Breast Implant Removal & Breast Implant Exchange

Conveniently located to serve Columbus and Lancaster

Board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Jason Lichten is considered a top provider of breast implant removal and implant exchange in Columbus. Dr. Lichten is known for his ability to combine artistry and surgical skill to help patients achieve their treatment goals. Under his care, countless women have been able to resolve their medical and aesthetic concerns with this procedure.

What Is Breast Implant Removal Surgery and Implant Exchange?

Breast implant removal involves removing unwanted and/or problematic breast implants for cosmetic or medical purposes. Dr. Lichten customizes each breast implant removal surgery he performs to best address the patient’s needs.

He is qualified and experienced in removing saline and silicone implants for a variety of reasons. He will carefully assess your situation and determine if a breast implant removal, breast implant removal with breast lift, or en bloc capsulectomy is best for you.

Sometimes patients will choose to have new implants placed during the same surgery in what is known as an “implant exchange.” Other times, patients opt for removal without replacement. Dr. Lichten has performed the surgery both ways—the choice is the patient’s.

Dr. Lichten frequently performs breast implant removal/implant exchange surgery to address the following concerns:

Capsular contracture

Fibrous scar tissue develops around breast implants as the body’s way of keeping implants stable; this scar tissue is called a “capsule.” However, some women develop excessive scar tissue that hardens and contracts around the implant. This can lead to pain as well as cosmetic issues that can only be resolved by removing the breast implants and the capsule.

Increasing breast size

Breast implant exchange can be performed to exchange existing implants with larger implants to augment the breast contours. Some women find that they desire larger breasts than their initial breast implant procedure accomplished. In this case, existing implants can be removed and replaced with new implants to achieve the patient’s aesthetic goals.

Decreasing breast size

Some women undergo breast implant removal to reduce the size of their augmented breasts. For women who want to reduce their breast size, there are two breast implant removal options. Dr. Lichten can either exchange the large implants for smaller implants or can remove the implants without placing new implants.

A breast lift is often paired with breast implant removal/exchange surgeries in order to reshape the breasts, as the remaining tissue can appear droopy once the breast volume is reduced.

Breast implant illness

Some women report symptoms of “breast implant illness” after breast augmentation. Breast implant illness is possibly a negative reaction in the immune system to any foreign body. To date, no scientific paper has shown a definite link between breast implants and these symptoms.

Breast implant illness can be associated with a wide range of physical and psychological conditions. Chronic fatigue, painful muscles and joints, anxiety, difficulty concentrating, hair loss, and gastrointestinal issues are just some of the symptoms reported by patients with breast implant illness.

In cases where a patient is experiencing symptoms of breast implant illness, implant removal may help lessen the inflammatory responses that may be caused by breast implants and possibly lessen or eliminate these symptoms. Dr. Lichten has had patients who have had their implants removed report both resolution and no change in symptoms. After the breast implants are removed, a breast lift can be performed to reposition sagging tissue for an aesthetic result.

Breast Implant Removal Before & Afters

 

View Breast Implant Removal Gallery

Am I a Good Candidate for Breast Implant Removal/Implant Exchange?

There are many reasons why women choose to have a breast implant removal or implant exchange procedure. Candidates for this surgery may have health issues, such as breast implant illness or ruptured implants. Patients with hardened scar tissue (capsular contracture) and/or pain related to their breast implants can also be candidates, as can women who want to update their look with a new breast size.

Breast implant removal and implant exchange candidates must be of sound mind and body. The choice to undergo this procedure should be your own decision and not made due to the influence of others. Dr. Lichten will speak with you about your reasons for removing your breast implants and your expectations for the surgery to ensure that the procedure is right for you.

As with any surgical procedure, it is important that candidates commit to following Dr. Lichten’s pre-and post-treatment instructions. It is essential that patients are willing to refrain from smoking for 4 weeks before and after surgery to maximize the chances of an expedient recovery and optimal results.

You will also be restricted from lifting, pushing, and pulling more than 10 pounds for 4-6 weeks post-surgery. Make sure that your work, home, and childcare obligations can be met during that time.

Your Breast Implant Removal/Implant Exchange Consultation

Your breast implant removal/implant exchange consultation will involve a physical examination and a detailed discussion of your desired outcome for the procedure directly with Dr. Lichten. Additionally, you will need to provide relevant medical history and disclose all prescription medications you are currently taking.

Dr. Lichten will use the information gathered in your consultation to plan a comfortable and efficient procedure for accomplishing your treatment goals. He will also explain what to expect during and after your breast implant removal or implant exchange surgery and will address any questions you may have.

The Breast Implant Removal/Implant Exchange Procedure

Before the breast implant removal/implant exchange procedure begins, general anesthesia will be administered. After he is certain of your comfort, Dr. Lichten will make the necessary incisions to access and extract your breast implants.

The operation may involve multiple techniques to successfully remove breast capsules as well as the implants. A breast lift is often performed at the same time to address sagging tissue. The specifics of your procedure will be explained to you prior to your surgery, so you will know what to expect.

Once Dr. Lichten has completed all necessary changes, he will close the incisions with sutures and/or skin adhesives. The incision sites will be dressed with gauze or bandages. You will go home wearing a compression garment.

En Bloc Capsulectomy

Patients suffering from capsular contracture may require a type of breast implant removal called an en bloc capsulectomy, or en bloc implant removal. This procedure involves removing an implant and its encasement of hardened scar tissue (the capsule) in one complete piece.

Removing the breast implant while it is still surrounded by the capsule prevents any fluid, silicone gel, bacteria, or any other antibodies or microorganisms from leaking out of the capsule and infecting other parts of the breast. This procedure also makes it easier to remove all the scar tissue, since the dissection keeps both the capsule and breast implant in one piece.

The Recovery Process

Total recovery time after breast implant removal or implant exchange will depend on the extent of your surgery and your body’s natural rate of healing. Patients should anticipate swelling and bruising for several weeks after the procedure. These symptoms will dissipate significantly in the first two weeks after your procedure, though it can take six months or more for the area to fully heal.

Dr. Lichten will provide aftercare instructions regarding compression garments, caring for the surgical sites, medications, and activity restrictions. It is important to adhere to all aftercare guidelines to support the healing process and avoid compromising your results. You will be restricted from lifting, pushing, or pulling more than 10 pounds for 4 to 6 weeks after surgery.

How Much Does Breast Implant Removal/Implant Exchange Cost?

Your breast implant removal or implant exchange procedure will be tailored to your needs, so your surgery will be unique to you. The price of your implant removal surgery will be based on many factors, including the surgical techniques required and whether the procedure is paired with a breast lift and/or implant exchange.

Contact Us to Learn More

Interested in learning more about breast implant removal and implant exchange in Columbus? Contact Central Ohio Plastic Surgery and schedule a consultation. Dr. Lichten is highly qualified and experienced with this procedure, and he provides exceptional care at every step of the treatment process. Call our Lancaster location at 740.653.5064 or our Columbus location at 614.862.8008.