Saline or silicone breast implant removal plastic surgery may be a suitable option for women who are dissatisfied with the results of their breast augmentation surgery, or when complications with breast implants manifest themselves.
In case the primary breast implant placement was performed inaccurately, it may be necessary for the patient to undergo implant revision surgery. Incorrect placement or strain from scar tissue can cause breast implants to become displaced or constricted.
The procedure may be necessary if the implants rupture or deflate due to an injury or a defective implant. In case of an infection, breast implants may also need to be removed. Plastic surgeon Dr. Paul McCluskey provides breast implant removal to patients in Atlanta, Buckhead, Georgia, and surrounding communities.
What happens during breast implant removal surgery?
Before breast implant revision surgery, the surgeon will assess the reasons for the breast enhancement complications and recommend a course of treatment to the patient. In case the patient decides to have silicone or saline breast implants with a more suitable implant type, the replacement procedure will be performed during the breast implant removal surgery.
If the patient chooses to undergo breast implant replacement, the surgeon will advise them about additional cosmetic surgery options such as a breast lift, which can be performed simultaneously with the revision surgery.
The surgeon will likely perform the procedure using general anesthesia or intravenous sedation. The surgeon will place an incision in one of the following sites to access the implants:
- Around the areola
- Right underneath the armpit
- Under the breast fold
- In rare cases, through the navel
The incisions for breast implant removal are usually the same as the ones placed during the original breast augmentation surgery. The surgeon will typically also remove scar tissue along with the breast implant during this surgery.
Saline Breast Implant Removal
The surgeon may deflate the implant before removing it during saline revision surgery to allow easier removal. Following the implant removal, the surgeon will eliminate scar tissue from the primary augmentation procedure.
New implant placement or breast lift surgery will be performed immediately after the implant removal. The surgery takes between 30 to 45 minutes to complete. Following the procedure, the patient will remain in the hospital for a few hours for observation.
Silicone Breast Implant Removal
It is possible for a ruptured silicone implant to go undetected. Therefore, the surgeon will manually examine the implant for any signs of damage or rupture prior to removing it during silicone revision surgery. This minimizes any risks related to the breast implant procedure.
Implant removal may be more complicated than the primary enhancement procedure, particularly when the outer shell is textured or foam covered. Sometimes the surgeon may have to remove the surrounding tissue and muscles in addition to the implant.
The time taken to complete the removal surgery depends on whether other procedures are being undertaken at the same time. During the removal, the patient can also receive breast implant replacement, scar revision, or a breast lift. It typically takes under one hour to remove silicone breast implants.
Cosmetic surgeon Dr. Paul McCluskey receives patients from Atlanta, Buckhead, Georgia, and nearby areas for breast implant removal.
For more information on procedures and treatments offered by Plastic Surgeon, Dr. Paul McCluskey and the Plastic Surgery Institute of Atlanta, visit:
Serving patients in and around Atlanta, Buckhead, Roswell, Marietta, Georgia and surrounding areas.