Breast Implant Removal Shreveport, Louisiana

There are many reasons someone may want or need breast augmentation removal. 

You may be a good candidate for breast augmentation removal if you:

• are physically healthy and your weight is stable
• do not smoke
• have experienced discomfort or pain and believe it is due to your implants
• feel your breasts are too heavy
• feel the scar tissue around your implant becoming harder or tighter
• notice that imaging suggests your implants are leaking or have ruptured 
• have experienced a rupture or leak in your implants 

If you are considering a breast augmentation removal, it is important to consult with a qualified plastic surgeon about what to expect during the procedure and during recovery.

The true cost of the surgery can vary widely. 

For instance, the above cost does not include anesthesia or other surgery-related expenses. Prices will vary wildly from state to state as well.

It is possible that insurance may cover this procedure if it is medically necessary, but whether or not your insurance will cover a breast augmentation removal needs to be addressed on a case-to-case basis. Your insurance may have requirements to cover the surgery, such as documentation that non-surgical remedies failed to fix the medical issue.

Extra costs could include:

• Surgeon’s fee
• Hospital or surgical facility costs
• Medical tests and x-rays
• Fees for post-surgical garments 
• Prescriptions for medication

Before scheduling your breast augmentation removal, you will need to have a consultation with your plastic surgeon. During your consultation, your surgeon will discuss with you:

• Your expectations of the procedure
• Any medical conditions or drug allergies you have, or any medical treatments you are currently undergoing
• Current medications you take
• Alcohol, tobacco, and drug use
• Previous surgeries

Your plastic surgeon will also need to:

• Examine your breasts
• Take ‘before’ photographs
• Evaluate your general health to determine pre-existing conditions or risk factors
• Discuss likely outcomes of the surgery, as well as potential complications

Any time you go into surgery, it is important to be candid with your surgeon about your health and your lifestyle. It is also important to ask your plastic surgeon any questions you may have and discuss any anxiety you may be feeling with them.

Preparing for a breast augmentation removal is much like preparing for any other surgery. You will most likely receive a medical evaluation and multiple lab tests. You may also be asked to:

• Take certain medications or alter the medications you are currently taking
• Stop smoking
• Avoid taking aspirin, anti-inflammatory drugs, or anything that thins the blood

Anesthesia

You may be sedated intravenously, or with general anesthesia. Your plastic surgeon and anesthesiologist will recommend the method that is best for you.

Incision

A small incision will be made on the inner fold of the breast, or in the space just below the areola. The implant will be removed, and any excessive scar tissue will be excised. If it is not necessary for the scar tissue to be excised, it will be left for the body to break down itself as you heal and recover from surgery. 

Specific techniques used to remove your implant will depend entirely on your situation, and your plastic surgeon.

Breast Lift

In some cases, it may be necessary to do a breast lift in conjunction with a breast implant, to address any excess skin on the upper part of the chest where implants add fullness.

Closing Incisions 

Sutures, adhesives, tapes, or clips will be used to close your incisions, and your breasts will be covered in surgical dressing.

Apart from surgical dressings, you will also likely have drains to drain excess blood or serous fluid that may collect under the skin. These drains will need to remain for 2-3 days.

You will also likely be given:

• Specific instructions on how to care for your surgical site
• Specific health concerns to look for, following surgery
• Medications to reduce the risk of infection
• A follow-up appointment with your plastic surgeon 

You may be placed in a compression garment in order to manage any swelling that might occur post-surgery. Physical activity may be prohibited by your surgeon for several days after surgery, after which physical activity should be kept light and non-stressful.

There are risks to every surgery, even the most straightforward ones. The potential risks of breast augmentation removal surgery include but are not limited to:

• Bleeding
• Infection
• Incisions that do not heal well
• Hematoma (bruising)
• Anesthesia risks
• Fluid accumulation
• Loss of skin
• Numbness in the area of the nipple/areola
• Skin discoloration and prolonged swelling
• Scarring
• Asymmetry 

It is important that you speak to your plastic surgeon about these risks; some of them can be easily remedied. For instance, asymmetry can be solved with a breast lift to accompany your breast augmentation removal. 

If you are healthy and follow your plastic surgeon’s instructions before and after surgery, you will have the best possible chance of a positive result.

The results of a breast augmentation removal surgery depend largely on the size of the implants that were removed, and the issue which led you to seek removal in the first place. Swelling may also delay your final results; postoperative changes can take up to a year to go away completely. 

With this particular surgery, there are dozens of factors that may contribute to the final result: if you had implants for a long time, for instance, your remaining breast tissue might be very thin. If your breast implants ruptured or were leaking, additional surgeries may be necessary to ensure there is no remaining silicone left free-floating in the body.

Despite these variables, the vast majority of Americans walk away from a breast augmentation removal with positive results.

However, following your plastic surgeon’s instructions, and being candid with them about your expectations and feelings, is the best way to ensure that your surgery is successful.