Breast Explant in Augusta, GA

Many patients experience negative side effects and health concerns after a breast implant procedure. If this has happened to you, you could be an excellent candidate for a breast explant. At Southeastern Aesthetic Surgery, our team of skilled surgeons include board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Troy Austin, perform breast explant procedures for residents of Augusta, Evans, Columbia County, and nearby areas in Georgia. We are also happy to provide our services to residents of Aiken and the neighboring communities in South Carolina.

Many patients experience negative symptoms and health concerns that may be related to a previous breast implant procedure. If this has happened to you, you may be a candidate for a breast explantation procedure.

What is Breast Explant?

As the name implies, breast explant is the removal of breast implants. This surgery is performed as an outpatient procedure under general anesthesia and is designed to bring the breasts back to their original, pre-implant size while also eliminating symptoms and discomfort potentially caused by breast augmentation or reconstruction. Dr. Austin, highly experienced in implant removal utilizing the en bloc technique with complete removal of the implant and breast capsule.

Why is Breast Implant Removal Necessary?

Breast implant removal is a personal choice made by women who may be dissatisfied with their breast implants for a number of reasons.

Health Concerns

Anecdotal evidence suggests that some women may experience negative symptoms that may be related to their breast implants. These may include chronic fatigue, soreness, generalized aches and pains, autoimmune disorders, and fibromyalgia. While there is limited scientific evidence that these symptoms are actually caused by breast implants, many women find their symptoms resolve after implant removal. Dr. Austin support a woman’s decision to remove her implants especially when it may be beneficial to her health.

Appearance

Some women who were previously happy with their decision to undergo breast augmentation surgery may decide as they age that larger breasts are no longer right for them. Removing their breasts implants may allow them to achieve smaller, more natural appearing breasts.

Complications

Breast implants can occasionally lead to problems such as implant malposition, in which the implants are no longer in an ideal place (too low or maybe in the armpit). Sometimes the capsule around the implants can become hard and contracted and may lead to pain or disfigurement. Some patients wish to simply remove their implants in an effort to eliminate these problems.

Breast-Implant-Associated Large Cell Lymphoma (BIA-ALCL)

Recent news coverage of a rare type of lymphoma that is associated with certain types of implants has many women asking if their breast implants are safe. BIA-ALCL is an extremely rare type of cancer that can form within the capsule around a breast implant. To date, this has only been discovered in patients who underwent breast implants with a textured surface type of implant. Although this is not a type of breast cancer, it still raises serious health concerns. Specialists are currently researching this disease, which, when found early, is curable with implant removal and total capsulectomy (removal of the diseased breast capsule).

Chemotherapy may or may not be necessary. The FDA is still investigating the link between breast implants and this disease and currently does not recommend preventative implant removal for the general population. Proper education and screening are expected to keep this disease very curable.

How Much Does Breast Explant Cost?

At Southeastern Aesthetic Surgery, we value the unique needs of our patients. That is why we price all of our procedures on an individual basis. This allows us to ensure that you pay for the exact services you need to get the results you deserve.

Our team understands that breast explant surgery may require a substantial financial investment. That is why we are proud to accept a wide range of payment options, including financing through CareCredit®, PatientFi - Click here to apply and Prosper® Healthcare Lending. Your personalized pricing will be calculated during your consultation and we will be glad to discuss your preferred payment method at that time.

Am I a Candidate for Breast Explant?

Many patients experience problems with their breast implants, such as capsular contracture or the feeling that their breast implants are making them sick. As a result, these patients often prefer to have the implants entirely removed, instead of removed and replaced.

If this sounds familiar to your own experience, you could be a good candidate for a breast explant. However, the best way to determine your candidacy for this procedure is to schedule a consultation. Doing so will give you plenty of time to speak with Dr. Austin, so you can explain your concerns and create a plan for moving forward.

How is a Breast Explant Performed?

Breast implant removal is performed as an outpatient procedure under general anesthesia. The entire breast implant and the associated breast capsule is typically removed en bloc (entirely intact) whenever possible. The breast pocket is inspected to ensure that all abnormal tissue is removed.

What is Recovery Like After Breast Explant?

Recovery from a breast explant may feel very similar to recovery from a breast implant. You may have drains after your explant procedure and should be prepared to take time off work to give your body adequate rest. The healing process will take several weeks, and our team will make sure you have detailed post-procedure instructions to ensure the best possible results.

How Long Will My Breast Explant Results Last?

Many patients who were experiencing negative symptoms after their breast implant surgery have found that breast explant allowed them to feel healthy and well once more. After the implants are removed, they are gone forever. This means that the results of your breast explant will be permanent.

Breast Implant Removal FAQ

Is it dangerous to have breast implants removed?

No, having your breast implants removed is no more dangerous than any other routine surgery you may undergo. The risks associated with breast explant surgery are limited to an adverse reaction to anesthesia, bleeding, infection and poor healing. Dr. Austin will closely monitor your healing process following your breast explant to minimize the risks of your breast explant.

How long does it take to recovery from breast implant removal surgery?

The recovery period following your breast explant surgery may very well feel like the recovery process from your initial breast implant or breast augmentation surgery. The healing process may take several weeks, and you may have drains following your explant. It’s important to be prepared to take some time off of work to ensure your body has time to heal properly.

Will I need a lift after breast implant removal?

This really depends on the amount of natural breast tissue you have. Some women whose breast implants weren’t very large do not need a lift following their breast explant surgery. Other women who may have had larger implants may require a breast lift to compensate for the skin that stretched to compensate for their larger breasts.

How long do I have to wear a compression bra after explant?

Typically, you will have to wear a compression bra at all times for the first two weeks following your breast explant surgery. This compression bra is specially designed to help reduce swelling and aid your breast tissue and skin in forming over your new breasts.

How do I know when my breast implants need replacing?

Oftentimes, women replace or remove their breast implants when there is a complication such as a rupture or excess scar tissue around the breast implant. You may also consider a breast explant or breast implant exchange when your breast implants start to get old, about 10 to 15 years after your initial breast augmentation surgery.

Breast explant surgery is an excellent option for patients struggling with sickness or discomfort that they believe could be caused by their breast implants. Our team of skilled plastic surgeons is adept at assisting patients to return to a state of ease with breast explant surgery. Our team has already helped countless patients in and around Evans, GA with their breast implant removal. Now, we are ready to do the same for you. To learn more and schedule your consultation, do not hesitate to contact us.