Breast Implant Removal | Breast Revision Surgery in Nashville
Women seek breast implant removal for several reasons, many of which boil down to some variation of:
“My body is different today than it was when I got my implants.”
“I went in for a lift and came out with THESE.”
Common Implant Complaints
Breast implants have been around since the early 1960s. They gained popularity in the decades to follow, becoming widely available in the ‘70s and ‘80s. That means many women have had their implants for upward of 30 to 40 years!
So, the women who had these early implants placed in their 20s are now in their 50s, 60s, or 70s. These women’s bodies have gone through significant changes – pregnancies, natural weight fluctuations, and, ultimately, menopause. These women are reevaluating their bodies at their current life stage and finding their implants don’t fit them anymore. Most of these women had forged a happy relationship with their implants when they were younger, but now feel the added breast size makes them look top-heavy or matronly. Some women are now slimmer, or their breasts are more deflated than when they got their implants and feel the implants no longer accentuate their figure like they once did.
Unfortunately, some women tell us they never liked their implants or felt they were too big. They frequently share stories of going in for a lift and coming out with bigger breasts that eventually sag, rather than the perky, youthful ones they envisioned. This phenomenon may have happened for many reasons, such as poor communication with the surgeon or the wrong operation in the first place.
Sometimes the easiest and most cost-effective solution for droopy breasts is to put in an implant to fill up the loose skin. A breast implant will fill the lax skin if the breast is slack, but it will do very little to lift or reshape sagging breasts.
Breast Revision Surgery: Addressing Implant Issues
In addition to breast implant removal, some women may seek breast revision surgery. This procedure can address a variety of issues related to previous breast augmentation, including:
- Capsular Contracture: This occurs when the scar tissue that forms around the implant becomes hard and tight, causing discomfort and a distorted breast appearance.
- Implant Malposition: Implants may shift from their original position, leading to asymmetry or an unnatural look.
- Ruptured Implants: Both saline and silicone implants can rupture, leading to deflation or leakage.
- Unsatisfactory Aesthetic Results: Some women may be unhappy with the size, shape, or placement of their implants and seek revision to achieve their desired look.
Breast revision surgery can involve replacing old implants with new ones, changing the implant size or type, adjusting the placement of the implants, or combining these changes with a breast lift to achieve optimal results.
Meet the Doctors
Learn about our Board-Certified plastic surgeons and why you should choose two RealSelf 500 award winners for your next procedure!
Meet the Doctors
Learn about our Board-Certified plastic surgeons and why you should choose two RealSelf 500 award winners for your next procedure!
How Breast Implant Removal in Nashville Works
Whether to remove the implants or replace them with smaller ones depends on how much breast tissue a woman has and what size of breasts she desires. When a woman has gained weight since her original breast augmentation, her breast size may have increased all by itself, and an implant may not be necessary. In some cases, the breasts will look more natural without implants.
Our recommendation on whether a woman needs a breast lift depends on her breast appearance and where her breast tissue lies relative to breast implants. A good rule of thumb is: If the breasts were droopy BEFORE the implants or are limp WITH the current implants, they’ll probably be flaccid with a smaller implant or no implant. In most cases, a breast exam and a candid conversation with your surgeon will help you to decide the best option for you. Schedule an online appointment with our surgeons to discuss your options.
If you have saline implants, we can deflate them in our office, under local anesthesia, allowing you and your surgeon to accurately see what your breasts will look like without implants. This option also allows you to live with your smaller breasts for a while. You can dress around the new size before deciding whether you want your breast implants removed or downsized.
If you decide to have your implants removed and do not wish to get a lift, we can usually complete this in our office as well. What if you decide to get smaller implants or a lift? In that case, we recommend scheduling your surgery within a couple of weeks to avoid the collapse of the pockets that housed your original implants.
If you have silicone implants, deflating them is not practical. Still, your surgeon should be able to give you at least a rough estimate of breast size. If you are having trouble visualizing what your breast would look like without an implant, ask your surgeon to show you some pictures of what their best guess is to help you decide if that look meets your preferences.
Your body changes over time. What once was an excellent addition and made you feel more proportional may no longer work for you later life. There are several options available.
- Removal of implants altogether, no lift
- Removal of implants with a simultaneous lift
- Removal of implants with the option of a lift later
- Downsizing implants, no lift
- Downsizing implants with a simultaneous lift
- Downsizing implants with the option of a lift (or removal) later
- Deflation of saline implants ahead of time, with all of the above options
Dr. Gingrass discusses how often should you replace your implants
Dr. Gingrass discusses in office implant deflation
Costs and Considerations for Breast Implant Removal & Breast Revision in Nashville
Several factors determine breast implant removal costs in Nashville.
- Damage to Breast Tissue or Capsules: If there is significant damage or complications, this may affect the complexity and cost of the procedure.
- Replacement of Implants: If you choose to replace your implants with smaller ones or a different type, this will influence the cost.
- Additional Procedures: If a breast lift or other corrective procedures are needed, these will be factored into the overall cost.
- Surgeon Qualifications: Choosing a board-certified plastic surgeon ensures you receive the highest standard of care, which is reflected in the cost.
For a detailed estimate, schedule your consultation with the Plastic Surgery Center of Nashville.
Why Choose Our Board-Certified Plastic Surgeons?
At the Plastic Surgery Center of Nashville, our board-certified plastic surgeons, Dr. Mary Gingrass and Dr. Melinda Haws, are recognized leaders in breast surgery. Both surgeons are RealSelf 500 award winners, a distinction that highlights their commitment to patient satisfaction and excellent results. With years of experience and a dedication to personalized care, they are well-equipped to handle your breast implant removal or revision surgery with precision and care.
FAQs About Breast Implant Removal in Nashville
Breast implants are not designed to last a lifetime. It is generally recommended to have them checked regularly and consider replacement every 10 to 15 years, depending on individual circumstances and any complications that arise.
No, there’s no rule requiring you to replace breast implants every 10 years. However, aging and pregnancy may cause some changes in your breast profile, so replacing your implants may be an excellent choice to address these changes.
You should consider removing breast implants when:
- One or both implants have ruptured or deflated
- You want to change the shape, size, or material of the implant
- You develop capsular contracture, a painful complication that can occur with some implant patients
- Your breasts have become asymmetrical
- Your aesthetic goals and lifestyle choices have changed
If you have experienced any of the above conditions, it’s important to schedule your consultation with a board-certified plastic surgeon who can help you decide the best time to remove your breast implants.
Most plastic surgeons recommend an annual breast implant checkup. In addition, the FDA recommends having implants screened via MRI three years after your surgery and every two years afterward.
Often, Drs. Gingrass and Haws can follow the incisions made during your original breast augmentation procedure to avoid creating an additional scar. If new incisions are necessary, your surgeon will carefully make them in inconspicuous areas where they will heal discreetly.
Since you will be groggy from the anesthesia, you will need a responsible adult to drive you home and stay with you for 24 hours after the surgery. You can manage any discomfort with prescription or over-the-counter pain medication. Most patients feel sufficiently recovered to return to work within the first week. We will provide you with detailed instructions to follow while you are healing, including how to care for your incisions and when to return for follow-up appointments. During recovery, you’ll need to avoid strenuous exercise and sleep on your back or side.
If your breasts are droopy or have excess skin, a breast lift may be recommended after implant removal to achieve a more youthful and perky appearance. Your surgeon will discuss this with you during your consultation.
The answer to this question depends on multiple factors, including the type of previous augmentation, associated surgical fees and whether you choose to add complementary procedures like a breast lift. We will give you an accurate cost estimate during your consultation. For your convenience, we offer three different types of patient financing.
Typically, breast revision surgery for aesthetic reasons is not covered by insurance. However, if the surgery is required to correct complications from a previous augmentation, such as implant rupture or capsular contracture, some insurance plans may provide coverage. It is best to check with your insurance provider for specific details.
Preparation for surgery includes a thorough consultation with your surgeon, during which you will discuss your goals and any medical conditions. You may need to stop certain medications and follow specific pre-operative instructions to ensure a smooth and safe procedure.
Schedule a Consultation
Ready to book your procedure with one of our board-certified plastic surgeons? Contact us today to schedule your consultation and begin your aesthetic journey!