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What Is Breast Implant Removal?

While most patients are happy with their implants after breast augmentation surgery, a few may have a change of heart and wish to return to their natural chest size. In this case, Dr. Lukavsky can remove the implants and perform fat transfer or mastopexy to ensure that the chest looks natural and feminine after surgery. Breast augmentation patients also occasionally experience complications with their implants, which can necessitate an implant removal procedure for medical reasons. Breast explant may be performed to mitigate concerns such as capsular contracture, implant leakage, or BII (Breast Implant Illness.) 

Breast Implant Removal Before & After Photos

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What Is A Capsulectomy?

In cases where implant removal is necessary due to complications like BII, capsular contracture, or BIA-ALCL (Breast Implant-Associated Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma), Dr. Lukavsky may need to perform a capsulectomy. This procedure addresses the scar tissue left behind in the chest pockets that were housing the implants. Removing both the implants and their capsules can be instrumental in restoring your health and well-being. Depending on your unique needs, Dr. Lukavsky can perform the following types of capsulectomies:

Total Capsulectomy

With this option, Dr. Lukavsky will remove the implants first and then evacuate the capsule material, carefully dissecting the pocket’s surface and then removing all portions of the scar tissue.

Partial Capsulectomy

Here, Dr. Lukavsky will remove the implants and then extract a portion of the capsule, leaving the remaining pieces of scar tissue to be reabsorbed by the body over time.

En Bloc Capsulectomy

With an en bloc capsulectomy, Dr. Lukavsky will remove the implants and the entire capsule at the same time, an approach that is typically recommended when the patient has experienced BII or BIA-ALCL.

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What Are The Benefits Of Breast Implant Removal?

Implant removal performed by Dr. Lukavsky in Chicago, IL, comes with a wide range of transformative benefits, including the following:

  • Lowers health risks
  • Improves well-being and peace of mind
  • Relieves symptoms of BII and capsular contracture
  • Restores the natural appearance of the chest
  • Patients no longer need to replace their implants in the future

Who Is A Good Candidate For Breast Implant Removal In Chicago?

Women may choose to remove their implants due to a variety of factors. Common reasons include:

  • The desire to return to their original breast shape and size
  • The desire to pursue fat transfer augmentation instead of implants
  • Unhappiness with breast asymmetry 
  • Implant malposition
  • Capsular contracture
  • Chronic discomfort and pain
  • Concerns related to textured implants
  • Breast Implant Illness
  • Implant rupture

Regardless of your reasons for pursuing breast implant removal, Dr. Lukavsky will spend the time needed to make sure you are well-informed about your options so you can make the best choices for your health and well-being. To qualify for surgery, you will need to be a healthy non-smoker at a stable weight. It is also important that you have realistic expectations for your results based on your private consultation with Dr. Lukavsky.

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How Is Breast Implant Removal Performed?

In most cases, Dr. Lukavsky will be able to utilize the original incisions for your implant removal surgery, ensuring no new scars are created. Even if he needs to create new incisions, such as when mastopexy is added to explant surgery, he will do everything possible to minimize postoperative scarring. Once your incisions are created, Dr. Lukavsky will carefully remove your implants. In certain cases of capsular contracture, BII, or BIA-ALCL, he may perform a capsulectomy to address hardened scar tissue.

Real Patient Testimonial

“Dr. Lukavsky is a thoughtful, compassionate expert in breast surgery who provided in-depth information and encouragement during the consultation process. He isn’t afraid to tell you the truth about what is possible, as his underlying goal is to protect your best interests and make sure your procedure is performed safely. He is patient, kind, and warm, and you immediately feel you are in the best of hands.” – J. James, Chicago, IL 

Why Choose Dr. Lukavsky At Gold Coast Plastic Surgery For Breast Implant Removal?

Dr. Lukavsky is a board-certified Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon in Chicago who utilizes his extensive training and meticulous attention to detail to provide patients with superior cosmetic results. In addition to his skill and reputation for excellence, Dr. Lukavsky has a gentle and compassionate bedside manner that instantly sets new patients at ease as they embark on the complex journey of breast implant removal. 

At Gold Coast Plastic Surgery, we understand that each individual requires a unique treatment plan that corresponds to their comfort level, goals, and aesthetic tastes. Dr. Lukavsky will carefully listen to your concerns and provide you with insightful recommendations for achieving your ideal appearance and optimal health.

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What Will Recovery Entail?

Recovery time will vary a bit based on whether you underwent a capsulectomy, mastopexy, or fat transfer procedure in tandem with your breast implant removal surgery. In general, you can expect about the same or slightly less downtime as you experienced when you underwent breast augmentation. Most patients will need to take around one week off from work.

 Heavy lifting and strenuous exercise should be avoided for around 4-6 weeks. Dr. Lukavsky will provide you with a detailed aftercare plan, prescriptions for pain medications, and a compression garment to help reduce postoperative swelling. If any questions or concerns arise during your healing process, Dr. Lukavsky and his team will respond to you right away with next steps.

Breast Implant Removal FAQ

Is breast implant removal painful?

Should implants be changed every ten years?

What are the symptoms of breast implant illness?

Is breast implant removal painful?

The surgery is performed under general anesthesia, so you will be resting peacefully while Dr. Lukavsky removes your implants. Afterward, it is common to feel soreness in the chest. However, discomfort can be well-managed with prescription pain medications and bed rest.

Should implants be changed every ten years?

Yes, it is recommended that implants be changed after around ten years, as after that, the rate of complications can increase significantly. If implants are left in too long, it can lead to capsular contracture or implant rupture.

What are the symptoms of breast implant illness?

If you are experiencing fatigue, pain, cognitive changes, burning in the chest, dry eyes, or joint pain, and you think your implants might be the cause, speak with your primary care doctor and your plastic surgeon to be diagnosed with BII.

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