Breast Implant Removal in Temecula, Murrieta, & Menifee
Breast implant removal is a surgical procedure to remove previously placed breast implants. It’s sometimes called explant surgery.
Explant Surgery (or Breast Implant Removal) in Temecula, Murrieta, and Menifee, CA
Breast implant removal, also known as explant surgery, is a procedure to safely remove breast implants that were previously placed for augmentation or reconstruction. This surgery may also involve removing surrounding scar tissue (a capsulectomy) if there are complications such as capsular contracture or implant rupture. Some women choose removal for aesthetic reasons, wanting a more natural look, or due to lifestyle changes, while others seek relief from discomfort or systemic symptoms associated with breast implant illness.
Whatever your reason, Dr. David A. Newman at Newman Plastic Surgery provides compassionate, expert care tailored to your needs and goals. If you’re considering breast implant removal, schedule a consultation to discuss your options and create a personalized plan that supports your health and confidence. Call our office or book online today.
What To Expect
- Anesthesia: General anesthesia is most commonly used, though local anesthesia with sedation may be an option in select cases.
- Length of Procedure: The surgery typically takes 1 to 3 hours, depending on whether a capsulectomy or additional procedures are performed.
- Outpatient/Inpatient: Explant surgery is performed as an outpatient procedure, allowing patients to return home the same day.
- Recovery: Most patients experience soreness, swelling, and fatigue for the first few days. Light activities can usually be resumed within a week, with full recovery expected in 4 to 6 weeks. Supportive garments may be recommended to aid healing and improve comfort.
Reasons to Remove Breast Implants
Despite the gratification that breast implants bring to patients, some may simply decide at some point they wish to have their implants removed permanently. Other patients may have developed some problems with their implants from their initial procedure or develop issues with time. An example of the first situation is that a small percentage of patients may have developed some thickening of the scar around the implant after their initial surgery. This scar can affect how the implants look and feel, but despite this change in shape, most patients would rather have the shape the implant has given them rather than have them removed. At some point, however, the patient may simply feel the implants are no longer important for them as they used to be and wish to have the implant removed. Some patients may feel frustrated and unsure as to whether to remove their implants. And that is why it is a very good idea to discuss all of the alternatives with a plastic surgeon to see which alternative is best for you, for your wishes and goals and for your specific anatomy.
An example of an issue that may occur long after breast augmentation surgery is the development of drooping with the aging process or after childbirth and breast feeding. These processes may cause looseness of the skin of the breast with resultant sagging. Most patients wish to retain their implants and wish the sagging corrected but there are a smaller number of patients who simply wish to have their implants permanently removed and a breast lift performed.
Breast Implant Illness
Uncommonly, some patients may develop symptoms such as memory loss, body pains, and joint pains and feel their symptoms may be caused by their breast implants. They then seek consultation regarding their removal. Though the phrase “breast implant illness” appears on the internet many times over, there has been no scientific correlation between these symptoms and the presence of breast implants, either saline or silicone gel.
Despite this lack of correlation between illness symptoms and breast implants, patients may opt to have their implants removed to see if their symptoms will abate. As patients are healthy, it is certainly safe to remove implants in these situations.
Breast Implant Removal FAQs
Does insurance cover breast implant removal?
Health insurance may cover breast implant removal depending on the reason for the removal and your specific insurance plan. If the breast implant removal is purely cosmetic or elective, insurance usually does not cover the cost. Generally, health insurance is more likely to cover removal if:
- The implants were initially placed for reconstructive purposes after a mastectomy.
- A doctor deems the removal medically necessary and provides supporting documentation.
It’s important to check with your insurance provider and submit all necessary medical records and preauthorization requests to determine coverage.
What to expect after breast implant removal?
After breast implant removal, recovery usually takes around 6 weeks. However, your recovery time may vary depending on your body, the reason for removal, and whether any additional procedures (like a lift) were done.
Here’s what you can typically expect after a breast implant removal:
- First few days of Recovery: You may experience swelling, bruising, and discomfort for the first few days. Pain is typically manageable with prescribed or over-the-counter medication.
- Downtime: Most people return to light activities within a week, but full recovery can take several weeks. Dr.Newman will guide you on when it’s safe to resume exercise or heavy lifting.
- Scarring: Incision scars are typically minimal and fade over time, especially with proper care.
- Appearance Changes: After the removal of breast implants, your breasts may appear different; they might look flatter, have excess skin, or feel less full. These changes depend on several factors, including skin elasticity, the size of the implants, and the duration for which you had them. Some patients choose to undergo a breast lift to reshape their breasts following the removal.
- Emotional Adjustment: It’s common to feel a range of emotions, from relief to uncertainty. Many people feel more comfortable and confident over time as they adjust to their new appearance.
Dr. Newman and his nurses will give you detailed aftercare instructions, and following them closely is essential to helping you have a healthy and lasting recovery. Most people feel better than expected after the procedure, both physically and emotionally.
Will I feel better after breast implant removal?
It is completely normal to have mixed feelings leading up to the procedure. However, if your implants are causing pain and discomfort or other health concerns, it’s important to prioritize what is best for you and your health. Many patients report feeling more like themselves and more confident after having their breast implants removed.
It’s important to understand that everyone’s experience and reasoning for the removal is unique. With the right support and a skilled, qualified surgeon, most people find the recovery process manageable and the results positive. If you are considering removal, know that you are not alone. Dr. Newman at Temecula Plastic Surgery is ready to help guide you through this transition.
What do breasts look like after implant removal?
There are many factors taken into consideration in determining what your breast implants would look like after removal. These include your age, the size of the implant, and the duration for which you had the implants. Each of these factors plays a role in determining the final shape and appearance of your breasts after a breast implant removal.
How to tighten skin after breast implant removal?
After breast implant removal, it is normal to notice an increase in loose or stretched skin. Because of this, many patients will choose to get their breast implant removal surgery with a breast lift. Fortunately, our bodies often adjust on their own, and skin gradually tightens over several months. However, sometimes, the skin doesn’t tighten as much as we hoped for. There are several procedures available to help reshape and add firmness to your breasts. Some of these procedures include breast implant exchange, breast lift, and fat transfer.
Is breast implant removal surgery dangerous?
Breast implant removal is generally safe, especially when it is performed by a board-certified surgeon such as Dr. Newman. However, as with any surgery, there are some risks of bleeding, infection, and changes in sensation. With proper pre-and post-surgery care, these complications are very rare.
Most patients experience a smoother recovery compared to their original breast augmentation surgery. This is primarily due to less manipulation of breast tissue and skin. Dr. Newman will review your medical history, discuss any specific concerns you may have, and take steps to minimize risks before, during, and after the surgery.
How long does breast implant removal surgery take?
Breast implant removal surgery takes 1 to 2 hours, depending on the complexity of the procedure. If you are only having the implants removed with no additional procedure included, the surgery is usually on the shorter side. However, if you’re also having a breast lift, capsule removal (like a capsulectomy), or other corrective procedures, it may take a bit longer.
Most surgeries are performed under general anesthesia at the Plastic Surgery Center of Temecula, which means you’ll likely be able to go home the same day. This facility has been in operation for 30 years and provides privacy along with personalized care tailored to each individual.
What Our Patients Are Saying
Breast Implant Removal Surgery Reviews
“Dr. Newman has given me a tummy tuck. That was in 2007. I am now recovering from a brow lift, facelift and neck lift that he did as well. I have received wonderful care. He has been able to answer all of my questions when needed. He takes careful attention to detail and precaution before surgery. When my facelift is fully healed I will add pictures.”
Esther Henderson
“Great Face lift, Eyes brows, neck and Chin. Very pleased, Easy, pleasant and healed quickly! This is a very good doctor! I’m 63 and look great!! Just saying there’s a great deal of experience in this doctor!”
Jackie Gibson
“I did my research for months, Dr. Newman was 1 of 4 of my consultations . His bedside manner and honesty took me back for a second consultation . I booked my appointment and left the rest in the hands of Dr. Newman and his staff! I couldn’t have made a better decision. Each and every staff member was great! They made me feel like family . Thank you for everything Dr. Newman and Staff!”
Rayven Carr