BREAST SURGERY
Breast Implant Removal
Breast implant removal, also called explant surgery, takes out existing breast implants. Some people no longer want implants; others seek assessment for discomfort, hardening or a suspected implant problem. This page focuses on removal without replacement. The operation and the decision about surrounding scar tissue should be tailored to the reason for surgery. Discuss your goals and treatment options with Dr. Bernard Salameh.
UNDERSTANDING YOUR OPTIONS
Start with a clear evaluation
Discuss your implant history, symptoms, goals and available imaging with your surgeon. Pain, a change in appearance or suspected rupture does not by itself determine the right operation. Overall health, weight stability and smoking history also matter. The consultation should separate your preference to remove implants from any medical finding that needs further investigation or a different treatment plan.
Deciding what to do with the capsule
The capsule is scar tissue that forms around an implant. Depending on the findings, implant removal may involve leaving capsule tissue, removing part of it or removing all of it. More extensive dissection has its own risks. Ask why a particular capsule procedure is recommended, what alternatives exist and whether a concern needs diagnostic workup before surgery.
Preparing for changes in breast shape
Without an implant, breast volume and contour will change. Loose skin, dimpling or unevenness may be noticeable, and the result may not resemble your breasts before augmentation. A lift can be discussed when skin and position are concerns, but it adds incisions and surgical tradeoffs. Ask what removal alone may look like and whether any additional procedure would be appropriate.
Risks and recovery planning
Removal carries risks such as bleeding, infection, fluid collections, scars, altered sensation, uneven shape, persistent pain and healing problems. Anesthesia complications, blood clots and further surgery are also possible. Dressings, a support garment or temporary drains may be needed. Obtain individual instructions for wound care, warning signs, medicines, activity and follow-up, and plan practical help around those restrictions.
QUESTIONS & ANSWERS
Questions about implant removal
Have a question that is not here? Request a consultation to discuss it with your surgeon.
Do I have to replace the implants?
No. Removal without new implants is an option to discuss. Exchange is a different plan that includes replacement devices and their ongoing risks. Your preferences, anatomy and medical findings should guide the comparison.
Is en bloc removal always necessary?
No. The Breast Surgery Collaborative Community reserves en bloc capsulectomy for suspected or established implant-associated cancer after appropriate evaluation. It includes a margin of surrounding tissue and is different from simply removing an intact capsule. It is not a routine requirement for every explant.
Will removal resolve symptoms called breast implant illness?
Improvement cannot be promised. The FDA reports that some people improve after removal, while the relationship between implants and these systemic symptoms remains unclear. Symptoms deserve medical evaluation and discussion of other possible causes, alongside the benefits and risks of surgery.
When can I judge the final shape?
Early swelling and healing can affect appearance. Follow-up is needed to assess how the tissues settle and whether further treatment should be discussed. Your surgeon should explain the uncertainties without promising a particular shape or a fixed finishing date.
PATIENT RESOURCES
Further reading
Request a Consultation
Discuss your goals with our team
Request a consultation with Kassis Salameh Plastic Surgery in Bowling Green, Kentucky. We can discuss your questions and help you understand the next step toward an individual surgical evaluation.
Call 270-822-1769 · Monday–Friday, 8 AM–4 PM
Kassis Salameh Plastic Surgery
A Plastic Surgery practice in Bowling Green, Kentucky, led by Dr. Salam Kassis and Dr. Bernard Salameh: two double board-certified surgeons. Dr. Kassis focuses on facial surgery, including deep plane facelift, rhinoplasty and eyelid surgery. Dr. Salameh focuses on lipedema, breast surgery and body contouring.
996 Wilkinson Trace, Suite C1
Bowling Green, KY
Monday–Friday, 8 AM–4 PM
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