PROCEDURES

Breast Implant Removal Tampa 

Breast augmentation remains one of the most common cosmetic surgeries performed around the world. Despite extremely high patient satisfaction, certain patients eventually elect to remove their implants. The surgery to remove breast implants is commonly referred to as Explant surgery.

There are a variety of different types of explant procedures that Dr. Fakhre performs. A simple explant surgery is where the implant alone is removed. Most patients wishing to remove their implants will only need to undergo a simple explant surgery. 

In patients whose implants are older, implant ruptures as well as capsular contractures, or hardening of the implants, are common. In these cases an explant with capsulectomy, or removal of the capsules, is more appropriate. An En Bloc Capsulectomy is where the implant and capsule are removed together as a single unit. 

Fortunately today’s breast implants are far superior to older implants and come with a manufacturer’s lifetime warranty against rupture. 

Another important consideration for patients planning explant surgery is whether or not to also perform a breast lift. There is no right or wrong answer here and this depends entirely on a patient’s wishes. During your consultation with Dr. Fakhre, he will listen to your goals, perform a physical exam and formulate a tailored surgical plan best suited for you. 

Reasons for Considering Explant or Breast Implant Removal Surgery in Tampa:

• Leaking implants or implant rupture
• Unsatisfactory result not wanting revision
• Recurrent capsular contracture or hardening of the implants
  
• Patient is at a different phase of life and no longer wants breast implants
  

The Breast Implant Removal Procedure

The explant surgery is usually performed under general anesthesia in an outpatient setting with patients returning home the same day. The surgery to remove breast implants alone generally takes less than an hour to perform. Explant cases where capsulectomy is also performed usually take about two hours to complete. When a breast lift is added, these surgeries can take about four or five hours depending on the complexity of the procedure.

Dr. Fakhre places the incision for breast implant removal in the breast crease which generally hides very well. When a breast lift is also being performed, the incision is most commonly an Anchor incision which runs around the nipples, vertically on the breast and in the breast crease. Dr. Fakhre uses absorbable sutures for his explant surgeries.

The recovery for explant surgery is generally very well tolerated, especially in cases where the implant alone is removed. Dr. Fakhre will wrap the breasts in a compression bandage after surgery. Compression of the breasts with a sports bra or compression bandage should be continued for one month after surgery. Most patients may return to work three to seven days after surgery depending on the type of explant performed. All patients however should refrain from exercise and strenuous activities for one month after surgery. 

Fortunately complications following breast implant removal surgery are rare and following Dr. Fakhre’s postoperative instructions will help reduce the likelihood of problems arising. 

To find out if you'd be a good candidate for breast implant removal or explant surgery in Tampa and Wesley Chapel, Florida, schedule your complimentary consultation with Dr. Fakhre, your  Tampa and Wesley Chapel Plastic  Surgeon, at 813-PLASTIC (752-7842).

Click here to see Dr. Fakhre's Wesley Chapel and Tampa Explant or Breast Implant Removal Surgery Before and After Photos.