During breast augmentation surgery, many women have implants placed above or under their chest muscle. The body naturally forms scar tissue (capsule) around the breast implants. Over time, this scar tissue may harden and contract around the implant – leading to distortion, bulging, or ridging. In addition to disfiguration of the breast, many women who get capsular contracture may experience physical symptoms, such as pain and discomfort. Breast implant removal surgery aims to remove this hardened scar tissue (capsule) and/or breast implants to alleviate both aesthetic and physical symptoms.
Phoenix surgeon Jude LaBarbera collaborates with a team of dedicated professionals to help women mitigate the effects of capsular contracture. During the surgery, known as a capsulectomy, Dr. Jude removes the scar tissue and may also take out the implant, depending on the patient’s needs and requirements. Dr. Jude LaBarbera has helped countless women in Phoenix and the surrounding Arizona areas remove capsules to alleviate discomfort and achieve their desired aesthetic results.
Table Of Contents
Reasons for Breast Implant Removal
Capsular Contracture
Capsular contracture occurs when scar tissue forms tightly around a breast implant, causing the breast to feel firm, distorted, or painful. This condition can progress over time and affect both the look and comfort of the breasts. In moderate to severe cases, removal of the implant may be necessary to relieve the tightening and restore a more natural shape.
Implant Rupture or Leakage
Implant rupture or leakage is another common reason for removal. With saline implants, leakage is usually noticeable because the breast quickly loses volume, making the change more obvious. Silicone implants may rupture more quietly, sometimes without immediate symptoms. In both cases, removal or replacement is typically recommended to maintain breast health and symmetry.
Breast Implant Illness (BII)
Breast implant illness is a term used to describe a range of symptoms, such as fatigue, joint pain, brain fog, and rashes, that some women associate with their implants. While research is ongoing, many individuals report improvement in their overall health and well-being after implant removal. For those affected, removal is often considered a step toward regaining balance and comfort.
Pain and Discomfort
Some women choose removal because of persistent pain and discomfort related to their implants. This can be caused by implant size, especially when large implants put strain on the back, shoulders, or chest. For others, the discomfort may stem from pressure on surrounding tissue or nerve irritation. Removal helps alleviate these issues and provides physical relief.
Changes in Breast Appearance
Breast implants may no longer match a person’s aesthetic goals over time. Natural changes in breast skin, weight fluctuations, pregnancy, or the aging process can all impact the appearance of implants. Some women opt for removal for cosmetic reasons, either to restore a more natural appearance or to achieve a different look.
Implant Malposition
Implant malposition happens when an implant shifts from its intended placement, leading to asymmetry or distortion. This can occur if the breast tissue or implant pocket does not provide enough support. In such cases, removal or repositioning may be necessary to correct the appearance and improve comfort.
Implant Aging
Like any medical device, implants are not meant to last a lifetime. Over time, old implants can weaken, lose their shape, or cause complications. Removal allows patients to address issues related to aging implants, whether by replacing them with new ones or choosing to go without implants.
Breast Implant-Associated Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma (BIA-ALCL)
BIA-ALCL is a rare cancer that has been linked to textured implants. While uncommon, the condition can develop in the scar tissue and fluid surrounding the implant. Early detection and removal of the implants, along with the surrounding tissue, are essential for effective treatment and improved outcomes.
FEATURED PATIENT GALLERIES
What Causes Capsular Contracture?
Capsular contracture is the primary complication following breast augmentation surgery and the leading cause of breast revision surgery.
- An estimated 10% of breast augmentation patients develop severe contracture at one time or another.
- Up to 25% of augmentation patients may experience milder degrees of this condition.
Capsular contracture is the primary complication following breast augmentation surgery and the leading cause of breast revision surgery.
Although there’s no known cause of capsular contracture, many surgeons believe that the type of implant used during augmentation surgery may be a major culprit. Because they cause calcification, silicone implants tend to develop scar tissue more commonly than saline breast implants. The technique used to place implants may also lead to capsular contracture. For instance, when an implant is placed above the muscle, it may lack enough coverage or lubrication, thus increasing the risk that scar tissue will form. Some plastic surgeons also argue that bacterial contamination on the implant shell may cause the formation of scar tissue.
No plastic surgeon can predict how the body will heal (and whether hard scar tissue will be formed) before a surgical procedure. The best safeguard patients can take against capsular contracture is to work with a highly experienced surgeon during the initial breast implant surgery.
Grades of Capsular Contracture
Breast implant capsules form due to progressive hardening of the scar tissue following implant surgery. The condition typically has a slow onset and can manifest at any time after surgery. It may affect one or both breasts. Capsular contracture is often categorized into four grades based on its severity.
Grade I
In Grade I capsular contracture, the implant is still largely normal with a soft texture and natural appearance.
Grade II
The implant may feel firm, appear natural, but may be shaped otherwise.
Grade III
The breast implant feels firm with a visibly abnormal shape.
Grade IV
In Grade IV contracture, the implant is abnormally shaped, feels firm, and is painful.
During your initial consultation, Dr. Jude LaBarbera will conduct an examination and ask questions to establish the severity of your breast implant capsules. This initial visit to our Phoenix plastic surgery office also provides an excellent opportunity for patients to ask questions and share their concerns with the surgeon. Dr. LaBarbera will formulate an effective surgical plan based on the extent of your capsular contracture.
Your Initial Consultation with Dr. LaBarbera
A consultation is an essential first step in your breast implant removal journey. During this visit, you will meet Dr. LaBarbera in a welcoming and supportive environment where your concerns and goals are the focus. This is the time to discuss your medical history, talk about why you may want to have your implants removed, and review the options available to you. Dr. LaBarbera will perform a detailed examination, answer your questions, and explain what to expect before, during, and after surgery.
Breast Implant Removal: A Step-by-Step Procedure
Step 1: Anesthesia
To ensure your comfort throughout the procedure, breast implant removal is typically performed under general anesthesia. This means you will be completely asleep and unaware during the surgery, allowing Dr. LaBarbera to carry out the procedure safely and effectively. The anesthesia team monitors your vital signs closely from start to finish, ensuring you remain stable and comfortable throughout the operation.
Step 2: Incisions
Once you are under anesthesia, the next step is making incisions. Where possible, Dr. Jude LaBarbera makes incisions along the same sites as the initial augmentation procedure. This approach helps minimize new scarring and allows the surgeon to carefully access the implant pocket while maintaining the most natural appearance possible.
Step 3: Breast Implant Removal
After the incisions are made, Dr. LaBarbera carefully removes the breast implant and hardened scar tissue around it. In some cases, the capsule surrounding the implant is also removed in a procedure called capsulectomy. This meticulous process helps restore comfort, relieve symptoms, and prepare the breast tissue for healing or for the placement of a new implant if desired.
Step 4: New Implant Insertion (Optional)
A new implant may then be inserted. The type of implant to be used during the surgery will be decided upon during your consultation with Dr. LaBarbera. This is usually done based on the patient’s expectations of the surgery.
Step 5: Closure
Once the removal (and possible replacement) of implants is complete, Dr. LaBarbera closes the incisions using layered sutures to support the breast tissue as it heals. Care is taken to create fine, discreet incision lines that will continue to fade with time. Sterile dressings are applied, and in some cases, drainage tubes may be placed to prevent fluid buildup. This careful closure process promotes proper healing, helps reduce scarring, and enhances the overall outcome of the procedure.
Recovery After Surgery
Recovery after breast implant removal will vary depending on the type of procedure that was performed, as well as the patient’s healing ability. In most cases, recovering from capsulectomy is similar to recovering from the initial breast augmentation procedure. Patients normally need to take a week off work. Strenuous physical activity, heavy lifting, and certain tasks should be avoided for a couple of weeks after surgery. Dr. Jude LaBarbera issues each patient with individualized instructions to ensure an uninterrupted recovery process.
Results of a Capsule Removal Surgery
The results of implant capsule removal can be dramatic. Patient’s breasts will have normal firmness, with implants that appear more natural in shape. Symptoms such as pain in the chest disappear because the initial implants have been replaced, and the scar tissue removed.
Tummy Tuck Surgical Process
Anesthesia
The standard tummy tuck procedure begins with anesthesia to ensure complete comfort throughout the surgery. Depending on individual needs and the complexity of the tummy tuck, Dr. LaBarbera may use general anesthesia or local anesthesia with intravenous sedation, allowing patients to remain fully relaxed and pain-free during the operation.
Incisions in the Abdominal Area
Incisions are carefully placed along the bikini line, making them discreet and easily concealable under clothing. These incisions provide access to both the skin and stubborn fat pockets, allowing precise contouring of the abdominal area. In some cases, an incision around the navel may also be made to reposition it naturally after the procedure. Incisions can also extend to the flanks and lower back in complex cases.
Repairing the Muscles in the Abdominal Wall
One of the key steps in a typical tummy tuck procedure involves tightening the abdominal muscles. Over time, pregnancy, weight fluctuations, or aging can cause the abdominal wall muscles to stretch or separate. Dr. LaBarbera meticulously repairs and tightens these muscles, creating a firmer foundation and improving both the appearance and strength of the midsection.
Removing Loose Skin and Fat
Once the muscles are addressed, attention turns to removing excess abdominal skin and unwanted fat. This step eliminates sagging skin and fat deposits that cannot be corrected through diet and exercise alone, resulting in a smoother and more toned contour.
Redraping the Skin
After excess tissue has been removed, the remaining skin is carefully redraped over the newly tightened abdominal wall. This step ensures a natural-looking and even contour, enhancing the overall aesthetic results of the tummy tuck.
Closing the Incisions
Finally, the incisions are meticulously closed with sutures, and in some cases, surgical drains may be placed to prevent fluid accumulation during the initial healing period. The result is a firmer, flatter abdomen with improved definition, while incision lines are positioned to remain as discreet as possible under clothing.
Ideal Candidates for Breast Implant Removal
You may be a good candidate for breast implant removal if:
- You are experiencing severe capsular contracture that leads to pain and discomfort
- You are experiencing persistent dissatisfaction with the size, shape, or appearance of your implants
- You have concerns about implant leakage, rupture, or long-term implant safety
- You are experiencing changes in breast symmetry or unnatural appearance due to aging, weight fluctuations, or implant-related issues
- You wish to address discomfort or limitations in physical activity caused by your implants
- You are in good enough health to undergo a surgical operation
- You are well aware of the risks and benefits involved in performing this surgery
Typically, breast implant removal surgery is only considered in severe cases (Grade IV capsular contracture). Milder (low-grade) versions of contracture can be addressed via alternative treatments such as massage therapy and the use of medication. During your in-person consultation, Dr. Jude LaBarbera will conduct an assessment and recommend the best way forward.
Benefits of Breast Explant Surgery
Alleviation of Pain and Other Symptoms
One of the key benefits of breast explant surgery is relief from discomfort and systemic issues sometimes linked to implants. Many women report improvements in fatigue, headaches, and even joint pain after removal. By addressing the underlying source of these symptoms, the procedure can restore comfort and improve overall quality of life.
Return to a Natural Breast Shape
For some patients, the decision to remove implants is based on aesthetics. Over time, women decide they prefer a more natural appearance that aligns with their lifestyle or personal goals. Explant surgery allows the breasts to return to a softer, more natural shape, helping patients feel more comfortable and confident in their own bodies.
Removal of a Ruptured Implant
If an implant ruptures, removal is the most effective way to resolve the issue. Ruptured implants can alter breast shape and may cause discomfort or other complications. Taking the implant out ensures the breast is safe, healthy, and ready for either natural healing or replacement with a new implant if desired.
Reduced Risk of Complications
Choosing to undergo explant surgery can lower the likelihood of future implant complications. By removing the devices, patients eliminate risks such as capsular contracture, leakage, or shifting. This preventive benefit allows patients to avoid potential corrective surgeries later on.
Greater Piece of Mind
Beyond the physical benefits, explant surgery often brings greater peace of mind. Many women feel reassured knowing their implants are no longer a source of worry, whether about long-term safety, changes in their health, or cosmetic outcomes. This emotional relief can be just as valuable as the physical improvements.
Outpatient Breast Procedure
Another advantage of breast explant surgery is that it is performed as an outpatient breast procedure. Patients can return home the same day, recover in the comfort of their own space, and get back to their regular routines more quickly than with more invasive surgeries.
Cost of Breast Implant Removal in Scottsdale, AZ
The cost of breast implant removal in Scottsdale typically ranges between $5,000 and $12,000. This price can vary based on the complexity of the procedure, whether scar tissue or capsules need to be removed, and if new implants are placed at the same time. The total also includes your surgeon’s fee, facility charges, and anesthesia fees, all of which can vary based on the specifics of your surgery and individual needs.
Schedule a consultation with Dr. LaBarbera to receive personalized prices.
Planning Your Breast Implant Removal Surgery in Arizona
Capsular contracture may lead to distortion and discomfort after augmentation or breast reconstruction surgery. Dr. Jude LaBarbera performs capsule removal to improve the aesthetics and increase your comfort. During your initial consultation, the surgeon will brief you on the costs of the surgery, recovery arrangements, and other preparations needed for a successful outcome.
Dr. LaBarbera performs capsular contracture procedures in his ultra-modern office operating room, supported by a team of highly professional and licensed staff.
AVERAGE COST
Price Varies
PROCEDURE TIME
1 – 3 Hours
RECOVERY TIME
1 – 2 Weeks
INSURANCE
Not Covered
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Does a breast implant removal include a breast lift?
A breast lift is not automatically included with implant removal. Some women find that once their augmented breasts no longer have the support of implants, the tissue may sag or appear deflated. In these cases, Dr. LaBarbera may recommend combining a lift with removal to restore a youthful shape and position.
Can I undergo natural breast augmentation after implant removal?
Yes, it is possible to enhance breast volume naturally after removing breast implants. Techniques such as fat grafting, also known as fat transfer, can be used to add subtle fullness and volume. In this procedure, fat cells are harvested from another part of your body and carefully injected into the breasts, offering a more natural and modest enhancement. Please note that patients can achieve no more than a 1 cup size increase with this technique.
What is en bloc capsulectomy, and when is it performed?
En bloc capsulectomy is a surgical technique in which the implant and the entire capsule of scar tissue surrounding it are removed together as a single unit. This type of complete capsulectomy is often performed when there are concerns about implant rupture, severe capsular contracture, or suspected implant-related complications.
How to make the recovery process quicker?
Recovery typically lasts a few weeks, but most patients begin to feel more comfortable as healing progresses. To reduce swelling and promote proper healing, Dr. LaBarbera may recommend wearing compression garments, maintaining good hydration, and getting adequate rest. While it may take a few months for final results to settle and the blood supply to fully adjust, many patients find that following aftercare instructions, avoiding strenuous activity, and committing to healthy lifestyle changes can significantly improve recovery speed and outcomes.
Is Dr. LaBarbera a board-certified plastic surgeon?
Yes, Dr. LaBarbera is a board-certified plastic surgeon with extensive training and experience in breast implant removal, exchange, and other procedures. His certification reflects a high standard of surgical skill, patient safety, and dedication to providing excellent outcomes for his patients.
Jude LaBarbera, MD, Plastic Surgery of Phoenix has provided this website for informational purposes only. This website does not constitute formal medical advice. Please contact our office to schedule your plastic surgery consultation to further discuss your medical needs.
