Breast Implant Removal With Lift
While many women are highly satisfied with the look and feel of their breasts after breast augmentation with implants, some women change their mind. Changes in lifestyle and aesthetic desires, implant complications, breast pain, and fear of breast implant illness cause some women to return to their plastic surgeon for a revision. Dr. George Alexander performs breast implant removal for women who wish to permanently part ways with their breast implants. Removal can be a standalone procedure; however, many women experience breast sagging after the implants are gone. A breast lift can be performed during the implant removal procedure to ensure that the lighter, smaller breasts remain youthful and elevated.
What Can Breast Implant Removal With Lift Improve?
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Implant Dissatisfaction
Women choose to get breast implants for many reasons. Not all women are pleased with the larger breast appearance after augmentation. Breast implant removal with a breast lift allows these women to remove their breast implants without having to fear that their missing implants will lead to breast sagging.
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Post-Operative Breast Augmentation Complications
While some women decide to remove their breast implants because they are dissatisfied with the aesthetic appearance, other women remove their implants after post-operative complications from their initial augmentation. Some women choose to replace their implants for different sizes or when an implant wears out; others decide that the implants are not worth the hassle. Implant removal combined with a breast lift is ideal for those who do not wish to replace their implants.
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Sagging Breasts
When women undergo breast augmentation, the breast skin and surrounding tissues stretch and become accustomed to the presence of the implant. When the implant is gone, the skin and tissue cannot always contract around the smaller breast. This creates premature breast sagging. Breast lift surgery restores youth and vitality to the breasts.
“I heavily researched 2 surgeons and am so glad I went with Dr. Alexander. His bedside manner is the best I have ever seen and I deal with physicians on a regular basis for work. He addressed my concerns and anxiety I had about the actual surgery. I appreciated how accessible the office was after the surgery when I had questions. I would highly recommend Dr. Alexander to anyone looking for a very personal and professional experience.”
“Dr. Alexander and his staff are incredible. He is one of the most caring and professional surgeons I have ever met - and that is saying something because I work in a hospital. The staff are equally incredible and kind. They go above and beyond to make you feel comfortable. 5 months ago Dr. Alexander performed a breast augmentation surgery and the results are so natural my friends did not even notice I am 3 cups bigger! I have already referred Dr. Alexander to close friends. He is the best in the Valley.”
“Doctor Alexander is a miracle and made my experience exceptional, he really listened to my concerns and answered all my questions regarding the whole procedure. He made my breasts look like sisters again, I would even recommend him to my daughter and anyone looking for a breast augmentation or exchange. He is not your typical plastic surgeon and he really cares about your outcome. He is the best!!”
Breast Lift Incision Options
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- Ideal for patients with a minimal amount of sagging.
- Two concentric incisions are made around each areola.
- Loose skin and tissue in a donut shape are removed from between these two incisions.
- The two incisions are closed together to create a single incision around each areola.
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- Ideal for patients with moderate breast ptosis (sagging).
- One incision is made around the areola, and another incision is made vertically down to the bottom crease of the breast, creating the scar appearance of a lollipop.
- Excess skin is removed, and the underlying tissues are tightened.
- The nipple-areolar complex may be repositioned with this technique, if necessary.
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- The most common breast lift technique, this is ideal for patients with moderate to severe breast ptosis (sagging).
- The incision is made around the areola, continues vertically down to the breast crease, and then extends horizontally along the breast crease.
- The nipple-areolar complex can be repositioned and enhanced.
- A more significant amount of excess skin and loose tissue is addressed with this incision pattern.
Concerns
Recovery
A minimally compressive garment should be worn initially to minimize bleeding, promote blood circulation, and facilitate healing. After removing this garment, some patients can switch to a sports bra for several weeks as the incisions heal and the residual swelling subsides. Most women return to work after one week to 10 days, although it will take up to six weeks to fully recover and resume exercise programs. All strenuous activity and heavy lifting are prohibited during this time. During your consultation, Dr. Alexander will provide you with extensive aftercare instructions that will include all physical limitations and recommendations.
Scars
Dr. Alexander pays meticulous attention to where and how the incisions are placed. He does his best to make these incisions small and inconspicuous. When possible, Dr. Alexander will use your augmentation incision when removing the implant, and he will carefully place the incisions during the breast lift portion. All scars fade and blend into the skin with time.
Cost
Dr. Alexander has over 20 years of award-winning experience in performing breast surgeries. With multiple board certifications and extensive knowledge and skill, Dr. Alexander is highly qualified to accomplish your implant removal and breast lift. Dr. Alexander believes that plastic surgery is the combination of art and science and that the safety and comfort of the patient should always come first. By following these philosophies, he makes it his mission to provide world-class results that meet his patients’ aesthetic desires.
The cost of your implant removal with lift will depend on many factors, including anesthesia fees, facility fees, surgical fees, and the specific techniques and incisions used. Dr. Alexander insists on using the highest quality surgical facilities, instruments, supplies, and physician anesthesiologists to ensure your safety. Dr. Alexander and his team will provide you with an accurate cost estimate during your consultation.
Comfort
Dr. Alexander performs implant removal with breast lift under general anesthesia and a dual local anesthetic technique that assures both safety and comfort during and immediately following the procedure. The majority of discomfort is experienced during the first 48 hours, and Dr. Alexander will prescribe oral pain medication to help you through this initial stage. Over-the-counter pain medication usually suffices after this time.
FAQ
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Am I a candidate for breast implant removal with lift?
Candidates for breast implant removal with lift have realistic expectations of their results, are physically healthy, and do not smoke (or are willing to quit smoking both before and after the procedure). Women who currently have breast implants and wish to remove them for aesthetic or safety concerns are typical candidates for breast implant removal.
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What happens during the breast implant removal with lift procedure?
Breast implant removal with a lift is an outpatient procedure that takes roughly two to three hours to perform. The implants are removed through the initial breast augmentation incision, if possible, or through an incision made along the breast crease. After this, Dr. Alexander will move forward with the lift portion of the procedure, following the techniques of your chosen breast lift incision.
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What if I have an implant complication but want to keep my implants?
Not everyone who needs to remove their breast implants after a complication such as a rupture or capsular contracture wishes to get rid of them for good. Breast implant exchange allows you to remove the damaged implant and replace it with a healthy new one.
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Will my results be permanent?
The effects of a breast lift are expected to last for many years. This treatment, however, will not stop the natural aging process, and your breast skin and tissue may experience additional sagging with time. You can extend the rejuvenating results of breast lift surgery by wearing a supportive bra and following a healthy lifestyle.