Breast Implant Removal

For a wide range of reasons, many women decide to have their breast implants removed. No matter what your circumstance may be, Dr. G can remove breast implants safely and skillfully.

Why Get Breast Implant Removal?

Some women find that their implants never quite felt right in their body. Others have implants that rupture, ripple, or migrate. Implants eventually get old and need to be replaced, or sometimes even cause health problems. If you are unhappy with your implants and want them removed or would like a replacement, Dr. G is the perfect surgeon for you. He offers the best breast implant removal procedures in the San Diego and La Jolla area.

What Exactly is Breast Implant Removal?

Breast implant removal (also known as breast revision or explant surgery) is performed on patients who have already undergone one or more breast surgeries in which they have received implants. The surgery is done when the patient wishes to remove, replace, or re-position the implants. For Dr. G, the goal is to make his patients feel great about their breasts once again.

Common Reasons for Breast Implant Removal

Patient is unhappy with the way her implants look or feel
Patient’s body never “got used to” the implants
The patient feels that her implants are the wrong type, shape, or size
Implant rupture or deflation
Calcium buildup
Implant deformity
Implant has become folded, rippled, or wrinkled
The implant has moved from its original position
Symmastia: A condition in which implants join together and distort the cleavage
Capsular contracture: Scar tissue forms around the implants

Hardening of the breast tissue
“Double bubble”: The implants are sitting lower than the natural breast crease
Implants are over a decade old
Chronic pain with breast implants
Breast implant-associated anaplastic large cell lymphoma (BIA-ALCL)
Breast implant illness (BII)
Infection and/or bleeding
Dead tissues or fluid develop around the implant

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In Office Virtual

I’m very happy I chose Dr. Grzeskiewicz. At my first consultation, he sat with me for about an hour and listened to my concerns and what my goal was for the surgery (which was straight explant without replacement). He went through all the options available to me to let me know what choices I had. He explained the procedure very well and went through what I should expect for recovery. The consultation experience was very comfortable for me. Dr. G came across as very knowledgeable, but not arrogant. I never felt like I was pressured by him or Eva (his customer experience advocate). I got the impression that Dr. G really cares about his work and wants his patients to be happy with their results. I am happy I explanted…I love feeling so light and free.

Likingtinyones, Explant Patient

Dr. G’s Approach to Breast Implant Removal

Dr. G typically prefers to perform a capsulectomy when performing explant surgery. This is primarily because half of all capsules left in place and not removed with removal of the implants will remain indefinitely, sometimes allowing the development of chronic fluid collections or distortions of the breast.

Usually a total capsulectomy is best, because this ensures that all of the capsule tissue is removed, leaving behind only healthy normal tissue to heal. Many people have discussed the a procedure called “en bloc capsulectomy”, which refers to the removal of the implant and the associated capsule (the scar tissue that has formed around the implant) as one whole unit, without opening the capsule and exposing the implant. This is where the surgery gets its name. “En bloc” is French for “as a whole”.

An en bloc capsulectomy tends to be a little more complicated than a standard explant, and it requires a much larger scar than a standard total (or “complete”) capsulectomy. For these reasons, Dr. G usually discourages the use of an en bloc capsulectomy. There have been no studies to demonstrate any advantage of an en bloc capsulectomy in the absence of known cancer, yet there are the many disadvantages noted above.

Even in the case of a ruptured silicone gel-filled breast implant, whether known before surgery or discovered at the time of surgery, this can be managed very safely with standard capsulectomy techniques, fully removing all ruptured silicone and capsule and resulting in no increased chance of complications, all without the excessive scar length and invasive dissection required by an en bloc capsulectomy.

The one instance in which Dr. G will recommend an en bloc capsulectomy/explant procedure as an especially effective surgical method is for those with proven breast implant-associated anaplastic large cell lymphoma.

In any case, with a thorough evaluation of your individual needs, Dr. G will be sure to take you step-by-step through all of your available options during your consultation.

Surgical Details for Breast Implant Removal

An explant—with or without capsulectomy is performed with the patient under general anesthesia.

Dr. G can usually utilize the same incision that was made during your original breast surgery, but he may need to create a new or larger one depending upon your specific circumstances.

After removing the implant, Dr. G typically will remove the entire capsule that has formed around the breast implant, usually taking it out as one whole piece without causing any damage to the capsule’s casing. Once the whole unit has been removed, the space is thoroughly cleansed, and a drain is typically placed in each breast. The incisions will be closed, and you will be fitted with a compression dressing.

The Best Breast Implant Removal with Dr. G

If you’re looking for the best breast implant removal surgeon in the San Diego and La Jolla area, you’re in the right place. Not only is Dr. Joseph Grzeskiewicz (“Dr. G” to his patients) a board-certified plastic surgeon whose primary services are breast and revision procedures; he is also known for being a kind, caring, and compassionate doctor whose passion is making his patients happy. Everyone comes to Dr. G when they need revision surgery, whether their results were disappointing or it’s simply time for a change. In practice for over 20 years and with extensive experience, Dr. G is ideal if you’re seeking breast implant removal. Contact us today to book your consultation.

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