There are numerous reasons patients choose to have their breast implants removed. While some women choose to remove their implants for cosmetic reasons, others do so out of health concerns. In recent years some women have expressed concern that their breast implants may have led to various health issues. Many of these women have reported experiencing symptoms of what some call “breast implant illness,” including fatigue, cognitive dysfunction, muscle pain and weakness, among other conditions.
Boulder Plastic Surgery is committed to the well-being of our patients. Dr. Maxhimer is a respected breast enhancement surgeon who is known for his knowledge, experience and surgical skill. He has treated hundreds of patients who wish to have their implants removed and many of these patients have reported experiencing symptoms of breast implant illness. He will meet with each patient one-on-one to discuss their individual concerns with their breast implants. After meeting with you, he will come up with an individualized plan that will address your concerns and help meet your goals. Each breast implant removal procedure is unique and Dr. Maxhimer will carefully explain all of the available options and help each patient choose the best plan moving forward.
In each surgery Dr. Maxhimer does the following:
- Perform en bloc when possible with total capsulectomy to ensure 100 percent of the capsule is removed.
- Clean out with antibiotic solution and pulse lavage each pocket if there is any silicone leakage from a rupture.
- Insert drains to enhance the healing process.
- Take pictures of the implant and capsule, and clean out any and all residual implant, capsule, silicone or saline within the chest cavity.
- Offer the choice to send capsules to pathology and keep possession of your implants.
Most women who report symptoms of breast implant illness opt to remove their implants without replacing them. These types of breast explant procedures are generally performed under general anesthesia. The surgeon tries to keep the incisions as small as possible to achieve little to no post-operative scarring. Through the incision, the surgeon carefully removes the implants. In case of an implant rupture or capsular contracture, the “capsules” that hold the implants are also removed.
BEFORE AND AFTER PHOTOS
“Do I need a lift?”
Not every patient will need a lift procedure with the explant. However, Dr. Maxhimer may recommend performing a breast lift in conjunction with the explant to position the breasts higher on the chest wall, correct breast ptosis and achieve a more beautiful breast shape. He believes this gives more control over the healing process and how the breasts ultimately will look. Dr. Maxhimer has refined his surgical technique to consistently deliver safe and successful results with the breast lift and explant method. He performs various types of lifts and will explain which one is right for you and why.
Fat grafting is also an option but it is preferred to be done at least 6 months after the explant and/or a lift. This allows for more optimal “take” of the fat cells and more precise placement of where the fat is needed the most. It may take several rounds of fat grafting to achieve the desired results as high volume fat grafting is less predictable and can lead to more fat necrosis. Contact us today to schedule your consultation!
