Breast Implant Removal

Neaman Plastic Surgery | Salem, Oregon Also Servicing Surrounding Areas

Past breast augmentation patients may be considering removing their implants for several reasons including no longer desiring a large breast size, wanting to return to their natural look, or even medical issues and implant malfunction. These malfunctions may include implant leaking, rupture, or the formation of scar tissue around the implant (known as capsular contracture). Medical complications from breast augmentation involving implants are very rare and there is no scientific link between breast implants and illness. To learn more about your options for implant removal and to schedule a consultation with one of board-certified surgeons, contact us.

At Neaman Plastic Surgery, our board-certified surgeons perform the breast implant removal procedure using the en-bloc technique, widely recognized as the “gold standard” for implant removal and is only performed by the most skilled plastic surgeons.

What is an Implant Removal with En-Bloc Capsulectomy?

Your body’s natural reaction to breast implants is to form scar tissue over time around them. This is known as the capsule and doesn’t result in any changes to the way your implants feel or look aesthetically. This capsule must always be addressed by the surgeon who is performing a breast implant removal procedure. A breast implant removal with en-bloc capsulectomy is the preferred method for implant removal as it is ideal for the fastest tissue recovery and healing. This method involves removing the entire capsule and implant as a single unit. Even though this is the preferred method by our surgeons, it’s not always an option for every patient depending on various factors.

Who is not an ideal candidate for En-Bloc Capsulectomy?

In some patient cases, the en-bloc capsulectomy is not possible. The most common causes for this are that the capsule itself is too thin or delicate, or the capsule maybe be too tightly connected to the chest wall for it to be safely removed. In these situations, where en-bloc capsulectomy isn’t a safe option, the surgeon will perform a complete capsulectomy where the entire implant and capsule are completely removed.

During your consultation with one of our board-certified surgeons, you can explore your specific breast implant removal situation and what the best treatment options are for your unique goals.

Meet Dr. Keith Neaman and learn more about Neaman Plastic Surgery and Medi Spa.

The Implant Removal Process

The removal of the entire breast implant as well as the capsule around is always our recommendation at Neaman Plastic Surgery. This method provides the best results for the fastest healing and recovery. Ensuring full capsule removal is a critical consideration that you should be seeking in your plastic surgeon of choice. The reason for this is that scientific studies have shown that if the capsule is not fully removed, it can present a health risk down the road and even require a second surgery to remove it.

Understanding Terminology Involved in Breast Implant Removal

There are three key terms to understand when discussing the implant removal with a plastic surgeron: en-bloc, total capsulectomy and capsulectomy. En bloc refers to the method of implant removal and is considered the “gold standard” for breast explants.

En-Bloc: Using the en-bloc method, the implant and the tissue capsule around it are removed as a single unit. This requires an extremely knowledgeable and skilled surgeon.
Total Capsulectomy: This term means that all scar tissue is removed during the procedure, including the lining around the implant along the ribs and lungs. This is normally done in two parts as the surgeon will remove the implants first and then remove any remaining scar tissue left over.
Capsulectomy: This term refers to only partial removal of the capsule scar tissue and again

Key Considerations in Selecting Your Implant Removal Surgeon

To help guide you in your research to selecting the best surgeon to perform your implant removal, these are the key points you will want to make sure and address:

Ensure the Surgeon Intends for an En Bloc or Total Capsulectomy: Seek out surgeons who perform their explants en-bloc as this is the gold standard for best results. Be wary of surgeons who offer to remove the implants without removing the tissue capsule as well as this has proven to be less effective at treating patient symptoms resulting from their implants.
Request Implants are Returned: Make sure you discuss what will happen with you rimplants after they are removed. Technically, they are your property and you may want to keep them to personally inspect them or there may be legal reasons for you to retain them. Either way, make sure thi sis discussed up front in your consultation.
Discuss Pathology and Possible Infections: It’s important to be on the same page with your surgeon regarding taking pictures of the implants and capsules as well as what sort of testing will be done post-operation. Depending on your situation and symptoms, different levels of testing may be required or recommended and it’s important this is discussed with a medical professional such as a board-certified plastic surgeon.
Insurance: The removal of your implants may be deemed medially necessary, in which case your insurance company may pay for some or all of your procedure. Make sure to obtain a copy of your insurance policy and fully understand it to determine what insurance will cover for your particular situation. Your surgeon should also be able to offer advice on this during your consultation.

BREAST Implant Removal FAQ’S

What is Breast Implant Removal (also known as a Breast Explant) surgery?

Breast Implant Removal is a surgery in which a breast implant and the capsule of scar tissue around it are removed.

What is an Breast Implant Removal "En-Bloc"?

En-Bloc, meaning "as a whole", is a Breast Implant Removal surgical method in which the breast implant and capsule of scar tissue around it are completely removed as a single unit. This form of implant removal has been proven to be the most effective at resolving patient symptoms and requires a highly-skilled surgeon.

How do I know if I need Breast Implant Removal?

Candidates for Breast Removal can include patients with aesthetic reasons such as no longer wanting a large breast size or a desire to return to their natural look and for these patients it's a highly subjective decision. In very rare cases, patients may have health complications that may be linked to their breast implants or even have confirmed implant malfunction, requiring the removal of the implants.

What type of recovery should I expect from Breast Implant Removal?

The average downtime for the procedure is one to two weeks to return to regular activity. Normal daily activities such as walking, eating, and bathing can be resumed within one day of the procedure.

Can I get pictures taken of my implants and the capsules after removal?

Yes, all you need to do is request photos during your surgical consultation or any time leading up to your procedure and we will be happy to accommodate this for you.

What is done with my implants after they are removed?

It depends on your unique situation and what is best for you. What is done with your implants will be discussed during your surgical consultation and we are happy to either return them to you, dispose of them safely, or return them to the manufacturer on your behalf should they be defective, recalled, or otherwise eligible for compensation from the manufacturer.

Will you help me determine if insurance will cover all or a portion of my procedure?

Absolutely, this is a service we are happy to provide during your surgical consultation, where our surgeon and Patient Care Coordinator will work with you to determine if you have any eligibility for coverage from your insurance company for the implant removal procedure.