Tag: Breast implant removal

What Do Breasts Look Like After Implant Removal?

Breast augmentation using implants remains the most sought-after cosmetic surgery procedure for women in the United States. However, every year, a small percentage of women choose to have their breast implants removed. The reasons behind this decision vary but typically are due to health concerns or the feeling that the breast implants no longer suit a patient’s lifestyle.

It takes an advanced set of surgical skills and training to perform breast implant removal that prioritizes patient safety and restores the original shape of the breasts. 

Board-certified plastic and reconstructive surgeon Dr. Florence Mussat has the training, skills, and experience to work with you to either return to your natural breast size or find a beautiful aesthetic alternative to your current implants.

For women who choose to remove their breast implants entirely, it is essential to gather all the facts, not only about the procedure itself but also about what their breasts will look like afterward. 

What Is Breast Implant Removal?

Breast implant removal is a surgical procedure to remove the implants from a woman’s breast augmentation or reconstruction. Depending on the reason for implant removal, Dr. Mussat may also excise some tissue around the implant.

Women who have symptoms of a breast implant rupture or are experiencing health problems caused by the implant must be cautious about the type of breast implant removal technique their surgeon uses. Approaches for breast implant procedures are some of the most complex and sophisticated for breast implant removal, or explantation. Despite the challenges it presents, this procedure is also one of the most reliable ways to protect the patient from further complications. Dr. Mussat performs the procedure by carefully removing the implant together with the capsule that surrounds it as a single unit.

Why Might You Consider Breast Implant Removal?

If you’re thinking about getting breast implant removal, Dr. Mussat believes it’s a good idea to consider the reasons why women decide to undergo explant surgery in the first place.

• Changing activity levels: With the increasing popularity of intense cardio workouts like CrossFit and Bootcamp, women are choosing to have their implants removed in favor of creating a lean, toned physique.
• Keeping up with the latest trends: The increased demand for Brazilian butt lift surgery and a decreased desire for large breast implants is now becoming common. That’s not to suggest breast augmentation isn’t still popular, which it certainly is — women are just more likely to pursue a C cup than a DD cup. Likewise, some women who have had large implants inserted in the past are choosing to either downsize or have their implants removed altogether.
• Physical illness or discomfort: Some women report that their implants begin to feel painful or hard years after their initial operation. Also, they may experience a broad range of health issues, which could include breast implant illness that disappears after they have their implants removed.
• Return to a more natural look: Many slender women might have opted to have mid-sized or even large implants inserted. Because slim women often don’t have enough natural breast tissue to cover large implants, this might have resulted in an overly round, artificial look. Today, these women frequently ask to have their large implants removed and replaced with implants that better suit their frame.

Combining breast implant removal with breast lift surgery is an option that can address both medical and aesthetic concerns a patient might have. After the procedure, it’s possible for a patient to leave Dr. Mussat’s office with perkier, more even and attractive breasts compared to the way they looked before the enhancement.

What Happens in a Breast Implant Removal Procedure?

Dr. Mussat generally performs breast implant removal while her patients are under general anesthesia. Typically, to minimize scarring, she creates incisions along the same lines as the scars from the original implant surgery. Dr. Mussat will then remove the implants together with any damaged or inflamed capsular tissue.

What Results Can You Expect After Breast Implant Removal?

It will be necessary to plan for some downtime after your implant removal surgery, including a few days of rest before the gradual resumption of light activity. Dr. Mussat will provide you with specific recovery instructions, which might also include two full weeks without any strenuous activity or exercise and about 10 days without driving. 

Be prepared to wear a surgical bra for several weeks while your breasts are healing. With these guidelines in mind, you should be able to return to office-type work within a week.

What Factors Will Affect Your Breast Appearance?

Dr. Mussat’s goal with breast explant surgery is to safely remove your breast implants while simultaneously maintaining or restoring an attractive breast contour and appearance. 

If you opt not to replace your implants with a new pair (typically following the experience of symptoms of breast implant illness), Dr. Mussat will be happy to answer your questions about what your breasts will look like following explant surgery. 

It’s useful to keep in mind that your breast implants will have stretched the skin, and their weight will probably also cause some sagging of your breasts. 

Other factors can also cause variations in the shape, size, and position of your breasts following explant surgery. For instance, if you had gained a significant amount of weight following your initial breast augmentation surgery, your breast volume may be slightly higher than it was before you had the implants placed. 

Aging, pregnancy, and genetic factors can also affect the quality of the remaining breast tissue, as well as skin elasticity. You might find these, too, will affect the appearance of your breasts.

Fortunately, working with Dr. Mussat will ensure a beautiful and natural breast appearance. When planning your explant surgery, she will consider your unique requirements, including the quality of your breast tissue, skin elasticity, and personal preferences, and discuss with you all the cosmetic treatment options for a beautiful breast shape after breast implant removal.

Will You Need a Breast Lift After Having Breast Implants Removed?

Dr. Mussat often recommends combining a breast lift with implant removal. A breast lift can reshape your breast contours and restore a younger look by removing excess skin from implant-related stretching, including aging, pregnancy, or weight changes.

Schedule a Consultation

No matter your reason for considering breast implant removal, as a board-certified plastic and reconstructive surgeon, Dr. Florence Mussat can work with you and develop a personalized plan to either return to your natural breast size or find a beautiful aesthetic alternative to your current implants.

Now might be the right time to discuss your options with her, so please contact us today to schedule a consultation at our Chicago, IL, office, or give us a call at (312) 751-9000.

3 Top Reasons Chicago Women Are Opting for Breast Implant Removal

Breast augmentation involving breast implants is the most popular cosmetic surgery performed on women each year. At the time you decided to have your procedure, you probably didn’t give much thought to the fact that one day, you might need to reverse that decision and have your implants removed. After all, the procedure has a very high satisfaction rate where women say the results met or exceeded their expectations.
However, many women with breast implants may decide later to have them removed. Their reasons for doing so might surprise you.
While most breast implants last approximately 15-20 years before needing to be replaced, there are several reasons women might decide to have their breast implants removed earlier. Here we outline three of the top reasons, all or some of which might apply to you and your situation.

You No Longer Want Breast Implants

While you may simply wish to return to a more natural look, you could also be feeling that your implants are too large and are starting to affect your changing activity levels.
Apart from your busy lifestyle, the discomfort caused by the high-impact activities found in today’s increasingly popular cardio and High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) workouts could be holding you back from reaching your fitness goals.
Of course, you could also simply be wishing to return to a more natural look.

You Want to Keep up With Current Trends

Breast augmentation used to be a popular trend, but the desire for full, curvaceous buttocks is now receiving more attention. Dr. Mussat has seen an increase in the demand for Brazilian Butt Lift surgery and a decreased desire for large breast implants. Some women with large implants are choosing to downsize or have their implants removed altogether.

You are Experiencing Discomfort or Illness

Complications due to breast augmentation are rare. However, there are cases where excessive scar tissue, known as capsular contracture, develops around the implant. When this happens, as it hardens, it can squeeze the implant. The result is a stiffening of the scar tissue resulting in pain, discomfort, swelling, as well as a noticeable distortion of the breast itself.
Some women with breast implants experience a broad range of health issues. Known as breast implant illness, this is where the patient’s immune system has become compromised due to the implant. This immune response can result in generalized inflammation, flu-like symptoms, gastrointestinal distress, cognitive problems, as well as dizziness and even infection. The removal of the implants may be the only way to eliminate this condition.
During breast implant removal surgery, Dr. Mussat will carefully remove the entire implant, including the capsule of scar tissue surrounding it. This cautious approach prevents contaminants from the implant entering the patient’s body during the removal procedure.

Free Professional Consultation
Call our office today at (312) 751-9000 or contact us to schedule a consultation with Dr. Florence Mussat, a board-certified plastic surgeon in downtown Chicago. She will help determine if a breast explant might be right for you.

Review Your Situation

Breast implant removal is a highly individualized surgical procedure. Whether or not you want to remove your implants or simply exchange them, a review of the following typical conditions will help consolidate your decision:

• You are no longer comfortable with the appearance or size of your implants
• You experience discomfort or pain
• Your breasts feel too heavy for your activity levels
• You feel that your breast scar tissue is getting harder or tighter
• Your implants have either started to leak or have ruptured

During your consultation with Dr. Florence Mussat, all of your options will be discussed. She will guide you through your customized treatment plan for the removal of your breast implant, as well as its replacement if desired. To schedule your consultation, please call (312) 751-9000 or contact us online today.

Tips for Breast Implant Removal Preparation & Recovery

Breast augmentation involving implants is still generally considered to be a safe procedure. However, health concerns and even lifestyle changes can cause people to reverse their decision later and to have their breast implants removed. 

Women who show symptoms of breast implant rupture may experience medical problems or misgivings associated with the implant. They need to be especially selective of the type of technique used as well as the surgeon for their breast implant removal.

It takes an advanced surgical skill set and training to perform breast implant removal (explant), and this is essential for women who choose to remove their implants entirely. Due to the complexity of this type of implant removal, Dr. Florence Mussat, a board-certified plastic and reconstructive surgeon, is well qualified to achieve an excellent outcome.

Techniques like breast implant removal procedure is the most complex and sophisticated breast implant removal option. Known as explantation or capsulectomy, this surgery may be the best way to protect the patient from further health complications.

Explantation refers to the removal of the implant as well as the scar tissue surrounding it. This scar tissue, known as the capsule, is tissue created when the body encounters a foreign object like a breast implant. All foreign medical devices, including pacemakers, stents and artificial joints draw some scar tissue. Full capsule removal through breast implant removal or Total Capsulectomy is often the preferred surgical technique. It reduces the possibility of rupturing the implant or disturbing the capsule.

Tips For a Great Recovery

Pre-Surgery Tips

• Dr. Mussat will give you exact instructions for both preparation and recovery. 
• Be prepared for an outpatient procedure under general anesthesia, taking two to three hours.
• Prepare for your procedure by following a healthy diet and stopping the consumption of alcohol.
• Invest in some probiotics to compensate for the impact any prescribed antibiotics might have on your gut flora.
• Prepare your digestive system: Eat non-constipating foods high in fluid content and fiber such as soups and cooked grains. Avoid constipating foods that include items such as dairy and red meat. 
• Prepare your couch or bed ahead of time and have plenty of pillows, clean bedsheets, and blankets ready.
• Gather the following items to have on hand before your procedure: Prescription medicine, water, easy-to-make foods, bags of frozen vegetables or ice packs, wet wipes and makeup removal pads, magazines, books, TV remote, laptop, tablet, electronic device chargers, and clean sets of clothes.
• Recruit family members to take over meal preparation, diaper changes, laundry, and most parenting duties.
• Get encouragement and emotional support from family and friends on your explant journey.

Post-Surgery Tips

• While recovery plans are dependent on the individual patient, post-op care includes drinking plenty of water, stocking up on vitamins and supplements such as amino acids, protein powders, vitamin C, fish oil, and eating citrus, fresh vegetables, lean meats, and almonds. 
• The recovery period for an office worker is typically seven to ten days, but longer for someone with a physically active job.
• Allow about six weeks until you can resume strenuous activities like exercising and lifting.
• Be kind to yourself: Don’t push the healing process.
• While scars are inevitable with the surgery, there are ways to reduce the appearance of scars during and after surgery. Learn about which creams/ointments/other products are suitable for scar healing.
• Look for signs confirming that the symptoms leading to your breast removal decision are disappearing. These could include no longer suffering from headaches, improved skin clarity and tone, diminishing nausea, and even fewer allergies.

Next Steps

Breast implant removal may be your most logical choice. The results would be not only improved health but also aesthetically pleasing results. 

No matter what reason you decide to consider implant removal, Dr. Florence Mussat, a Board-Certified Plastic and Reconstructive surgeon assisted by her team, can help. Experienced in working with women of all body types and ages, she offers an extensive range of implant removal, reconstruction, and revision surgery options. 

Dr. Massat is an expert in providing superb final results through breast implant removal, breast augmentation, or liposuction. Regardless of your breast augmentation options, feel free to contact us to schedule a consultation at our Chicago, IL, office, or give us a call at (312) 751-9000.

4 Lovely Aesthetic Options After Breast Implant Removal

Women who have decided that having implants no longer works for them or their circumstances generally prefer breast implant removal. Their reasons might include increased activity levels, changing trends, discomfort, medical considerations, or simply the desire to return to a more natural look. Any of these reasons may make removal of breast implants a logical choice.  

No matter your reason for implant removal, Dr. Florence Mussat, a Board-Certified Plastic and Reconstructive surgeon, and her team can help. Experienced in working with women of all body types and ages, she offers an extensive range of implant removal, reconstruction, and revision surgery options. All of these ensure that you can find the right choice to either return to your natural breast size or find a beautiful aesthetic alternative to your current implants. Regardless of your breast augmentation options, feel free to contact us.

Fat Transfer Breast Augmentation

Fat transfer breast enhancement, also known as lipoaugmentation or fat graft, has quickly grown into a favorite and aesthetic breast reconstruction option following implant removal. This technique offers a gorgeous, natural-looking enhancement. Praised for its natural look and feel, lipoaugmentation only uses your body’s natural tissues. As a result, you won’t need to worry about any upkeep of implants down the line. Along with natural-looking results, fat transfer augmentation requires no additional maintenance and is less risky than other breast augmentation procedures.

During the procedure, Dr. Mussat removes fat tissue from stubborn pockets of fat, such as your thighs, hips, buttocks, abdomen, and flanks. The result is a svelte contour, creating a full-body transformation that slims your overall figure. When removed, these fat cells are then purified in a special machine and then re-injected into the correct breast areas to create fuller, more prominent breasts. The best part with this procedure is that there is no risk of the body rejecting the transferred tissue, and with none of the maintenance typically required of a saline or silicone implant.

Even though fat transfer cannot achieve as dramatic a volume increase as implants, results can come very close. You will still enjoy a lovely, aesthetically pleasing result. If you want more significant sculpting and lift, Dr. Mussat can combine this technique with a breast lift.

Firmer, More Sculptured Breasts with a Breast Lift

 A breast lift,  also known as mastopexy, can restore your breasts to a perky, round shape with proportional nipples and balanced breast height. The result is that your breasts are firmer, more sculpted, and with a more youthful, aesthetically pleasing, perkier appearance.

Should you have chosen to have your breast implants removed, you’ll see a loss in volume. As a result, your breasts may sag or appear deflated, especially among older patients with less skin elasticity.

Having a breast lift will make it appear as if you had never had implants at all. However, keep in mind that you might experience a small degree of additional scarring. The benefits of implant removal will probably outweigh this risk. 

Breast lifts help patients to feel more like themselves, and Dr. Mussat’s patients report that they are delighted with the results.

Breast Implant Removal with Lift or Implant Exchange

While some women may enjoy their breast implants for their lifetime, most women will, at some time, need or want a revision of their initial augmentation. As with all of Dr. Mussat’s procedures, it takes considerable surgical skill and training to perform the selected breast augmentation. Her method prioritizes patient safety and restores the original shape of the breasts.

Once you have had your breast implants removed, you may see an immediate and significant loss in volume. This phenomenon can cause your breasts to sag or appear deflated, especially among older patients with less skin elasticity. After all, implants stretch the skin and, you will almost certainly have loose skin leftover with the removal of your implants. In younger women who typically have had small implants, the breasts will sometimes regain their firmness resulting in the need for no further surgery.

In the vast majority of cases, however, implant removal will need to be accompanied by a breast lift, and perhaps a new replacement implant. The breast implant exchange offered by Dr. Mussat is often the best option for patients. Typically these patients love the results of their implants but are hoping for an aesthetic change or have experienced complications from their initial enhancement. Dr. Mussat can remove your old implants and reinsert new ones using the same incision site as your first enhancement.

The implant exchange option results in no additional scarring, and in general, your recovery time will be far less extensive than it was with your first procedure. After all, your body has already established an implant pocket. The only additional step necessary during revision surgery is pocket adjustments where Dr. Mussat might inject a soft tissue into the location formerly filled by your implants.

Breast Reduction

For women with larger breasts who are hoping for a considerable downsize, breast reduction might be appropriate. You might have experienced increased neck and back pain due to your large breasts. Emotional distress and loss of self-esteem could also be related to their size, and this procedure can provide instant relief. Although the breast reduction procedure is very similar to a breast lift, the amount of tissue Dr. Mussat will remove varies based on your needs.

Beyond the sleeker body outline and aesthetics, you will experience a significant improvement in your quality of life, including a more active lifestyle, a better clothes shopping experience, and an overall improved quality of life.

Schedule a Consultation

 No matter your reason for considering breast implant removal or your desired results, Dr. Mussat can work with you and develop a personalized breast augmentation plan. She is a highly-skilled, Board-Certified Plastic, and Reconstructive surgeon with extensive experience in every dimension of the breast reconstruction process.

Dr. Mussat is an expert in providing superb final results through liposuction, breast implant removal, breast augmentation, or liposuction. Now might be the right time to discuss your breast augmentation, so please contact us today to schedule a consultation at our Chicago, IL, office, or give us a call at (312) 751-9000.