Discover your Explantation options at Beverly Friedlander MD Plastic Surgery in New Jersey
Board Certified Female Plastic Surgeon Dr. Beverly Friedlander
Breast augmentation is a trendy procedure, but breast implants may not be for everyone. Breast Implant removal or Explantation is an option for patients who are unhappy with their implants and wish to restore natural-looking breasts.
Beverly Friedlander, MD
Your breasts will look smaller, but most often, they will resemble the appearance before implant surgery. When you undergo implant removal, you are left with a pleasing shape. However, it is essential to remember that changes in the body may have occurred since the implants were inserted. Weight changes, pregnancy, nursing, and time will all affect the appearance of the natural breast tissue. In addition, the need for multiple surgeries or the treatment of implant surgery complications such as capsular contracture and rupture may lead to scarring, affecting the amount of breast tissue and the final appearance.
There comes a time when some women decide they no longer want their implants.
Most women are pleased with their improved appearance after breast augmentation, but breast augmentation may not be for everyone. You may choose to remove (or replace) your implants for any of the following reasons:
Beverly Friedlander, MD
Dr. Friedlander can discuss your options during your consultation. Some women are concerned that their breasts will sag or lose fullness in the upper portion after implant removal. Dr. Friedlander can address your concerns with fat grafting or by lifting the breast tissue through auto-augmentation.
Prior to your surgery, Dr. Friedlander will review the procedure and discuss the various techniques and incision locations.
An explantation procedure is usually performed with an incision placed in the breast (inframammary) fold, most often utilizing the scar from the original surgery. The implant is carefully removed during the procedure. If the scar tissue (capsule) surrounding the implant is thickened or hardened, it may be necessary to remove the entire capsule. This is called a total capsulectomy. If the capsule is very thin and flimsy, some of it may be left behind as removing all of it may damage the surrounding breast tissue. It will adhere to itself as the body heals. Drains are placed in the old implant pocket to help with the healing process. They are removed after a few days.
The recovery tends to be easier than the original surgery. Dr. Friedlander will provide you with a prescription for pain medication but, since there is no stretching of the muscle or skin from the implant, there is less discomfort and less need for analgesics.
You will need to wear a sports bra for several weeks to aid in the recovery. There is no strenuous activity permitted for four weeks after the surgery. It is common to have swelling, and if lifts or fat transfers have been performed, you may find areas of irregularity and firmness in the beginning. However, as the healing progresses and the tissue settles, these will gradually improve, resulting in a natural shape.
View GalleryDr. Beverly Friedlander has 25 years of surgical experience and is certified by The American Board of Plastic Surgery.Learn more to see if Explantation is right for you. Then, tour our accredited surgical facility in Short Hills, New Jersey, and meet for a private consultation with Dr. Beverly Friedlander. If you are interested in breast implant removal and to find out if you are a candidate for this procedure, please contact us to schedule a consultation or call our office at (973) 912-9120 .
It is obvious when saline implants rupture. The sterile saline fluid, which is not viscous, immediately leaks out of the implant in approximately 24 hours, making the affected breast noticeably smaller. The fluid is harmless, but many patients want to correct the cosmetic irregularity as quickly as possible. Dr. Friedlander offers implant replacement or Explantation, depending on your preferences.
Also called a “silent rupture,” a ruptured silicone implant leaks slowly. Unlike saline implants, you will not notice a sudden decrease in size. Instead, the process is gradual. Because silicone implant leaking may go undetected for years, it is vital to have bi-annual mammography with ultrasound. If the study is suggestive of an implant rupture, an MRI is suggested for greater accuracy. If your implant is ruptured, Dr. Friedlander can perform an Explantation or replace the implants for you.
After your initial implant placement, your body develops a capsule that encases the implant since it is a foreign object. This is not problematic in itself, but in some cases, capsular contracture develops, causing the capsule to constrict one or both implants. In these cases, Dr. Friedlander performs a capsulectomy with either implant removal or replacement.
Capsular contracture is progressive. In the early stages, it may be unnoticeable or cause a sensation of tightness in the breasts. Late-stage capsular contracture can be quite painful. The implant may appear hard, tight, or distorted in shape. While the condition is not life-threatening, it is a good idea to address it promptly with a breast revision, which may include replacement implants or implant removal. As an experienced surgeon for breast augmentations in New Jersey, Dr. Friedlander can assist you whether you decide to keep your implants or not.
Dr. Friedlander became a plastic surgeon to make a real difference in the lives of her patients. She started her practice in New Jersey three decades ago, and still treats some of her very first patients to this day! Experience the difference that comes from working with a true plastic surgery professional who cares about your results by scheduling your consultation with Dr. Bev.
636 Morris Turnpike, Suite 1A, Short Hills, New Jersey 07078