Explant (Breast Implant Removal)

What is Explant (Breast Implant Removal)?

Breast implant removal, also known as explantation, is desired by many women for a variety of reasons. While many women are thrilled with their larger fuller breasts, others seek out explantation often many years after their implants were placed. It is important to seek out a skilled and experienced plastic surgeon when considering breast implant removal. The most common reasons to undergo breast implant removal include:

1. Breasts are too large, feel heavy or have sagging: Sometimes with age or a change in lifestyle, a woman desires to have smaller breasts. Many wish to return to their natural size and often add a breast lift at the time of breast implant removal for improved shape and upper pole fullness.

2. Capsular contracture: A small percentage of women develop capsular contracture which means that the scar tissue around the breast implants becomes thickened and squeezes the implants. This can also lead to breast discomfort. Removing the implants and the surrounding thickened capsules is one way to address this problem.

3. Implant rupture: Ruptured breast implants, whether they are saline or silicone filled, should be removed. At that time the implants can be left out (explantation) or replaced with new breast implants. Implant rupture is often at least partially covered by the implant warranty.

4. BIA-ALCL: Breast Implant Associated Anaplastic Large Cell lymphoma is a rare but serious form of lymphoma that has been diagnosed in a very small percentage of women with a history of textured surface implants. Treatment includes removal of the implants and the surrounding capsule.

5. Breast Implant Illness: Also known as BII, Breast Implant Illness is group of symptoms that may be associated with breast implants or their surrounding implant capsules. While there is currently no test to determine if a woman has BII, some women wish to proceed with removal of their implants and the surrounding capsules, also called En Bloc Capsulectomy, in hopes of resolving some or all of their chronic symptoms. For more information on the treatment of Breast Implant Illness at Weider Plastic Surgery, please read our blog.

Breast Implant Removal at Weider Plastic Surgery in Dallas, TX:

During your consultation, board certified Plastic Surgeon Dr. Laurence Weider will discuss your reasons for considering breast implant removal, and a clear plan will be developed in conjunction with your wishes and your specific situation. Depending on your breast implant history and your goals, a simple breast implant removal may be adequate. In other circumstances, total capsulectomy or En Bloc Capsulectomy may be a better option. In addition, the option of adding a breast lift will be beneficial for some women who are interested in implant removal. All of your options as well as their associated risks and benefits will be discussed in detail, and all of your questions will be answered. Finding the best solution for your specific situation as well as your satisfaction are our goals.

Contact Weider Plastic Surgery Today

In practice since 1999, Dr. Weider is board certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery and has a wealth of experience performing all aspects of breast surgery. When you come in for your consultation, Dr. Weider will review the pros and cons of the surgery and will help you with any questions you may have.

Laurence Weider

Dr. Weider, a native of Southern California, is a Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon who has maintained a private practice in Dallas, TX since 1999. After attending Stanford University, he obtained his medical degree (M.D.) from Baylor College of Medicine in Houston. He then completed a one year surgical internship in Los Angeles at Harbor-UCLA Medical Center, followed by a four year general surgery residency in Dallas at Methodist Medical Center, and a two year plastic surgery fellowship in Cleveland at Case Western Reserve University.