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What should I expect during my breast implant removal recovery?

What should I expect during my breast implant removal recovery?

Model, not actual patient.

In some cases, there may be a need to remove breast implants after breast augmentation cosmetic surgery. This procedure requires great skill to restore a natural appearance to the breasts.

The recovery will be accelerated if breast implant replacement is not involved. At the time of the pre-operative consultation, the breast surgeon will elaborate on various facets of the breast implant removal procedure, including the recovery process.

 

Full Disclosure

The surgeon will assist the patient in making a well-considered decision by informing them on all aspects of the breast implant removal procedure.

Board certified female plastic surgeon Dr. Farah Naz Khan provides breast implant removal surgery to patients in Dallas, Texas, and surrounding communities.

 

Limited Downtime

When the patient seeks only breast implant removal and replacement after the primary breast augmentation plastic surgery, the recovery is comparatively easier and quicker.

There will be a downtime of four to five days involved, following which the patient can return to her normal routine or resume work. The actual recovery length can vary marginally between patients, depending on various aspects.

 

Pain and Discomfort

After breast implant removal, the patient will usually experience only mild pain and discomfort. The surgeon may prescribe pain medications for the initial few days to ensure that the patient remains comfortable.

In the early recovery phase, the patient may experience inflammation, itching, and bruising in the incision sites.

A skilled plastic surgeon will try to use the original incisions to undertake breast implant removal. This will prevent any new scars from developing after the procedure.

Some patients may experience sensation changes around the incision sites, such as tingling or numbness. This is usually a temporary condition, which resolves but itself over time.

 

Guidance for Healthy Recovery

The most appropriate way for a patient to ensure a safe and quick recovery after breast implant removal is to follow the surgeon’s post-surgical instructions in a diligent manner. As a start, the patient should avoid smoking for a few weeks after the surgery. Smoking can impede healing and increase the risk of post-op complications.

Inflammation and bruising after breast implant removal cosmetic surgery are typically minimal. However, the patient can undertake measures to reduce these side-effects.

For the initial few days, she should apply cold compresses. She should also try to sleep in a slightly raised position during to initial week to facilitate proper healing.

The patient should take any pain drugs and antibiotics prescribed by the surgeon as directed. She should avoid driving until she is on pain medication.

A majority of patients will be able to resume their routine activities in less than one week. However, they should perform gentle walks within their home from the second day of the procedure.

For around two to four weeks after the surgery, the patient should avoid aggressive exercises, lifting heavy weights, excessive bending motions, and other vigorous activities. This will enable the wounds to heal properly.

 

Key Note

After the breast implant removal process, the breasts will initially appear deflated. It may take two to three weeks for the breasts to regain their fullness.

Board certified female plastic surgeon Dr. Farah Naz Khan receives patients from Dallas, Texas, and nearby areas for breast implant removal surgery.
To schedule a consultation with Board Certified Dallas Plastic SurgeonDr. Farah Khan please call 469-437-5426 or click here to contact us.

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What are the steps of a breast implant removal procedure?

Model, not actual patient.

Breast implant removal is a cosmetic surgery procedure that helps reverse breast enhancement. It involves the removal of breast implants or modification of the size and shape of the implants.

Many women who undergo breast augmentation will eventually need another breast implant revision surgery. These procedures include the following:

  • Removal of the implants and replacement of these with new implants
  • Existing implant repositioning
  • Removal of breast implants without replacement

Board certified female plastic surgeon Dr. Farah Naz Khan provides breast implant removal surgery to patients in Dallas, Texas, and surrounding locations.

 

Breast Implant Removal Candidates

Women commonly choose to have their breast implants removed for the following reasons:

  • Implant Complications: Implant rupture, deflation (if the implant contains saline), or folding are some complications associated with breast implants.
  • Personal Choice: Certain women may feel that their implants are not appropriately shaped or sized. Over time, the implants may have shifted into the wrong position due to weight gain, weight loss, or pregnancies.
  • Other Complications: Other complications related to breast implants include capsular contracture, tension bands asymmetry, leakage of silicone, displacement, and infection.

 

Procedure Steps during Breast Implant Removal Surgery

Breast implant removal cosmetic surgery may be performed using general anesthesia. The time taken to complete the procedure is typically between one to three hours. The patient may be able to return home on the day of the surgery itself, depending on their recovery.

The three most common breast implant removal techniques are as follows:

 

Breast Implant Removal Only

The surgeon will place the incisions in the same place as where the breast augmentation surgery was undertaken. In case the patient suffers from capsular contracture, they will remove the hardened capsules to expedite the healing process.

 

Breast Implant Removal with a Breast Lift

The plastic surgeon may undertake a breast lift simultaneously with the breast implant removal if the breast skin has been stretched or sagged. They will eliminate any excess breast skin and tighten the breast tissue for better support. Sometimes the surgeon may re-size the areolas as well to fit the new shape of the breasts better.

 

Deflation

If the patient has saline breast implants, the surgeon may consider deflating them without a surgical procedure. This can take place in their office under local anesthesia. Depending on the outcomes of this procedure, the patient may require further surgery such as breast implant replacement or a breast lift procedure.

 

Post-Op Recovery

The recovery from breast implant surgery differs between patients. However, most breast surgeons concur that recovery following this surgery is typically smoother than the earlier breast augmentation procedure.

But patients who have received a breast lift after their breast implants have been taken out will experience heavy and tight breasts for a few weeks.

A majority of women are able to resume work in five days and report experiencing minimal discomfort following the procedure. Patients who have had breast implants removed because of capsular contracture will usually experience more discomfort and undergo a long recovery phase.  

 

Not 100%

Breast implant removal scars usually heal well and are often discreet. It is vital to understand that these scars heal in phases with the entire process taking between three to four months. The scars will fade over time but will never completely disappear.

Board certified female plastic surgeon Dr. Farah Naz Khan receives patients from Dallas, Texas, and nearby areas for breast implant removal surgery.
To schedule a consultation with Board Certified Dallas Plastic SurgeonDr. Farah Khan please call 469-437-5426 or click here to contact us.

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How should you prepare for breast implant removal?

How should you prepare for breast implant removal? | Dallas, Texas

Model, not actual patient.

Thorough preparation is vital for a significant procedure such as breast implant removal surgery. Patients considering this cosmetic surgery procedure should invest the time and energy to prepare meticulously for the pre and post-operative stages.

Preparing adequately for breast implant removal surgery will offer the patient medical benefits and enable her to enjoy a relaxed and stress-free surgical and recovery phase. Board certified female plastic surgeon Dr. Farah Naz Khan provides breast implant removal to patients in Dallas, Texas, and surrounding locations.

 

Surgery Blood Work

Getting blood work done is the primary step in preparing for breast implant removal surgery. Before the surgery, the surgeon will make sure that the patient’s hemoglobin, creatine, electrolytes, and blood clotting ability (INR) are within the normal range.

The patient will also need to undergo an electrocardiogram (ECG / EKG) to ensure her heart health is optimal if she is over 50 years. In case the blood work or EKG indicates an issue, the plastic surgeon will discuss the next steps with the patient.

 

Two Weeks Before to the Surgery

The preparation for the breast implant removal cosmetic surgery begins two weeks prior to the procedure. Patients can initiate the preparation process earlier to avoid rushing at the last minute. Preparing in a timely manner will ensure that the necessary arrangements are made well in time for the procedure.

The patient may arrange for the following before her breast implant removal surgery:

  • A responsible person to drive her back home after the surgery.
  • A friend, family member, or caregiver to remain with her for at least 24 hours after the procedure.
  • Childcare, if required.
  • Pet care, if required.

In addition, the patient may need to make some changes two weeks before the breast implant removal surgery. These may include:

 

Avoid Alcohol Consumption

Alcohol leads to blood thinning which may cause an extended healing period and increased bruising. In fact, the patient should remain hydrated by drinking plenty of water before her breast implant removal cosmetic surgery procedure.

 

Stop Smoking

Nicotine may delay healing and increase the chances of post-op complication development. If the patient smokes, the surgeon will ask her to quit smoking for a specific period before and after her surgery to prevent any associated medical problems in the future.

 

Avoid Ibuprofen or Aspirin

These drugs impact the blood clotting ability of the body. If the patient experiences a headache or body pain, they can use Tylenol (acetaminophen) instead of these medicines.

 

Discontinue Herbal Supplements

The patient may need to discontinue the use of herbal supplements such as ginseng, ginkgo biloba, green tea extract, St. John’s wort, and garlic for some time as these may interfere with the anesthesia. For this reason, she will need to stop taking these herbal supplements two weeks prior to the surgery.

 

Night before the Breast Implant Removal Surgery

On the night before her breast implant removal surgery, the patient should carry out the following important tasks:

  • Cleanse her hair and bathe with an antibacterial soap
  • Not drink or eat anything for at least eight hours before the scheduled time of the implant removal surgery, including chewing gum and water

Board certified female plastic surgeon Dr. Farah Naz Khan receives patients from Dallas, Texas, and nearby areas for breast implant removal or replacement surgery.


To schedule a consultation with Board Certified Dallas Plastic SurgeonDr. Farah Khan please call 469-437-5426 or click here to contact us.

Now receiving patients from Dallas, Fort Worth, Plano, Grapevine, McKinney and other surrounding greater Texas areas.

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What are the risks of breast implant removal?

What are the risks of breast implant removal? | Dallas, Texas

Model, not actual patient.

For women who have suffered breast implant damage or those who experience a change in their personal preferences, breast implant revision cosmetic surgery is an effective solution.

This may involve breast implant removal or replacement. But like any other surgical procedures, breast implant removal surgery also has some associated risks of complications.

In general, breast implant removal surgery could be a more complex procedure than the primary breast augmentation procedure, particularly when it is combined with breast lift. Board certified female plastic surgeon Dr. Farah Naz Khan provides breast implant removal to patients in Dallas, Texas, and surrounding communities.

 

Potential Surgical Complications

At the time of the pre-operative consultation, the breast surgeon will explain the potential risks and complications of the procedure to the patient. On their part, the patient should follow the surgeon’s pre and post-surgical instructions in a committed manner to minimize the risks. Breast implant removal surgery has the following associated risks:

  • Adverse reaction to anesthesia
  • Bacterial infection
  • Unwanted aesthetic outcomes
  • Bleeding
  • Undesirable scarring

 

Specific Risks associated with Breast Implant Removal

Breast implant removal by itself is a largely straightforward procedure. But it may sometimes have to be undertaken along with a breast lift cosmetic surgery for optimal results. A patient may experience the following rare but serious complications during or after an implant removal procedure:

  • Bleeding
  • Scarring
  • Sensation loss or altered sensation in the nipple area

The breasts will likely not appear the same as they did before the breast augmentation surgery. The patient might experience some breast deformity or sagginess, specifically if they had larger implants. A breast lift surgery in combination with a breast removal procedure can help create more appealing results in such cases.

Sometimes, the patient may feel that her natural breasts appear smaller after implant removal than what she remembers.

The reason for this occurrence could be hormonal changes or weight loss that occurred when the patient initially received breast implants. It is important for patients to have realistic expectations from the breast implant removal surgery for desirable results.

 

Risks associated with Breast Implant Replacement

Breast implant replacement surgery involves the same risks as those present at the time of the primary breast enlargement procedure. Although rare, the following complications are associated with a breast implant replacement procedure:

  • Shifting of the implant from its place
  • Implant rupture
  • Capsular contracture
  • Implant rippling
  • Change in sensation of the breast

A woman choosing larger implants for her breast revision surgery may experience more discomfort as her body will take time to adjust to the new implants. Furthermore, the surgery to place the bigger implants will be more complex and invasive.

In this procedure, the surgeon will create new breast pockets to hold the larger implants. They may have to change the placement position of the implants as well, which causes a slight increase in the risks associated with the procedure.

Importantly, any breast revisions surgery has some level of risk associated with it. Therefore, a patient should consider a replacement surgery only if she experiences a complication or wants to alter her breast size.

Board certified female plastic surgeon Dr. Farah Naz Khan receives patients from Dallas, Texas, and nearby areas for breast implant removal or replacement surgery.

 

To schedule a consultation with Board Certified Dallas Plastic SurgeonDr. Farah Khan please call 469-437-5426 or click here to contact us.

Read Reviews:

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