Reasons for Considering Breast Implant Removal
At Umansky Plastic Surgery, we understand that the decision to remove your breast implants is deeply personal. Our San Diego and La Jolla patients choose implant removal for various reasons, and we support each individual’s unique circumstances with personalized care.
Changes in Lifestyle or Personal Preferences
Life brings many changes, and what suited you in the past may no longer align with your current aesthetic goals or lifestyle. Many women find their aesthetic preferences evolve over time. Some patients pursue breast implant removal because of changes in:
- Physical activity levels
- Career paths
- Personal style
- Life perspectives
Implants No Longer Suit Your Body
Your body also changes over time, and these changes can affect how your breast implants look and feel. Weight fluctuations, pregnancy and aging can all impact the appearance of your breasts. You might consider implant removal if:
- Your breasts have become disproportionately large due to weight changes
- Pregnancy and breastfeeding have altered your breast tissue and breast shape
- Changes have occurred to the position of your implants
- The size of your implants no longer complements your body frame
Concerns About Implant Age
While breast implants don’t have a strict expiration date, they are not designed to last forever. The FDA recommends monitoring your implants regularly, especially as they age. Reasons to consider removal due to implant age may include:
- Desire to proactively address potential future complications
- Updated implant technology that might better suit your needs
Breast Implant Leaks or Ruptures
Implant rupture requires attention from an experienced plastic surgeon. Signs that might indicate a leak or rupture vary depending on your implant type. With saline implants, you will usually notice a sudden deflation, loss of size, or asymmetry, making diagnosis fairly obvious Silicone implant leakage or rupture can be more difficult to diagnose. There may be subtle changes in shape or feel. Mammography is not very good at diagnosing rupture. Ultrasound or MRI are most helpful at confirming a rupture.
Rippling, Symmastia and Other Complications
Some patients experience physical complications that lead them to consider implant removal. At our La Jolla practice, we address various implant-related concerns, including:
- Capsular contracture — Hardening of the implants due to a thickening of scar tissue
- Rippling — Visible or palpable implant edges showing through breast tissue
- Symmastia — When implants move toward the center of the chest
- Malposition — Implants that have shifted from their original position
- Animation deformity — Visible implant movement during chest muscle use
Breast Implant Illness
Some women report symptoms they associate with their breast implants, collectively known as breast implant illness (BII). While research continues in this area, we take these issues seriously and work with patients experiencing concerns about their health.
Our surgeons stay current with the latest research and maintain open communication with patients about their symptoms. We provide comprehensive evaluations to determine if implant removal might help address health concerns.
Am I a Candidate for Breast Implant Removal?
Most women with breast implants qualify as candidates for this procedure. During your consultation at our La Jolla practice, Dr. William Umansky or Dr. Jeffrey Umansky will evaluate your overall health, discuss your goals and review your complete medical history to determine if breast implant removal is right for you. Ideal candidates maintain realistic expectations about their results and understand how their breasts may look after implant removal.
What to Expect During Breast Implant Removal
Surgical Planning
Before your breast implant removal at Umansky Plastic Surgery, we perform a thorough evaluation of your breast implants and the surrounding tissue. We may recommend the use of imaging tests (such as an MRI or ultrasound) to assess the condition of your implants. These results will be used to create a detailed surgical plan tailored to your unique needs.
Anesthesia
Your breast implant removal procedure takes place in our accredited surgical facility in La Jolla. To maximize your comfort, these procedures are usually performed under general anesthesia. Our board-certified anesthesiologists monitor you throughout surgery to maintain your safety and comfort.
Incisions
Whenever possible, Drs. William and Jeffrey Umansky use the same incision location from your original breast augmentation to minimize additional scarring. However, the location and length of your incisions may vary based on factors such as implant size, capsule thickness, and whether additional procedures such as a breast lift will be performed.
Implant Removal
The removal process varies depending on your specific situation. In straightforward cases, your surgeon simply removes the implant through the incision. However, if you have developed significant scar tissue or capsular contracture, your surgeon may need to perform a capsulectomy, which involves removing part or all of the capsule surrounding the implant.
Closure
After removing your implants and any necessary surrounding scar tissue, the incisions are closed using multiple layers of sutures to support proper healing and minimize visible scarring. On rare occasions, your surgeon may place temporary drains to prevent fluid accumulation during the initial recovery phase. Finally, dressings and a surgical support bra are applied.
What Should I Expect During the Recovery Process?
Recovery from breast implant removal surgery progresses in stages. Patients return home the same day as their procedure, wearing a supportive surgical bra that helps minimize swelling and supports the breast tissue as it heals. While individual experiences vary, most women return to light activities within a few days and resume their normal routines within two weeks.
The initial recovery phase typically brings mild to moderate discomfort that can be managed with prescribed medications. Most patients report that the discomfort subsides significantly after the first two days. You might notice bruising and swelling in the breast area, which gradually improves over several weeks. The healing process continues beyond these initial weeks. Throughout your recovery, our surgical team remains available to answer questions and guide your return to full activity.
What Kind of Results Can Breast Implant Removal Achieve?
The results of your breast implant removal will be visible immediately after surgery. If you had your implants replaced, the volume changes from your new implants will be apparent right away. If you decide not to replace your implants, your breast appearance will depend on factors like skin quality, the size of your old implants, and the amount of natural breast tissue present. Some patients find that combining their implant removal surgery with other breast procedures — such as a breast lift or fat transfer — can yield the best aesthetic outcome.
Schedule Your Consultation Today
If you’re considering breast implant removal, trust your care to the board-certified plastic surgeons at Umansky Plastic Surgery. Dr. William Umansky and Dr. Jeffrey Umansky bring decades of combined experience in breast surgery to help you achieve the results you desire. Our La Jolla plastic surgery practice serves patients throughout San Diego County and beyond, providing expert care in a comfortable, state-of-the-art environment.
Call (858) 281-4560 or complete our online contact form to schedule your consultation. During your visit, we’ll discuss your concerns, evaluate your implants and create a personalized treatment plan tailored to your unique needs and goals.
