Whether for medical reasons or cosmetic motives, many breast augmentation patients wonder about getting their implants removed over time, a surgery called breast implant explant.

To begin with, there have been a few recalls on certain implants in recent years, and these may require removal. Most are able to be replaced with safer options.

Of course, other implant patients should also monitor for any possible symptoms, such as swelling or lumps. And those with silicone gel implants should be getting MRIs or sonograms every few years to check for leaks.

Ultimately, however, unless there is a medical reason for removal, it is up to the patient to decide whether they’d like to go through with the process.

Is Breast Implant Removal Right for You?

The are several reasons why you might desire to have breast implants removal.

You’re simply no longer interested in having them.

From time to time, a patient may decide that they no longer like the look of their breast implants at all.

Sometimes, the patient has simply gotten older and they don’t feel that having large breasts works for their look or lifestyle anymore. In this case, the patient may desire a removal and lift or just a removal.

You want to go down a cup size or more.

In this case, the breast implants can be removed completely. Or, more often, the patient decides to downsize their implants and/or get a post-removal breast lift.

Sometimes, fat transfer breast augmentation can be used. This procedure uses the patient’s own excess body fat to supplement breast volume.

You’re experiencing capsular contracture.

Capsular contracture occurs when scar tissue around the implants begins to harden. The effects can be uncomfortable and even painful. In some cases, it changes the entire appearance of the implants, and they need to be removed.

A saline implant has deflated.

Smooth saline implants generally don’t have issues or medically necessary reasons for removal. However, you’ll know right away if your saline implant has sprung a leak because your breast(s) will start to reduce in size. When this happens, many patients decide to completely remove their implants, or they may simply get them refilled.

A silicone implant has a leak.

It’s far more important to have a leaking silicone implant removed if there is a leak.

Every few years, individuals with silicone implants need to get an MRI or sonogram to ensure that their silicone implants are well intact. If a leak is spotted, it will need to be fixed, and in some cases, patients will decide to remove the implant(s) completely.

You’ve experienced sudden swelling in your breasts.

If you experience any sudden swelling around your breast implants, it is essential that you seek medical assistance right away. Make an appointment with the surgeon who performed your breast implant procedure or another doctor or surgeon who can check the state of your implants.

Sudden swelling, lumps, or severe pain in or around your breasts and implants could mean a more significant problem that may necessitate immediate removal.

Where Can I Find Breast Implant Removal Near Me?

When searching for breast implant removal near you, it’s important to find a surgeon with the proper schooling and surgical training. They should also have extensive experience with breast surgeries. A comprehensive knowledge of breast augmentation, breast lifts, breast reconstruction, breast reduction, and, of course, breast implant removal, is essential.

Are You Unhappy With Your Implants?

If you are experiencing discomfort, pain, swelling, or other symptoms, it’s possible that implant removal may be medically necessary. In this case, you should make an appointment with Dr. Steinberg or another plastic surgeon as soon as possible.

If you are unhappy with the appearance of your breasts after implants or if you’d like a different size, shape, or projection to be achieved, you can always speak with Dr. Steinberg about removal options as well.

Dr. Ashley Steinberg of Houston offers breast implant removal for patients who are unhappy with their initial augmentation results or those who simply no longer want to have implants. In addition, she offers several other breast surgeries, including breast augmentation, breast lifts, breast reconstruction, and breast reduction. Take a look at her before and after breast surgery gallery to see results from past patients.

The best way to figure out if implant removal is right for you is to book a consultation appointment. Not only will Dr. Steinberg be able to tell you what your breasts will likely look like after removal, but she can also help you decide if a breast lift post-removal may be an option.

FAQ: Houston Breast Implant Removal

How much does it cost to have breast implants removed?

Your breast implant removal cost will depend on several factors, such as how the implants will need to be removed, how much (if any) scar tissue needs to be removed, and whether or not a supplementary procedure such as a breast lift or breast implant replacement will be performed alongside the removal.

Does insurance cover breast implant removal?

In some cases, health insurance may cover breast implant removal. This is generally the case when you initially got implants because of a mastectomy, and now, your doctors agree that it is medically necessary to remove them.

Because the reason for getting implants was because of a mastectomy (usually due to breast cancer), insurance is liable to pay for the related implant removal when necessary.

Will I be flat after breast implant removal?

The volume of your breasts will certainly go down after breast implant removal. Sometimes, this is desired by the patient. But when it’s not, your surgeon can sometimes perform a breast lift or simply reduce the size of your implants for a more modest look.

How long is breast implant removal recovery?

You will need to take it easy for at least a few weeks after your breast implant removal. Limit strenuous physical activity, lifting heavy objects, driving, and other significant physical movements during this time. Dr. Steinberg will let you know when you’re able to return to work and your regular activities.

Implant Removal Houston: Schedule a Consultation

Are you interested in breast implant removal in Houston? Contact the office of Dr. Ashley Steinberg today to schedule a consultation appointment and discuss your options.