Breast Implant Removal Options in the San Francisco Bay Area
Dr. D’Amore will individualize the surgical treatment for each patient.
The reason for removal and whether any health symptoms are present will determine the breast implant removal techniques performed by Dr. D’Amore.
Dr. Tancredi D’Amore is a board-certified plastic surgeon who performs breast implant removal for patients in the San Francisco Bay Area, California and beyond. If you are planning to remove your implants for any reason, contact his office at 415-927-7660.
Understanding the Implant Capsule
After breast implants are placed, scar tissue forms around the implant to create a capsule. This occurrence is normal and happens anytime a foreign object is placed in the body.
In some cases, this scar tissue poses no problems, however, in other circumstances, it can harden and tighten around the implant, causing capsular contracture and other complications including pain.
Implant Removal Techniques
This surgery uses personalized approaches to remove unwanted implants and prepare you for breast restoration options after implant removal.
Your implant removal will consist of one of the following techniques. The outpatient surgery is performed under general anesthesia administered by a board certified anesthesiologist for your safety and comfort.
Dr. D’Amore will explain your specific procedure steps in greater detail during your consultation.
En Bloc Capsulectomy / Precision Total Capsulectomy
Traditionally, the term “en bloc” refers to a surgical technique used in cancer surgery that removes a rim of normal tissue around the cancer (as well as the tumor itself). Clearly this is not the case in capsulectomy since only the capsule and the implants are removed; no normal tissue is removed.
During an en bloc capsulectomy the implant and the surrounding capsule are removed in one piece. While it is not scientifically proven that the capsule must be removed for symptomatic patients, it should be removed in case of textured implants because of the very low but real risk of developing BIA-ALCL later in life.
Because the implant and capsule are removed together, Dr. D’Amore can be assured that all of the capsule is removed from the body.
During an en bloc capsulectomy — or a precision total capsulectomy — an incision will be made along the inframammary fold (the sharp crease beneath the breast where it meets the top of the ribcage). This incision is longer than the one used for the initial breast augmentation; however, it will be concealed in the inframammary fold. If the implants are placed under the pectoralis major muscle, Dr. D’Amore will repair the muscle by suturing it back to the inframammary area. This helps maintain normal aesthetics when the muscle is activated and helps to avoid a concave look. While this technique takes time and patience, it is important for optimal results.
Microbiological cultures are always offered during implant removal, the implant is swabbed and a piece of the capsule is sent to the lab; we find bacteria or fungus living on the surface of the implants in approximately 35% of removed implants.
The bacteria is thought to have colonized the implant probably through the breast ducts over time and created a biofilm which is very resistant to antibiotics.
We also perform a CD30 screening test for patients with textured implants to rule out BIA-ALCL.
Dr. D’Amore will address the reconstruction of the inframammary fold after the implant is removed to improve the aesthetic results of the procedure.
Partial Capsulectomy
For patients with minimal or no systemic symptoms, Dr. D’Amore can perform a partial capsulectomy. This technique can also be performed for women with recurrent capsular contractures.
This technique removes the implant and selected portions of the tissue capsule.
Breast Implant Removal Without Capsulectomy
When patients remove their implants for aesthetic reasons (and are not experiencing any symptoms or complications), it is possible to remove the implants without removing the capsule.
This technique allows for a shorter incision, which often translates to a shorter and more comfortable recovery.
Recovery After Breast Implant Removal
Your breast implant removal recovery will be similar to your breast augmentation recovery even though usually the pain is less than at the time of the augmentation. Patients are usually back to their normal routines within two weeks.
You should plan to take enough time away from work and your strenuous day-to-day activities. If the muscle repair was performed It is important to avoid upper-body exercises for six weeks. This includes high-impact exercises and weight lifting.
Interested in Breast Implant Removal in the San Francisco Bay Area?
If you are considering breast implant removal, contact Dr. Tancredi D’Amore and his expert team. Schedule a consultation today to discuss your options and learn how this procedure can benefit you. Call us today at 415-927-7660 or fill out our online contact form.