Breast Implant Removal
Breast implant removal is a surgical procedure designed to remove existing breast implants, either with or without replacement. Individuals may choose this procedure due to evolving aesthetic preferences, a desire to switch to a different implant size or type, or – in less common cases – complications or concerns. Regardless of the reason, breast implant removal can restore comfort, refine your appearance, and help you feel more confident in your body.
Our Laguna Beach plastic surgeon is a highly respected breast surgeon with decades of experience in implant procedures. If you are considering breast implant removal, we invite you to schedule a consultation with Dr. Mills to explore your options.
- Common Reasons for Breast Implant Removal
- Breast Implant Removal vs. Exchange
- Breast Implant Removal Procedure
What Are Common Reasons for Breast Implant Removal?
Women may opt to undergo breast implant removal surgery for a variety of personal and medical reasons, such as:
- Aesthetic preference
- Lifestyle changes
- Capsular contracture (which occurs when scar tissue around the implant tightens, causing discomfort, distortion, or hardening of the breast)
- Symptoms of Breast Implant Illness (BII), a possible inflammatory response to implants
- Concerns about BIA-ALCL (Breast Implant-Associated Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma), a rare type of non-Hodgkin lymphoma linked primarily to textured breast implants
While any reason for wishing to remove implants is valid, please note that both BII and BIA-ALCL are considerably uncommon (in fact, much research has yet to be done on BII’s exact relationship to implants).* That said, Dr. Mills will gladly discuss any of the above concerns with you during your initial consultation.
Breast Implant Removal vs. Exchange
While some individuals seek to remove their breast implants entirely, others may be better candidates for a breast implant exchange. This procedure involves removing the current implants and replacing them with a new pair, often to refresh the results of the initial breast augmentation surgery or update to a different type of implant.
Patients might consider implant exchange if they:
- Have had their implants for a decade or longer and are ready for an upgrade
- Are dealing with a suspected implant rupture, which can occur with aging implants
- Wish to improve the size, shape, or overall appearance of their breasts
- Want to switch from silicone to saline implants, or vice versa, based on personal preference
If an implant rupture is suspected, Dr. Mills utilizes high-resolution ultrasound technology for breast implant evaluation. This allows him to detect even the smallest ruptures and recommend the most appropriate course of treatment. Moreover, as a courtesy to his current patients, Dr. Mills offers a $1,000 discount on the physician’s fee for breast implant exchange procedures.
What Does the Breast Implant Removal Procedure Entail?
Implant removal surgery is usually performed on an outpatient basis, allowing you to return home the same day without the need for an overnight hospital stay. Because each woman’s goals and reasons for breast implant removal can vary, Dr. Mills will tailor the surgical approach to suit the individual. If you are planning to replace your implants with a different model, Dr. Mills can typically perform the removal and replacement during the same procedure. For those choosing complete removal without replacement, he will select the most appropriate technique based on your anatomy and cosmetic goals.
To learn more about breast implant removal surgery or exchange, or to schedule a consultation with Dr. Mills, feel free to contact Aesthetic Plastic Surgical Institute.
*Individual Results May Vary
