Safely remove breast implants with the professional care of Dr. Tarak Patel.
The nice thing about breast augmentation is that it does not have to be a permanent decision. Implant removal is an easy procedure for patients with minimal postoperative pain or downtime. If you have decided to have your implants removed visit Dr. Patel in Tacoma, WA or Puyallup, WA. He will customize an approach to ensure you achieve your goals.
If you are feeling “done” with your implants, had them placed for the wrong reasons, or feel they may be contributing to other issues come discuss your concerns and goals with Dr. Patel. He will devote a great deal of time to your consultation before surgery to make sure you understand what the breast appearance will be like after the implants are removed and if your goals can be met.
When a patient has a saline breast implant, the implant can be deflated in the office with just local anesthesia. The fluid from the implant is removed, allowing the patient to visualize how much breast volume they have without the implant. This is a great way to help a patient decide if she does or does not want a new implant and whether or not she wants a breast lift. The deflation is relatively painless and takes only five to ten minutes. This cannot be done with silicone gel implants.
Removal of the breast implant is a simple procedure. A small incision is made in the fold of the breast, which allows access to the implant and the capsule surrounding it. The capsule is a type of scar tissue that your body creates to surround the implant. The capsule often does not need to be removed if it is thin. In cases of a thick capsule, both the capsule and the implant will be removed. A drain is only placed if a thick capsule has to be removed. Most commonly, general anesthesia is used so that the capsule around the implant can be removed. Also, depending on the patient’s goals, breast size and shape, a mastopexy (breast lift) will occasionally be needed to reduce the size of the breast and tighten the skin. This will result in a more youthful and lifted breast.
Patients experience minimal pain with implant removal and can resume most normal activities within three to five days. Exercise limitations are gradually removed over two to three weeks after surgery. Dr. Patel will have you wear a compression bra after the implant removal. A soft, supportive sports bra provides the best compression after surgery. After a couple of weeks, patients can transition to the bra of their choosing.