Breast Implant Removal/Replacement

Conveniently located to serve the areas of Boulder, CO

Breast implant removal is a procedure that removes either silicone or saline breast implants from the chest.

Breast augmentation is one of the most popular cosmetic procedures in the country, with surgeons performing hundreds of thousands each year. (1) While breast augmentations have high safety profiles and patient satisfaction rates, breast implants are not lifetime devices and will need to be replaced eventually.

Whether discomfort, a desire to address complications, or interest in refreshing aesthetics motivate your decision, breast implant removal could be the solution you have been seeking.

Dr. Nathan Roesner is a board-certified plastic and reconstructive surgeon at Aura Advanced Skin Care & Plastic Surgery. Dr. Roesner is known for his bedside manner and natural-looking results, and media outlets, such as the DailyCamera, have featured his work.

If you are ready to learn more about removing your implants, we invite you to schedule a consultation with Dr. Roesner online. You may also call (303) 440-7546 to reach our Boulder office directly.

About Breast Implant Removals

Breast implant removal, also known as breast explantation, consists of surgically removing breast implants from the chest. This procedure can address both aesthetic and medical concerns. Your body may develop a too-tight capsule of scar tissue around the implants, the implants may rupture, or you may experience discomfort or other changes in your breasts. Because breast implants are not lifetime devices, they generally require removal or replacement every 10 to 15 years. (2)

Benefits

There are numerous benefits to undergoing breast implant removal, such as:

  • Refreshed Aesthetics: Removing your breast implants can update your silhouette to better reflect your lifestyle.
  • Alleviated Discomfort: Breast implant removal can address any physical discomfort stemming from the presence of the implants.
  • Corrected Concerns: Dr. Roesner can perform this procedure to address complications such as ruptured breast implants or capsular contracture.
  • Health Management: Breast implants are not lifetime devices. Removing old or expired implants can support your long-term health and well-being.
  • Minimal Scarring: Whenever possible, Dr. Roesner uses the same incision placements as your initial breast augmentation to avoid creating new scars.

Candidates

There are several reasons why someone may seek breast implant removal. A few of the most common reasons include:

  • Breast Implant Ruptures
  • Outdated Implants
  • Capsular Contracture or Breast Implant Illness
  • Physical Discomfort or Poor Scarring
  • Dissatisfying Results
  • Shifting Aesthetic Preferences

Potential candidates should be in good general health without any underlying medical conditions that may affect their recovery or results. They should also possess realistic expectations regarding the results of the procedure. It is essential that every patient leads a nicotine-free lifestyle or is willing to quit smoking. Dr. Roesner and his team will fully determine your candidacy during your consultation.

Personal Consultation

Your personal consultation is your opportunity to learn more about breast implant removal and establish a relationship with Dr. Roesner. During this one-on-one meeting, Dr. Roesner will evaluate your anatomy and review your medical history while learning about your specific objectives. Additionally, he will explain his surgical techniques and provide a comprehensive overview of the risks and benefits associated with the procedure. Please note that we will take photographs and measurements of your breasts for your medical records.

Dr. Roesner will then use the information he gathers here to finalize your candidacy and create your treatment plan.

If you are ready to schedule this consultation and start exploring your potential for breast implant removal, please contact us online or call (303) 440-7546.

Preparation

Once you have decided to proceed with your breast implant removal, you will take certain steps to ensure a safe and successful procedure. To help you, Dr. Roesner will provide you with a set of detailed instructions, which may include:

  • Avoiding the use of certain blood-thinning medications or supplements.
  • Having a trusted friend or family member drive you home after the procedure and, if needed, stay with you for the first 24 hours of your recovery.
  • Making any necessary arrangements to step away from your personal and professional responsibilities.
  • Acquiring any medications you will need for your recovery.
  • Refraining from any nicotine in the weeks leading up to your procedure, and abstaining from alcohol for at least several days.

Procedure

When you arrive for your procedure, a member of our team will guide you to a private treatment room. Here, you will meet with Dr. Roesner to reconfirm each of your desired corrections. He will then cleanse your skin, and you will receive general anesthesia.

To access the underlying structures, Dr. Roesner will create an incision in each breast. While he will try to use the incision sites from your prior breast augmentation, he will make a new, discreet incision if the original placement cannot be reused. He will then carefully remove each implant from its pocket and address hardened, constricting scar tissue if necessary.

Dr. Roesner can reshape the breast mound and remove excess skin for a smooth, flattering contour. He will then meticulously suture each incision shut before allowing you to briefly rest in a recovery area before you can return home.

Recovery

Initially, you can expect some swelling, bruising, and general discomfort. These effects are temporary and will subside over time, but you can manage them with prescribed medications and plenty of rest. Dr. Roesner will also have you wear a compression garment, which will help minimize swelling. You will be able to return to most of your routine after resting for one to two weeks, but you will need to continue avoiding any arduous tasks or heavy lifting until Dr. Roesner provides clearance.

Dr. Roesner will give you a full set of post-operative instructions to help you care for yourself as you heal. By following his directions, you can ensure a more efficient return to your daily activities.

Results

You will notice some significant improvements immediately after your procedure, but the full results will become clear as any residual swelling subsides. While individual outcomes differ, you can anticipate a silhouette that provides a greater sense of comfort and authenticity.

Corresponding Procedures

There are several procedures that Dr. Roesner can integrate into your treatment plan to enhance your outcomes. Options such as fat transfers and breast lifts are available, and Dr. Roesner will offer further tailored recommendations during your consultation.

Breast Lift

A breast lift, or mastopexy, is a breast-enhancing procedure that can elevate and recontour the breasts without altering their volume. (3) Dr. Roesner can perform this procedure to correct misshapen or sagging skin and restore the breasts’ aesthetic appearance after removing your implants.

Fat Transfer

A fat transfer is a body-contouring procedure that uses liposuction techniques to relocate fat from one area of the body to another. Dr. Roesner can perform this procedure to subtly enhance the fullness of your breasts after implant removal, making it an ideal technique for patients who wish to maintain some youthful volume without the addition of new implants.

Cost of Breast Implant Removal in Boulder, CO

Dr. Roesner tailors each breast implant removal according to every individual’s circumstances, making it difficult to provide early estimates. Once he establishes the details of your personal treatment plan during your consultation, he will provide you with a comprehensive cost outline.

For further information about our pricing and to explore breast implant removal, please contact us online or call (303) 440-7546.

FAQ

Why would someone choose to remove their breast implants?

A few reasons include implant ruptures, changes in aesthetic preferences, outdated implants, dissatisfaction with the results of a previous procedure, and the development of other complications.

Will breast implant removal leave significant scarring?

Dr. Roesner always attempts to place new incisions in the same area as the initial surgery to minimize scarring. If he cannot do so, he will place new incisions in easily concealable areas.

Do I need to replace my implants if I have not experienced any complications?

Yes, breast implants are not lifetime devices, and you will eventually need to replace them. Most breast implants have a lifespan of 10 to 15 years.

What type of anesthesia will I receive during my breast implant removal?

Most patients receive general anesthesia during breast implant removal to ensure safety and comfort.

Can Dr. Roesner place new implants after a breast implant removal?

Dr. Roesner can place new breast implants if you wish to exchange them. During your personal consultation, he can discuss what this process entails and help you choose a new pair of implants.

References

  1. ASPS. 2024 ASPS Procedural Statistics Release. American Society of Plastic Surgeons ® Endorsed Partner; 2024. https://www.plasticsurgery.org/documents/news/statistics/2024/plastic-surgery-statistics-report-2024.pdf
  2. Patel BC, Wong CS, Wright T, Schaffner AD. Breast Implants. PubMed. Published 2021. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK441998/
  3. Fardo D, Sequeira Campos M, Pensler JM. Breast Augmentation. PubMed. Published 2021. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK482206/