Conveniently located for Fairfield County & Westchester patients
If you want your breast implants taken out, Dr. Elsa Raskin performs breast implant removal in Greenwich. Removal may or may not be accompanied by the placement of new implants, which is typically necessary every ten years or so.
Why Do Patients Seek Breast Implant Removal?
There are a few reasons why women would want their breast implants removed. A very common reason to have a breast implant taken out is when the scar-tissue capsule that surrounds the implant becomes hard (capsular contracture). This distorts the implant and causes stiffness and pain.
In other cases, women may opt for the removal of implants because they simply don’t want them in their bodies anymore. Removal may also be necessary in cases when a woman is suffering from illnesses as a result of their breast implants.
* Individual results may vary.
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View before-and-after pictures of real patients of Dr. Elsa Raskin
The Initial Consultation
Just as you did when you had breast augmentation surgery, you will need to consult with a skilled plastic surgeon about the process of removal. You and Dr. Raskin will discuss your goals and concerns during this consultation. An evaluation of the state of your breast implants will also be conducted.
The procedure of having breast implants removed is generally not a complicated one. There are certain cases in which the implant has ruptured or deflated, which may involve more complex surgery. Nonetheless, in the hands of an experienced surgeon, desired results can still be achieved with success.
The Breast Implant Removal Procedure
When performing breast implant removal, Dr. Raskin usually accesses the implants through the same incision from your breast augmentation. This approach helps minimize additional scarring and makes the process smoother for her patients.
If there is scar tissue, called a capsule, around the implant, Dr. Raskin carefully removes part or all of it. Removing the scar tissue can help ensure your breasts feel and look as natural and soft as possible after the surgery. It can also reduce any tightness, discomfort, or distortion caused by the capsule.
After removing the implant and any scar tissue, Dr. Raskin evaluates your breast position. Sometimes, the skin and tissue stretch over time and your breasts may sag once the implants are out. If needed, Dr. Raskin may perform a breast lift at this stage. A lift repositions the breasts higher on the chest, creating a more youthful, natural shape.
Depending on your goals and needs, Dr. Raskin may also recommend a volume-adding procedure during the same surgery.
Breast Implant Removal vs. Replacement
Choosing whether to remove or replace your implants is a very personal decision. Some patients are happy with their natural volume after implant removal, while others may want a little more enhancement to meet their aesthetic goals.
If you feel that your breast volume might not match your vision after removal, Dr. Raskin can perform a fat grafting procedure where she uses fat from another part of your body to enhance your breast shape and restore fullness naturally without the need for new implants. This technique uses donor fat (from your abdomen or thighs) to add subtle, natural-looking fullness.
Alternatively, if you prefer implants but want a different look, Dr. Raskin can swap your old implants for a new size or shape. Whether you want smaller, larger, rounder, or more natural-looking implants, she can customize the replacement to suit your goals.
For patients unsure about what they will want after implant removal, Dr. Raskin often recommends waiting about six months before deciding on the next step. This healing time allows your skin and tissues to retract and adjust to your new contours naturally. If you still desire more volume after that period, Dr. Raskin will guide you through your options and help you plan the perfect solution.
After Surgery
After surgery, your breasts will be dressed in gauze bandages and you may have drains (to drain out excess fluid) as well. Dr. Raskin may recommend that you wear a supportive bra without underwire. This will help with the swelling that normally occurs after this kind of surgery.
Taking time off from work will be necessary, and you must not participate in strenuous activities until all healing is complete. This will ensure that your incisions heal properly.
Results
The aesthetic results of having your breast implants removed depend on the size of the implants and the amount and quality of the breast tissue. Age plays a role in what your breasts will look like after removal as well, since many patients have had the original surgery performed a decade or more earlier.
Surgeons often recommend a breast lift, or mastopexy, surgery in order to combat the appearance of sagging skin that may appear after the removal of implants. This procedure removes loose excess skin and tightens and shapes the remaining skin for a perkier appearance.
FAQs
What will my breasts look like after explant surgery?
Results depend on implant size, how long you had them, your skin elasticity, and whether Dr. Raskin performed additional procedures like breast lift or fat grafting. Dr. Raskin reviews all these factors during your consultation to give you a clear idea of what to expect.
How long does recovery take after implant removal?
Recovery time may vary with the complexity of your procedure, but many women resume light activities, including work, in around 7-10 days. Full recovery, including a return to strenuous exercise, typically takes about six weeks. Dr. Raskin provides detailed post-operative care instructions to support your healing process.
Will I need a breast lift after implant removal?
Not everyone needs a breast lift after explant surgery. Dr. Raskin evaluates your breast tissue and skin elasticity during surgery. If sagging is noticeable, she can perform a lift simultaneously with your implant removal to enhance your final results. If necessary Dr. Raskin will perform a breast lift 6 months after your explant surgery.
Does breast implant removal leave noticeable scars?
Because Dr. Raskin typically uses your original incision sites, new scarring is minimal. Any scars that do form generally fade over time with proper care. She provides specific instructions to help scars heal discreetly. In cases of advanced capsular contracture, Dr. Raskin will have to use an inframmamary incision.
Can I replace my implants with smaller ones?
Yes, you can choose smaller implants to maintain some volume without a dramatic change. During your consultation, Dr. Raskin discusses your best implant options and sizing to ensure you’re comfortable and happy with your outcome.
What is the cost of breast implant removal?
It depends on the complexity of your surgery, whether you have additional procedures, and other individual factors. In general, cost is usually around $4,000-$6,000.
Set Up a Consultation
To schedule your consultation for breast implant removal in Greenwich, contact the office of Dr. Elsa Raskin. Dr. Raskin has the years of experience needed to perform this and numerous other breast surgeries with quality results.
