BREAST IMPLANT REMOVAL / EXPLANT
REMOVAL OF BREAST IMPLANTS IN MAUI, HAWAII
Occasionally patients who have breast implants for a long period of time wish to have them removed. The reasons for this are varied.
Commonly in Maui it is a patient who finds that their lifestyle is now much more active. Breast implants, especially those that are larger can impede activity when surfing, practicing yoga, or hiking. Or perhaps you now desire a more natural look. If you feel you are being affected by breast implant illness please schedule a consultation to discuss further. It is important to fully rule out medical causes before resorting to surgery.
In some cases Dr. Ivey is able to remove a patient’s breast implants in our office under local anesthesia. To have implants removed in the office (rather than a surgery center or hospital) there are criteria that need to be met: no signs of capsular contracture, no signs of silicone implant rupture and have obviously palpable implants.
CAPSULAR CONTRACTURE
Capsular contracture is a known complication of breast implant placement. It can present as a change or shift in the implant position, firmness, or pain. The capsule around the implant is a normal process that the body forms when a breast implant is first placed. It is usually soft and supple. If you have any suggestion of a problem with your capsule you are not a candidate for removal under local anesthesia.
WHAT IS LOCAL ANESTHESIA?
In order to have a procedure performed in the office without an anesthesia provider, the patient must be totally committed to having the procedure done without general anesthesia. Dr. Ivey uses a mixture of lidocaine and epinephrine to provide a comfortable experience.
Many women have been able to have the implants removed under local anesthesia. If there is significant anxiety prior to the procedure an oral sedative can be given prior to the procedure. The patient must have a ride home afterward.
An equally important part of the procedure is the calm atmosphere and privacy that an office procedure can provide. Dr. Ivey will typically play relaxing music.
EXPLANT
When a patient requests an “explant” procedure that usually implies that the capsule is to be removed along with the implant. In most cases this is not needed if the capsule is healthy, soft, and has no contracture. However, if the patient is requesting this procedure or if it is indicated for another reason Dr. Ivey will perform this procedure in the hospital or surgery center for safety reasons.
HOW WILL MY BREASTS LOOK AFTER THE IMPLANTS ARE REMOVED?
Your breasts may look different than before you initially had the implants placed. This is because of stretching of the tissues that has occurred over time due to the implants and also the natural aging process. If your skin quality is good, much of this can resolve over the next few months after removal.
This is one way that an educated and fully informed decision can be made about the current state of your breasts without implants. It is difficult to guess what the breasts will look like until the implants are out. In the best cases, the patient is happy with their natural breasts. If they appear a little droopy a breast lift (mastopexy), or fat transfer to the breast can be performed. Please see us for a full consultation including 3D imaging.
Click here to read more about my signature breast augmentation procedure.