prior to augmentation, the size of the implant, how long it has been present, your tissue elasticity, and weight fluctuations. Larger implants present for a longer time will often develop excess skin after removal that will need to be reshaped with a breast lift.

Schedule a Consultation

If you’re feeling uncertain about your current breast implants or are considering a change, our team at Chesterfield Plastic Surgery is here to help you find the right solution. Contact Dr. Scott Geiger and Dr. John Hulsen for a consultation, and you’ll have the opportunity to discuss your concerns and goals in detail.

To learn more about implant removal options, call Chesterfield Plastic Surgery at (314) 501-9100.

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