Understanding Breast Implant Removal: A Comprehensive Guide

Deciding to remove breast implants can stem from various reasons, whether it's due to health concerns, aesthetic preferences, or lifestyle changes. Here at Dr. Haley Carpenter's practice, we aim to guide you through this transformative process with care and expertise.

• Capsular Contracture: This condition occurs when the scar tissue or capsule that naturally forms around the implant hardens and tightens. It can lead to pain, breast distortion, and a firm or even misshapen appearance. The body's natural response to a foreign body (breast implants) is to create a scar capsule. For most women, this scar capsule is thin and pliable, but with capsular contracture it is abnormally hard, tight, and can include calcifications. 
• Breast Implant Illness (BII): BII refers to a constellation of symptoms that for some women are associated with their implants. Symptoms might include chronic fatigue, fibromyalgia-like pain, and muscle aches. While no definitive biological marker has been linked to BII, empirical studies confirm that for many women, symptom relief can occur post-implant removal. This symptom relief occurs even without capsulectomy (removal of the scar capsule). Ask Dr. Carpenter during your visit if partial or total capsulectomy (or no capsulectomy at all) is best for you. 
• Personal Choice: Over time, some women might decide they no longer wish to maintain an augmented look or prefer not to have foreign material in their body. Others might grow tired of the upkeep involved, like regular screenings for implant integrity or the need for implant replacement over time.

• Implant Removal Only: For those with straightforward cases, removal might require only a small incision to extract the implants.
• Capsulectomy: If there's significant calcification or if you've experienced capsular contracture, removing part or all of the capsule might be advisable.
• Breast Lift (Mastopexy): Post-implant removal, breasts might appear deflated or saggy. Combining removal with a breast lift can restore shape and firmness.
  • Volume Replacement: If you desire to maintain or restore breast volume without implants, options include:
  • Fat Grafting: Harvesting fat from areas like the abdomen or flanks and transferring it to the breasts.
  • Renuva: A fat-stimulating matrix that encourages your body to produce new fat cells, offering a natural volume enhancement.

If you suspect your symptoms might be linked to your implants (breast implant illness), Dr. Carpenter encourages a holistic approach:

• Consult with Your Primary Care Physician: It's crucial to rule out other causes of your symptoms through a comprehensive medical workup. Chronic symptoms should not be ignored, and ensuring there aren't underlying medical issues is paramount for your overall health.
• Implant Removal: Dr. Carpenter offers removal procedures tailored to your specific needs, whether with or without capsulectomy, based on your health and aesthetic goals.

At Vitruvian Surgical Institute in Coral Springs, we believe in personalized care, understanding that each patient's story is unique. If you're contemplating breast implant removal, we invite you to schedule a complimentary in-person consultation with Dr. Carpenter. Here, we can discuss your concerns, explore your options, and design a plan that respects your health and beauty aspirations. Let's embark on this journey towards a more comfortable and confident you. Contact us today to begin at 954-344-4344.