Breast Implant Removal After Rupture / Capsular Contracture 

Capsular Contracture Surgery

Breast implant rupture and capsular contracture are two different medical complications that could necessitate a breast implant removal plastic surgery. An experienced surgeon will first determine the cause of the implant failure, and then prepare a customized surgical plan for implant removal or replacement.  

plastic surgeon Dr. David Kim provides cosmetic and reconstructive procedures for the breast, body and face to patients in Beverly Hills, Los Angeles, CA, and surrounding communities.  

Candidacy 

You may be a candidate for breast implant removal surgery for one of the following reasons: 

• Your breast implants have ruptured or developed a capsular contracture 
• Your implants no longer naturally fit your body because of aging effects, weight fluctuations or hormonal changes  
• You wish to remove or replace your implants because your cosmetic preferences have changed 

Incision Placement 

Depending on how your primary breast augmentation cosmetic surgery was performed, your surgeon may be able to use the same incision site for your implant removal. This will minimize additional scarring. But if you have chosen different sized implants to replace your old implants, a new incision may have to be created.  

In most cases, the incision will be placed underneath the breast crease or around the areola border to keep the scarring as discreet as possible.  

Surgical Procedure 

Breast implant removal surgery is usually an outpatient procedure, which will take about one to three hours, depending on the situation. You will probably require general anesthesia, which means the procedure must be performed at an accredited surgery center.  

It is best to have a family member or friend accompany you for surgery, and they can also drive you back safely after the procedure and post-op monitoring is completed. The surgeon will perform the procedure according to the customized surgical plan discussed with you at the time of pre-surgery consultations.  

In many cases, the surgeon may decide to remove the implants along with the capsular scar tissue that envelopes the implant. If your skin has become stretched and the breasts tend to sag after years of implantation, your implant removal may be combined with a breast lift cosmetic surgery to restore the firmer and lifted appearance of the breasts.  

En Bloc Capsulectomy 

In a few cases, your surgeon may perform a specialized breast implant removal procedure called en bloc capsulectomy. In this case, the implant will be removed while it is still contained with the scar tissue capsule. The complete capsule will be carefully excised from your breast pocket with the implant intact inside it.  

The surgeon may have to decide on en bloc capsulectomy only after the incisions are placed and they are able to examine the condition of the capsular tissue and the breast pocket. You will have to discuss this possibility in advance at the time of your initial consultation.  

Recovery  

Recovery in case of breast implant removal is similar to that of your primary breast augmentation surgery. Most women are able to go back to their normal routine in one to two weeks. Cosmetic surgeon Dr. David Kim receives patients from Beverly Hills, Los Angeles, CA, and nearby areas for dependable and proven plastic surgery procedures.  

Schedule a Consultation with an Expert

For more information on the surgical and non-surgical procedures and treatments by Cosmetic Plastic Surgeons Dr. David Kim and Dr. Eugene Kim.  Click here to contact us today.

Serving Beverly Hills, Los Angeles, West Hollywood, Orange County, Southern California and surrounding areas.