There are a wide variety of plastic surgery procedures, such as Breast Implant Removal, that our practice performs. Please contact us if you are interested in receiving more information on this particular procedure.
Plastic surgery encompasses both cosmetic and reconstructive surgery.
Cosmetic surgery is performed to reshape normal structures of the body in order to improve the patient's appearance and self-esteem. Cosmetic surgery is usually not covered by health insurance because it is elective.
Reconstructive surgery is performed on abnormal structures of the body, caused by congenital defects, developmental abnormalities, trauma, infection, tumors or disease. It is generally performed to improve functions, but may also be done to approximate a normal appearance. Reconstructive surgery is generally covered by most health insurance policies, although coverage for specific procedures and levels of coverage may vary greatly.
There are a number of "gray areas" in coverage for plastic surgery that sometimes require special consideration by an insurance carrier. These areas usually involve surgical operations which may be reconstructive or cosmetic, depending on each patient's situation. For example, eyelid surgery (blepharoplasty) -- a procedure normally performed to achieve cosmetic improvement -- may be covered by insurance if the eyelids are drooping severely and obscuring a patient's vision.
What Happens During the Breast Implant Removal Procedure?
Your breast implant removal is carefully planned around your desired outcome. It may involve explanation alone or it may involve the placement of new breast implants. If you do not wish to have new implants placed, Dr. Dahan may perform a breast lift as part of your treatment plan.
Breast implant removal is performed through the smallest possible incision. This may travel around your areola or may be made in the inframammary crease below your breasts. In addition to removing your implants through the incisions, the doctor may also remove any scar tissue that had built up around your implants.
If you are receiving a breast lift as a part of your procedure, your incisions may extend from your areola down the center of each breast to the inframammary crease. Here, your superficial tissue and skin will be tightened to hold the breast mound higher on the chest wall.
Who is the Ideal Candidate for Breast Implant Removal?
Women have their breast implants removed for several different reasons. Sometimes, the surgery is medically necessary to alleviate the symptoms of a surgical complication such as capsular contracture. This condition can become painful or may distort the shape of the breasts due to the rigidity of the scar tissue that forms. Recently, the number of women desiring breast implant removal due to breast implant illness has increased. Though much less common, breast implant removal may also be performed as a treatment for breast implant-associated anaplastic large cell lymphoma (BIA-ALCL).
You needn't have a medical concern to seek breast implant removal. Other reasons women seek this procedure include a change in personal values or goals. Some of the women who remove their breast implants for cosmetic reasons choose to replace their current implants with a larger or smaller size. Some prefer to "go natural" and have a lift to reshape their smaller breast size.
To safely undergo breast implant removal, you should be in good health. The doctor may recommend certain temporary lifestyle modifications to help you prepare for surgery. It is also imperative that you know what to expect from this procedure. Realistic expectations are set during your consultation with Dr. Dahan, at which time he discusses what your breasts will look like after your procedure.
What is the Recovery Like After Breast Implant Removal?
Your recovery from breast implant removal will be very similar to what you experienced after having breast augmentation. You may not be able to drive for two weeks following surgery, and you will need to refrain from strenuous physical activities for approximately six weeks. You can expect to receive aftercare instructions that will outline how to care for your body as it heals, as well as your incisions. If you have any questions or concerns during your recovery from breast implant removal, please do not hesitate to contact our office.
Is the Breast Implant Removal Procedure Painful?
Like breast augmentation, the breast implant removal procedure is performed using IV or general anesthesia. The doctor will discuss this aspect of surgery during your initial visit, including what you can expect. Under anesthesia, you will have no sensation in the breast area. You will be deeply relaxed or asleep, so your sense of time and memory will also likely be affected. Your surgery may seem to have gone by in minutes, and you may have no recollection of the time around your procedure afterward. Once the anesthesia wears off, it is normal to feel some discomfort. This usually includes soreness or tenderness. Depending on the procedure you've had done, you may also experience a sensation of heaviness or tightness in your chest.
Can Breast Implant Removal be Combined with Other Cosmetic Procedures?
In addition to new breast augmentation or a breast lift, it is possible to combine your breast implant removal with body contouring procedures. Doing so may help refine your shape to better fit your goals and your body style. For example, depending on your shape at the time of surgery, you may benefit from liposuction or abdominoplasty as a way to improve the transition between your breasts and tummy. There are several benefits to combining plastic surgery procedures. Dr. Dahan is happy to explore your options with you during your consultation at our Reno office!
For more information on plastic surgery and the procedures we offer, please schedule a consultation and visit our practice.
