Breast Implant Explant Houston, TX

Most women who opt for breast augmentation hope to keep their implants for many years. And while this certainly happens for some patients, others may find they actually want their implants removed after a short while.

Whether their priorities have changed, a leak or rupture has occurred, or they’re seeking larger or more natural-looking breasts, breast explant surgery offers a solution.

Dr Ashley Steinberg – Plastic Surgeon Houston

Meet Dr. Ashley Steinberg – Plastic Surgeon Houston

Dr. Steinberg completed basic science classes in St. George’s, Grenada after attending universities in London and Windsor, Ontario, Canada. She graduated Magna cum Laude from SGU and secured a general surgery residency in Brooklyn, New York, where she had the privilege of scrubbing in with two plastic surgeons.

After her transfer to the University of Nevada, School of Medicine, Dr. Steinberg was granted the opportunity to rotate in plastic surgery with the late and respected Dr. William Zamboni.

Dr. Ashley Steinberg’s thirst for ongoing education led her to the world’s largest medical center, the Houston Medical Center, where she completed three additional years of plastic surgery training with some of the finest plastic surgeons worldwide at the prestigious Houston Methodist Hospital.

Having performed over 1500 plastic surgery procedures, Dr. Ashley Steinberg has been awarded Rising Stars Top Doctor in Texas for the third consecutive year.

What Is Breast Explant Surgery?

Breast explant surgery is a cosmetic procedure that removes breast implants. This operation can be performed in several different ways. For example, the implants may simply be removed and the incisions closed up.

Alternatively, implants can be removed, and your surgeon can perform a breast lift or fat transfer. Either procedure can help create a more natural and attractive appearance for women who may no longer want the volume that implants provide but still want nicely-shaped, youthful breasts. Your surgeon can also reinsert new breast implants after explant surgery.

Why Undergo Breast Implant Removal?

Breast augmentation can do wonders for a woman’s appearance and self-confidence. But it’s also worth noting that implants are never designed to last forever. Moreover, it’s okay to decide to have your implants removed sooner rather than later if that is your preference.

Patients frequently decide to remove or switch out their breast implants. Here are some of the reasons why:

They want to return to their natural breast size.
They want to increase the size of their implants or change their shape or projection.
They’ve noticed an asymmetry in their breasts that they’d like to address.
They’re concerned about the potential for medical complications related to implants. Though rare, conditions such as breast implant-associated anaplastic large cell lymphoma (BIA-ALCL) has been linked to certain gel breast implants with texture.
They are struggling with breasts that feel hard (usually linked to a condition called capsular contracture and related to scar tissue).
They’ve had an implant leak or rupture.

What Is En Bloc Capsulectomy?

En bloc capsulectomy refers to a breast implant removal procedure that removes not just the breast implants themselves, but the entire “capsule” that has developed around each implant.

Often, explant breast implants need to have this capsule removed in tandem because they have fused to the capsule. This is common with capsular contracture — when thick scar tissue has formed on the capsule.

The technique is not always necessary, however. And when it is not required, it is often best to simply remove the implants alone as an unnecessary en bloc capsulectomy may be associated with potential complications. A partial capsule removal can also be performed when necessary.

Breast Explant Recovery Timeline

Many patients want to know: How long is breast implant removal recovery?

When the overall recovery time for breast implant removal may be several months, most patients see improvements in just a few weeks. Here’s what to expect:

First 1-2 weeks: Avoid strenuous activities. Monitor symptoms, which will include soreness, swelling, and tenderness. Rest and relax. Most patients can return to work after one to two weeks.

First 6 weeks: Soreness, swelling, and tenderness may persist but will subside with time. Speak with your surgeon about when you can return to exercise, sleeping on your side or stomach, and other activities.

6 months post-surgery: Most of the side effects from surgery should be gone, and you should be able to see your complete results. Some residual swelling may remain for up to a year.

Are Breast Explant Surgery Scars Noticeable?

Most of the time when performing a breast implant explant in Houston, your surgeon will be able to use the same incision sites used in the initial augmentation surgery. Either way, yes, you will have breast explant surgery scars after this procedure. Taking proper care of the incision sites post-operation will help to minimize their appearance.

What Does Breast Explant Cost in Houston?

The cost of a breast implant explant in Houston will be around $5,000 to $10,000. A breast explant surgery with breast lift will cost more.

Keep in mind that even if your surgery is medically necessary, the breast implant removal with breast lift cost will not likely be covered by insurance.

All breast implant removal questions, such as those related to cost, should be asked directly to your surgeon.

Before breast revision surgery, be clear about your concerns so that your surgeon can address and revise these precise issues and achieve your desired results.

Frequently Asked Questions About Breast Implant Explant Surgery

What do breasts look like after explant surgery?

Naturally, when implants are removed from a woman’s breasts, there will be a loss of volume and some drooping and sagging. Depending on the amount of natural breast tissue a woman has, some may look more or less flat after breast implant removal.

While certain women may not mind this, many patients opt for a breast explant and lift or a breast explant surgery with fat transfer. Dr. Ashley Steinberg can help you decide which option may be best for you.

Should I get a breast lift with breast explant?

Getting a breast lift after explant surgery is the patient’s choice. However, it’s important to note that a breast explant without lift will usually result in at least some drooping of the breasts. This is simply because the volume of your breasts will be diminished when the implants are gone.

In breast implant recall, who pays for removal?

Even with medically necessary breast implant removal, generally speaking, the breast explant surgery cost will fall upon the consumer — the individual who has the implants. Health insurance will not usually cover the price of a breast explant op.

Are there any side effects to breast implant removal?

There are always risks with any surgery, and you should always speak to your breast explant surgeon if you have questions about breast implant extraction side effects. However, in general, breast implant removal Houston is a safe procedure with minimal potential for side effects.

When do breast implants need to be replaced?

Most implants won’t need to be replaced. However, you should return for regular checkups according to your plastic surgeon’s guidance. If an implant ruptures (leaks), it will need to be removed and replaced. You may also get your implants removed and replaced if you decide you’d prefer a different size or material.

Does insurance cover breast implant removal?

Not usually. Breast implants are an elective cosmetic procedure, which insurance companies regard as not medically necessary. Any related procedure will be treated similarly.

Planning for Your Consultation Appointment

If you are seriously considering breast implant explant, your first step will be to book a consultation appointment with Dr. Steinberg.

This appointment is essential in the sequence of events that must take place before your surgery. During the appointment, you will speak with Dr. Steinberg along with a Patient Care Coordinator. Dr. Steinberg will spend a significant amount of time with you, asking you questions about your goals and giving you a short physical examination.