Category Archives: Breast Explant Surgery

breast implant with breast lift

What are my Options for Breast Implant Removal and Capsulectomy when I have my Implants Removed?

breast implant with breast lift

Breast augmentation with implants is one of the most popular cosmetic surgeries and is a source of confidence and empowerment for many women. However, there are plenty of women who later on down the road, desire to have their implants removed for one reason or another. For some, it’s simply a matter of personal preference as their idea of beauty has changed over time. Others find that their bodies change with pregnancy, aging, or weight gain in a way that no longer makes implants the best option for them. Still others no longer want to be responsible for the maintenance of their implants.  Finally, some women believe their implants are negatively impacting their health and have concerns about Breast Implant Illness (see previous posts).  Whatever their reason, Dr. Traci Temmen understands that this is a personal choice that deserves the same level of support and guidance as the decision to get breast implants. In addition, she recognizes that this may be a difficult decision for some as they consider what their breasts will look like without implants, while others may feel very confident and liberated by their decision. Dr. Temmen recognizes that all of these feelings are completely okay, and meets every patient where she is to walk their journey together. Regardless of how a woman is feeling about her breast explantation, nearly everyone has questions regarding how the procedure will be done. This post will discuss some of the different options for breast explantation with and without capsulectomy, and discuss the pros and cons of each to shed some light on this important topic.

There are multiple methods for breast implant removal, including varying options for removal of the capsule, which is the natural scar tissue the body forms around any foreign object (ie. Breast implant, knee replacement, pacemaker, etc…). One option that works well for many women is to have their implants removed while leaving the capsule behind. This means that no natural tissue is removed from the body, just the implant itself. An advantage of this approach is that leaving the capsule in place often helps to better preserve the shape of the breast after the implant has been removed. The volume of tissue in the capsule contributes, in some measure,  to the size of the breast, and the capsule architecture helps the breast hold its shape without the support of the implant. In addition, leaving the capsule in place also preserves its role in the blood supply to the breast tissue and nipple. This is a great option for a patient whose main concern is having the best aesthetic outcome possible after her implants are removed. However, it may not be a good match for those who have experienced problems with their capsule, such as capsular contracture, or feel that their implants have made them sick (called “breast implant illness”) and therefore want any tissue that has touched their implants to be removed.

As discussed above, some women may prefer for parts or all of their capsule to be removed with their implants. Select problematic parts of the capsule can be removed in a partial capsulectomy, such as when treating capsular contracture (abnormal, restrictive scar formation around the implant). In other cases, a woman may desire for her entire capsule to be removed with her implants, either in multiple pieces or as a whole that is still encasing the implant inside. These two approaches are called a total capsulectomy, and an en bloc capsulectomy, respectively. Some patients who believe they are experiencing breast implant illness advocate for en bloc capsulectomy in order to remove the implant and associated capsule in one piece and avoid the implant touching any other tissue as it is being removed. Dr. Traci Temmen respects her patient’s wishes for how they want their breast explanation to be performed, and makes every effort to honor their personal preferences. However, it is important to note that en bloc capsulectomy is sometimes not able to be done safely as attempting to remove the implant and capsule in one piece could risk damage to important underlying structures like the ribs and lungs. Dr. Temmen always prioritizes patient safety, and so in these cases will change course to a total capsulectomy where all of the capsule is still removed, but it is done so in pieces rather than as a whole.

There are many different options to consider when thinking about breast implant removal, and this can often seem overwhelming. It is important to have a board-certified plastic surgeon you can trust to guide you on your journey. Board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Traci Temmen listens carefully to her patients and takes the extra time to answer any questions and address any concerns that they have. She is highly trained in all methods of breast implant removal with and without capsulectomy, and is meticulous and precise with her surgical technique regarding this sensitive area of the body. Patients love her gentle bedside manner, and feel reassured and supported throughout all aspects of their care, from initial consultation to post-op result. In addition, she also offers options for enhancing the appearance of the breasts after implant removal, including breast lift and fat transfer to the breast. To learn more about these options, explore the tabs under the Breast heading of the Procedures section of this website and past blog posts on these topics. Example of real patient transformations performed by Dr. Traci Temmen may also be viewed in the Before and After section of this website. If you would like to learn more about your options for breast implant removal or any other cosmetic procedure, call 813-877-2277 to book your one-on-one consultation with Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon Traci Temmen, MD, today!

 

Am I a Candidate for Removal of Implants and Fat Transfer to the Breast?

Breast implants are a popular method of adding volume to the breasts, helping many women feel more beautiful and confident. However, sometimes women find that whether due to aging, weight gain, pregnancy, complications, or simply being unhappy with their implants, they wish to have them removed. Board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Traci Temmen understands that this decision can be difficult to make, and is committed to walking alongside her patients on every step of their journey, from initial consultation to post-operative follow-ups. This post will touch upon a few of the different options available to patients considering breast implant removal (also called explantation), and spend a little extra time focusing on one option patients may not know as much about, called fat transfer to the breast (also called fat grafting).

Women thinking about getting their breast implants removed have several different options to choose from. The simplest option is to remove the implants without performing any other procedures. This may be a good option for women who are younger, have smaller implants, and have not had them for very long. For patients with this combination of factors, the skin and tissues surrounding the implant will contract or “fluff up” considerably after implant removal. This minimizes sagging or drooping, giving these patients the best chance at a result that looks most similar to their pre-implant appearance. For many patients, however, a combination of aging, having large implants, and having implants for a long time means that the overlying tissues are not as good at “bouncing back” after implant removal. In these women, breast explantation alone may result in a saggy or “deflated” appearance, particularly in the upper portion of the breast. These women are often interested in additional procedures that can be performed at the same time as implant removal to eliminate sagginess and improve the overall appearance of the breasts.

A breast lift is one of the most common procedures performed with explantation. This procedure removes sagging excess skin and tissue from the breasts and surgically lifts the breast to a higher position on the chest wall, creating a perkier, more youthful bust. A breast reduction is a similar procedure to a breast lift, but removes additional breast tissue to further reduce the size of the breasts. Both of these options lift the breasts up to eliminate droopiness, one of the most common undesired effects of implant removal.

Both of the options discussed above are great for patients looking to remove their implants without being left with saggy breasts. However, a subset of patients is interested in having their implants removed while also adding natural volume and fullness to their bust line. Dr. Traci Temmen is one of the few board-certified female plastic surgeons in the Tampa Bay area who is highly skilled at performing fat transfer to the breast, a method that uses the power of liposuction to do just that. During this procedure, Dr. Temmen performs gentle, precise liposuction of the abdomen and other problem areas. This removes stubborn fat deposits while also providing a supply of high quality fat for later transfer to the breasts. Dr. Traci Temmen is highly trained at performing liposuction to gently sculpt the body into a more flattering shape, and is able to flatten the tummy, melt away muffin tops, and accentuate the waistline. With her exacting surgical technique, Dr. Temmen is also able to precisely target certain areas the patient is most self-conscious of, adapting to each patient’s unique desires. Once liposuction is complete, the collected fat is processed and prepared for transfer. It is then carefully injected into the breasts to create soft, beautiful volume. Since fat transfer replaces some of the volume that was previously taken up by the implants, this adds fullness while also reducing sagginess. For most patients, fat transfer provides up to 1 to 1.5 increase in bra cup size after implant removal (i.e. from a 36B to a 36C), although this varies between patients. Some patients may also be happy to stay the same cup size, but create a rounder shape by adding volume to the upper breast. Overall, explantation with fat transfer is a great option for patients who no longer wish to have breast implants, but still want full, beautiful breasts. Patients are typically impressed with their results, and think it’s simply amazing how great they look just from moving their own fat around! Many patients also enjoy the soft, natural look and feel of their breasts, and may feel more at ease that the increased volume came from their own body rather than outside material.

Board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Traci Temmen frequently performs breast implant removal alone or in conjunction with breast lift, reduction, or fat transfer to best suit each unique patient’s anatomy, lifestyle, and aesthetic goals. Dr. Temmen is an expert in her field, and stays up to date on the latest innovations in cosmetic plastic surgery to ensure the highest levels of safety and patient satisfaction. In addition to her surgical expertise and experience, as one of the few board-certified female plastic surgeons in the Tampa Bay area, Dr. Temmen understands how closely a woman’s appearance can be tied to self-esteem and quality of life. Patients love her gentle bedside manner, and often find that her humble and kind demeanor are a breath of fresh air in today’s fast-paced world. Just read a few of her many glowing patient reviews to hear for yourself why they’re so satisfied with their care!

With her commitment to safety, extensive training and surgical skill, and gentle approach to patient care, it’s no wonder why so many patients trust Dr. Temmen to perform their cosmetic surgical procedure. Visit the Gallery tab of this website to view Before and After photos of real patient transformations performed by Dr. Traci Temmen, and see the stunning results for yourself. Want to learn more about if you may be a candidate for breast implant removal with any of the procedures discussed above? Call 813-771-6393 to book your one-on-one consultation with Dr. Traci Temmen today!

 

Breast Explant Tampa

Will I need a lift if I remove my breast implants?

Breast Explant Tampa

Many women get breast implants to enhance the size and shape of their bust line. However, sometimes a woman may desire to have her implants removed (called “explantation”) at a later date for a variety of reasons. Some women may find that with aging, weight gain, or pregnancy, their breasts enlarge over time to a point where they no longer desire the added volume of implants. In other cases, a patient may feel that she was rushed into her decision, or find that her implants are not the size or shape she desired. Whatever the reason, Dr. Temmen recognizes that much like the decision to have breast implants put in place, the choice to have them removed is a personal one. Dr. Temmen’s gentle bedside manner and listening ear ensure that her patients feel comfortable and cared for throughout their entire experience. A key concern many women have who are considering this procedure is that they will be left with saggy, shapeless breasts after the implants are removed. This raises the question of if a breast lift or other procedure is needed in conjunction with explantation to restore the breasts to a natural-looking shape. This post will discuss a few of the surgical options Dr. Traci Temmen frequently performs for her patients to ensure that they are pleased with their result following breast implant removal.

One key point patients thinking about breast explantation should consider is that there is significant variability in breast appearance after implant removal. There are several factors that contribute to this including implant size, how long the patient has had the implants, and how robust the patient’s overlying tissues are, including the thickness and elasticity of the skin. Generally, a young patient who recently had small implants placed will have a better result from breast explantation alone than an older patient who has had large breast implants for a long time. Women with a favorable combination of these factors have the best chance at a result that closely resembles their pre-implant appearance from simply removing the implants. This means that over the course of a four to six-week recovery period, the skin and overlying tissues will tighten and the breasts will “fluff up” in these patients, with minimal sagging or drooping. On the other hand, older women who have had large implants for a long period of time will likely find that breast explantation alone will leave their breasts with a “deflated” appearance that many women would be unhappy with. Fortunately, board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Traci Temmen has several options at her disposal to prevent this, allowing patients to have their breast implants removed and still emerge with beautiful, natural-looking breasts.

One of the most common choices women make to restore their breasts to a perkier, more youthful appearance after explantation is a breast lift. In this procedure, saggy excess tissue is removed from the breast after the implants have been removed, and the breast is then lifted to a higher position on the chest wall. This does not increase the size of the breast like an implant, but decreases sagging to help create a more youthful, lifted bust line. Some women with the favorable conditions discussed above may have enough recoil in their tissues to allow the breasts to snap back to their original shape without a lift. However, for many women, a lift is necessary to achieve this result.

Another option some patients are interested in exploring with breast explantation is a breast reduction. This option is best suited for patients who wish to decrease the size of their breasts beyond removal of their implants. Oftentimes these women are experiencing major problems from the heavy weight of their breasts, such as back pain, trouble exercising comfortably, and difficulty finding suitable clothing options. This procedure is very similar to a breast lift, but a greater quantity of breast tissue is removed to reduce the size of the breasts, rather than just the saggy excess tissue and skin removed during a lift.

Finally, a third option available to patients considering breast implant removal who are interested in restoring a little bit of natural volume to the breasts without the use of implants is fat transfer to the breasts. In this procedure, liposuction is performed to remove excess fat from the abdomen that is then transferred to the breasts to add soft, natural-looking volume. This helps fill out the upper pole of the breast which is often what looks the most “deflated” after breast implant removal. An added bonus of this procedure that many patients enjoy is the slimming effects of the liposuction used to harvest fat from the midsection.

As you can see, there are many options for improving the breast appearance while performing breast implant removal. As a highly skilled female plastic surgeon, Dr. Traci Temmen has the technical skills to perform all of these variations of breast explanation as well as the patience and understanding to listen to her patient’s wishes and concerns. Dr. Temmen is an expert in the field, and prides herself on working individually with each patient to design a personalized plan that will give them the most attractive and natural-looking result, leaving them feeling confident and beautiful.

To view some real patient examples, navigate to the tabs under the “Breast” section of the “Before and After” tab of this website. If you are interested in learning more about breast implant removal or any other cosmetic surgery procedure, call 813-877-2277 to book your one-on-one consultation with Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon Traci Temmen, MD, today!

When should I remove or replace my breast implants?

For patients who already have or are considering getting breast implants, a common question that may be on their minds is, “When should I remove or replace my breast implants?” Breast implant removal, also known as explantation, is a procedure many women choose for a variety of reasons. Some women may find that as their bodies change with aging, pregnancy, or weight gain, they no longer want the increased size from their breast implants. Others may simply evolve their personal preferences over time and wish to have their implants removed. Still others may have unfortunately gotten a result they were unhappy with from their breast augmentation, and immediately desire a change. There are also a few different medical indications for explanation. These may include implant rupture, capsular contracture, infection, or addressing any concerns the surgeon or patient has. It is important to remember that foreign objects introduced to the body – whether it be a pacemaker, knee replacement, or breast implant – are not considered lifelong devices, and require some maintenance over time.

Whatever the reason a patient is exploring the option of having her implants removed, Dr. Traci Temmen recognizes that the explantation decision is a big one for many women, and is often accompanied by worries of what the breasts will look like after the procedure. Dr. Temmen works one-on-one with each patient, listening to their wishes for their appearance after explantation as well as their concerns and fears. She works together with her patients to develop a personalized plan to achieve an attractive result that is as close to the patient’s goal appearance post-surgery as possible.

Another point patients considering explantation should keep in mind is there is significant variability in breast appearance after the implants are removed. For some women who had smaller implants placed, more recent implantation, or more robust overlying tissues and tighter skin, a breast explantation surgery alone may yield a very aesthetic result. This means that after 4-6 weeks of recovery, the skin will tighten and the breasts will “fluff up” with minimal sagging or drooping. Typically, these patients have the best chance of attaining results from explantation alone that look most similar to their pre-implantation appearance. For women with larger implants, who have had them for a long period of time, or have less robust overlying tissue and looser skin, a simple breast explantation procedure may leave a result the patient is unhappy with. In other words, removing the implants in these patients without doing any other procedure may leave the breasts with a “deflated” or saggy appearance.

In these cases, there are many options for improving the breast appearance – and Dr. Traci Temmen is an expert at working with her patients to identify the best option for them that will yield the most beautiful and natural-looking result. These options include breast reduction, breast lift, and liposuction with fat transfer to the breast. The breast reduction and breast lift options are ideal for removing excess tissue that causes the breasts to sag, creating a perkier and more youthful appearance. A breast reduction removes more tissue than a breast lift, so it is generally better suited for women who wish to decrease the size of their breasts even more in addition to removing their implants. Liposuction with fat transfer to the breast is a great option for filling out breasts that look “deflated” after explantation. In this procedure, fat is first liposuctioned form the patient’s midsection, which has a slimming and smoothing effect. This fat is then precisely transferred to the patient’s breasts, providing soft, natural-looking volume. As a highly skilled female plastic surgeon,

Dr. Traci Temmen has both the technical skill to perform all of these variants of breast explanation as well as the patience and understanding to listen to her patient’s wishes and concerns, ensuring that they leave with a result that makes them feel beautiful and confident.

Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon Dr. Traci Temmen expertly performs breast explantations of all variations with beautiful results! To view some real examples, please explore the tabs under the “Breast” section of the “Before and After” tab of this website, including the “Breast Implant Removal” and “Fat Transfer to Breast” tabs.

If you are interested in seeing if you are a candidate for breast implant removal, or any other cosmetic surgery procedure you are interested in, book a one-on-one consultation with Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon Traci Temmen, MD: 813-771-6393.

What is the Difference Between En Bloc Implant Removal, Total Capsulectomy, and Partial Capsulectomy in Breast Implant Removal Surgery

For many reasons, I am seeing an increased number of patients for consultation on breast implant removal, also known as explant surgery. Some of these women are concerned about breast implant illness, others simply prefer to avoid the future ‘maintenance’ associated with breast implants, and some women and interested in breast implant removal for cosmetic or lifestyle issues. Either way, it is clear that there is confusion surrounding the terminology associated with breast implant removal or explant surgery.

To date, there are few agreed upon surgical indications for the removal of breast implants and the capsule surrounding the breast implant other than severe capsular contracture and ALCL (a rare lymphoma that can be associated with textured implants). Some large, online breast implant illness support groups strongly advocate for implant removal and total or en bloc capsulectomy as the treatment of choice for breast implant illness. However, the American Society of Plastic Surgeons as well as the American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons cautions against widespread en bloc capsule removal or total capsulectomy for patients worried about breast implant illness but without other clear surgical indications. Currently, these large plastic surgery organizations, as well as the online breast implant illness support groups, do agree, however, that there is no guarantee that implant removal with or without removal of the capsule will “cure” symptoms thought to be associated with breast implant illness. To see more information about breast implant illness, please see my previous blog posts or return frequently for more posts on this evolving topic.

Thus, I would like to clear up the confusion around the terms used for discussing breast implants, the capsules, and their partial or complete removal.

Capsule- The scar tissue that naturally forms around any foreign object placed inside the body. Any object not naturally found inside the body, such as a splinter, prosthetic knee, or breast implant, will cause the formation of a layer of scar tissue, or capsule, to form and encase the foreign body. When discussing breast implants, the capsule is the layer of scar tissue that forms around the breast implant, analogous to a baby enclosed in a placenta inside the mother’s body.

Simple Breast Implant Removal- A simple breast implant removal involves an incision down to and through the implant capsule in order to remove the unwanted breast implant. During this surgery, the capsule is left in place and not removed. The capsule will then shrink in size and often times be “broken down” and “dissolved” by the body naturally.

Breast Implant Removal and Partial Capsulectomy- A partial capsulectomy is performed when in addition to breast implant removal, small portions of the capsule are removed as well. The areas of capsule removal are often used to treat capsular contracture or to provide a tissue sample for pathological evaluation. Similar to a simple breast implant removal, the remaining capsule will then later shrink in size or possibly be incorporated by the body.

Breast Implant Removal and Total Capsulectomy- A total capsulectomy is performed when the entire capsule is removed after removal of the breast implant. In this case, I usually dissect the superficial surface of the capsule, open the capsule and remove the breast implant, then continue dissection of the deep surface of the capsule. The entire capsule is removed either in one piece, or multiple pieces, depending on the ease of surgery, and is thus called a total capsulectomy. This is analogous to delivering a baby after the placenta has broken, then delivering the placenta once the baby is safely delivered.

Breast Implant Removal and En Bloc Capsulectomy- An en bloc capsulectomy is performed when the capsule is removed in one piece with the breast implant contained inside the capsule. This is analogous to delivering a baby still encased in an intact placenta. Those active on social media breast implant illness sites advocate en bloc removal of breast implants to prevent further “contamination” of surrounding tissues during removal of intact or ruptured breast implants. However, it is not possible to guarantee en bloc removal of breast implants, particularly when the breast implants have been placed under the pectoralis muscle. When implants are placed under the muscle, it can be difficult, if not impossible, to remove a breast implant with en bloc capsulectomy because the backside of the capsule is attached to the ribs and intercostal muscles. Attempts to remove the capsule en bloc can prove disastrous if injury to the underlying ribcage and lungs then occurs during dissection. Because of this, I always tell my patients requesting an en bloc capsulectomy and removal of breast implants that I will do everything in my power to remove their implants en bloc, but I will not risk their life or injury to the ribcage or lungs. In these cases where an en bloc capsulectomy cannot be performed due to safety concerns, I then convert an en bloc capsulectomy to a total capsulectomy. The breast implant and all capsule material is removed as planned, but it is removed as separate pieces, not in one, intact unit.

If you are interested in breast implant removal or explant surgery, please call today for a complimentary consultation with me, Dr. Traci Temmen. I will do everything I can to educate, help you feel comfortable with the surgical plan, and provide peace during this potentially stressful time. My staff and I are experienced in dealing with all types of breast implant removal and capsulectomy cases, and we will treat you the way we would want our family to be treated.

Traci Temmen, M.D.
Female, Board Certified Plastic Surgeon
Tampa, Florida
813-771-6393

What Will My Breasts Look Like After Implant Removal

Breast implant removal or breast explantation is a procedure used to remove previously placed implants. Some women seek explant procedures in response to changes in their breast size over time while others choose to remove their implants due to dissatisfaction or regret after breast augmentation. While both breast augmentation and explantation require careful consideration, many patients make the decision much more quickly for augmentation while the decision to remove them is often a more extensive, lengthier process.

Many patients worry about the appearance of their breasts following explantation and therefore must be emotionally prepared with realistic expectations for the final result. Removing breast implants will have a dramatic effect on the resulting size of the breasts and in some cases the removal may leave behind excess skin and/or asymmetries. Dr. Traci Temmen is extremely helpful when it comes to this aspect of the pre-procedural process as she patiently and thoroughly advises patients on the changes they should expect during every stage of implant removal and beyond.

In the case that only explantation is desired, it may be possible to remove the implants through the same incision site through which they were placed. Although some patients can undergo explantation without consequence and with aesthetically pleasing results, others are not as fortunate. Depending on the condition of the implants, current breast size, degree of sagging, and implant size, many women consider having a breast lift, breast reduction, or liposuction and fat transfer in addition to the implant removal or explantation for optimal cosmetic results. Each of these additional procedures helps to provide the patient with normal and natural looking breasts despite removal of the implants. However, even those patients that opt for implant removal alone should not be dismayed by their breast appearance immediately following explantation. In the weeks to months following implant removal, the skin of most breasts will contract while the soft tissues will expand or “fluff out.” This gradual healing process results in a fuller, tighter, and much more attractive result than what may be seen immediately after breast implant removal.

The recovery process for explantation varies depending on the degree of changes and the method in which the result was obtained although most patients typically return to work within a few days following the surgery. Breast implant removal surgery starts at $4,900; this price may vary depending on the method of removal, complexity, and optional pairing of implant removal with other surgeries such as a breast lift, breast reduction, or liposuction with fat transfer to the breast (i.e. natural breast augmentation). Dr. Temmen performs all aspects of revision surgeries and will help you decide on the best plan to fit your lifestyle, goals, and desired outcome. To see before and after photos in addition to those pictured on the website, call the office at 813-771-6393 to schedule a consultation with Dr. Traci Temmen in Tampa, Florida!