The Sunset Difference: Breast Implant Removal
In recent years, more and more women are seeking smaller, more manageable breasts. Celebrities are leading the way with stars like Drew Barrymore, Victoria Beckham, and Jenny McCarthy opting to swap for smaller implants. Patients consider downsizing or removing breast implants for some of the following reasons:
- The woman desires a more natural, proportional appearance.
- Exercise and other physical activity is difficult because of breast size.
- The implants are too large for the woman to support causing her back and/or neck pain.
- The woman does not enjoy the increased attention she receives because of her breast size.
- Improve posture.
- To make it easier to find clothes that fit properly.
- For those with textured implants, they want removal to reduce the risk of BIA-ALCL (a type of lymphoma associated with textured implants)
SWAP EXISTING IMPLANTS
Depending on the natural breast tissue, patients may opt to have their implants removed (or in some cases with saline implants, deflated), or to exchange their existing implants for a set of smaller implants. Surgery to downsize breast implants involves simply switching one implant for another. Sometimes, a breast lift, scar revision, nipple revision, or pocket size adjustment may be necessary if the tissue surrounding the old implant has been stretched and needs to be repaired.
Our highly-experienced breast surgeons, Dr. Yamini and Dr. Svehlak, take great care in considering each woman’s body proportions to determine how a reduced implant size that will look and feel the most comfortable and natural. Unfortunately, not all surgeons who perform breast procedures have the level of experience and training of our surgeons.
For breast implant reduction, it is important to find a board certified plastic surgeon with extensive experience in breast implant revisions. Breast implant surgeons like Dr. Yamini and Dr. Svehlak have many years of experience working with breast implants, whether putting them in, taking them out or revising the type, size or location of the implants.
TYPICAL RECOVERY TIME FOLLOWING BREAST IMPLANT REMOVAL
While some complications are possible, most patients heal quickly and are happy and satisfied with their results. For the first few days after the surgery, you will wear a special surgical bra to minimize swelling and support the breasts. You will continue to wear one of the bras for several weeks at all times. Most patients also wear a breast compression band for the first few weeks. Most women take one to two weeks off from work and normal activity; strenuous activity is not recommended for six weeks after the operation. Upper body activity, especially arm and shoulder movements, are limited until swelling and tenderness dissipates. A slow gradual return to normal activity is recommended.
