Breast Implant Removal in Lone Tree, CO
Understanding Breast Implant Removal
Breast implant removal, also called explantation, is a surgical procedure that removes previously placed breast implants. Depending on your anatomy, implant condition, symptoms, and the surrounding scar capsule, additional procedures may be recommended at the same time.
Every breast naturally forms a layer of scar tissue, known as a capsule, around an implant. In some patients, this capsule remains thin and causes no problems. In others, it may become thickened, hardened, painful, or otherwise concerning.
Dr. Atagi evaluates the implant and capsule individually to determine whether implant removal alone or removal of some or all of the surrounding capsule is appropriate. The goal is to use the safest surgical approach for your specific circumstances while also considering your desired breast shape after removal.
Depending on your needs, implant removal may also be combined with a breast lift or fat transfer to further reshape or restore the breast.
Why Women Choose Breast Implant Removal
There is no single reason women choose to remove their breast implants. For some, the decision is related to physical concerns such as capsular contracture, implant rupture, discomfort, or changes in breast shape. Others simply find that their lifestyle, body, or aesthetic preferences have changed over time.
Some patients also report systemic symptoms they believe may be associated with their implants, often referred to as breast implant illness, or BII. While BII is not currently recognized as a formal medical diagnosis, Dr. Atagi listens carefully to these concerns and evaluates each patient individually.
Pregnancy, breastfeeding, weight changes, aging, and evolving personal preferences can also influence the decision to pursue explant surgery. Whatever brings you to consider implant removal, your concerns deserve thoughtful evaluation and a surgical plan tailored to you.
Are You a Candidate for Implant Removal?
Breast implant removal may be appropriate for women who have concerns about their implants, no longer want the size or feel they provide, or simply prefer to return to a more natural breast appearance.
Dr. Atagi will evaluate your implant history, breast tissue, skin quality, symptoms, and goals to determine which approach is most appropriate.
You may be a candidate if you’re experiencing:
- Physical Concerns: Capsular contracture, implant rupture, chronic discomfort, or changes in breast shape
- Lifestyle Changes: A desire for a different breast size or feel for exercise, work, clothing, or everyday comfort
- Health Concerns: Symptoms you believe may be associated with your breast implants
- Changing Aesthetic Preferences: A desire for a more natural appearance after pregnancy, breastfeeding, weight changes, or simply with time
- Questions About Your Implants: Concerns about implant condition, integrity, or longevity
- Good Overall Health: You are medically able to undergo surgery and recovery safely
Your Options After Implant Removal
Natural Restoration:
Some women choose to remove their implants and allow their natural breast shape to become the final result. Your appearance after removal will depend on factors such as your original anatomy, implant size, how long the implants have been present, and the elasticity of your skin and breast tissue.
Breast Lift Addition:
If implant removal leaves loose skin, sagging, or a lower breast position, a breast lift may be performed at the same time or as part of your overall surgical plan.
A breast lift removes excess skin, reshapes the natural breast tissue, and repositions the nipple areolar complex to create a firmer, more elevated contour.
Fat Transfer Enhancement:
For patients who would like to restore a modest amount of volume without another breast implant, fat transfer may be an option.
Fat is carefully removed from another area of the body, such as the abdomen or thighs, and transferred to the breasts to provide subtle, natural looking enhancement using your own tissue.
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What Breast Implant Removal Involves
Consultation
Dr. Atagi reviews your implant history, symptoms, breast anatomy, and aesthetic goals. She will also evaluate the condition of your implants and surrounding tissues and discuss whether implant removal alone or an additional procedure may be appropriate.
Procedure
Implant removal is performed using an approach tailored to your individual anatomy and implant condition. Depending on your situation, Dr. Atagi may remove the implant alone or remove some or all of the surrounding capsule when appropriate.
Most surgical explant procedures are performed under general anesthesia. In select cases, straightforward implant removal may be appropriate under local anesthesia in the office.
Aftercare
Initial swelling, soreness, and tightness are expected after surgery. Most patients gradually resume normal daily activities as they heal and may begin returning to more strenuous activity around two weeks, depending on their procedure.
Full exercise clearance is generally provided within approximately four to six weeks based on individual recovery.
Results
You will notice an immediate reduction in breast size and a change in your natural contour after your surgery. Over the next several months, your skin and breast tissue will naturally retract, with final results becoming apparent as your tissues fully heal and settle. It is not uncommon for your breasts to return to their shape and size prior to your initial implant placement. Keep in mind that your unique results will also depend on any weight fluctuations or scarring that has occurred since your original surgery.
Expert Care at Atagi Plastic Surgery & Skin Aesthetics
Breast implant removal is not simply about taking an implant out. The quality of the final result depends on careful surgical planning, evaluation of the surrounding tissues, and an understanding of how the breast is likely to change once the implant is removed.
Dr. Atagi takes a highly individualized approach, considering your breast anatomy, implant history, skin quality, symptoms, and personal goals. She will explain your surgical options clearly so you can make an informed decision about what is right for your body.
Breast implant removal costs vary based on the complexity of your case and whether additional procedures are performed. During your consultation, Dr. Atagi will provide detailed pricing based on your specific needs. We accept all major credit cards and offer financing options through CareCredit, Cherry, and PatientFi to help make your procedure more accessible.
Whether you need a breast lift after implant removal depends on your skin elasticity, original breast size, and implant history. Some patients have excellent skin recoil and are happy with their natural shape, while others benefit from a lift to address excess skin and restore breast position. Dr. Atagi will assess your anatomy during consultation to recommend the best approach.
Yes, breast implant replacement is an alternative to complete removal. This option works well for patients who want to maintain breast volume but need newer implants due to age, complications, or size preferences. Dr. Atagi can discuss whether replacement or removal better suits your goals during your consultation.
A full capsulectomy is a surgical technique where the implant and surrounding scar tissue capsule are removed together. While the goal is often to remove them as one intact unit, this can't always be guaranteed. This method aims to minimize the risk of leaving behind implant material or problematic capsule tissue and is often preferred when medically appropriate, especially for patients concerned about breast implant illness.
It's important to be up and walking the day of your procedure. Minimize activities that raise your blood pressure or heart rate, including sexual activity, for the first 2 weeks to reduce bleeding risk. After 2 weeks, you can gradually resume your usual exercise and activities without restriction.
Breast appearance after implant removal depends on your original anatomy, how long you had implants, and skin elasticity. Some women are pleasantly surprised by their natural shape, while others may have excess skin that benefits from a breast lift. Factors like implant size, placement duration, pregnancy history, and age all influence final results. A consultation with Dr. Atagi can provide realistic expectations based on your specific situation.
Whenever possible, Dr. Atagi’s goal is to minimize new scarring by using your existing incision sites. During your breast implant replacement, she can often revise or improve the appearance of your original scars as well. While a different incision approach is sometimes necessary depending on your unique anatomy and goals, Dr. Atagi will customize the plan to give you the most beautiful, seamless result possible.
Yes, many patients combine implant replacement with a breast lift to address sagging that may have developed over time. Other procedures can also be combined depending on your goals and overall health. Dr. Atagi will discuss all options during your consultation.
Complementary Procedures to Consider
Breast Lift
Restore elevated, youthful breast position after implant removal, especially beneficial if you have excess skin or want to reshape your natural contours.
Breast Implant Replacement
If you're ready for new implants rather than complete removal, Dr. Atagi can help you choose the right size, type, and placement for your current goals.
Mommy Makeover
Combine breast procedures with body contouring for comprehensive restoration after pregnancy and breastfeeding have changed your body.
Ready to Discuss Your Options?
Dr. Atagi provides compassionate, expert consultation for breast implant removal in Lone Tree, Colorado. During your private consultation, she’ll evaluate your specific situation, discuss your goals, and explain all available options for your post-removal journey. We accept all major credit cards and offer financing through CareCredit, Cherry, and PatientFi.