Breast Implant
Removal
in Scottsdale, AZ

Our plastic surgery center in Scottsdale offers breast implant removal for women seeking  to restore their natural appearance. This procedure corrects the results of previous breast augmentation and resolves various complications, such as implant rupture or capsular contracture. Our board-certified plastic surgeon, Dr. LaBarbera, evaluates each patient’s health, goals, and implant concerns to determine if removal is the right option. With an artistic vision, we help women improve their confidence and embrace natural beauty. Though the breasts may appear smaller after explant surgery, patients receive a lot of physical and emotional benefits, such as pain relief, higher comfort, better clothing fit, and improved body image.

Table of Contents

What Is Breast Implant Removal?

Breast implant removal is a cosmetic procedure that corrects the results of a previous breast augmentation surgery. Common reasons for undergoing this operation include capsular contracture, implant rupture or deflation, breast implant illness, and aesthetic concerns. The surgery is usually performed under general anesthesia and takes about 1-3 hours. Breast implant removal allows women to restore their natural breast shape and size. It can significantly improve physical health, self-confidence, and body image.

Preparation for Breast Implant Removal

Before this surgery, women have a consultation appointment with  Dr. LaBarbera to discuss their goals and expectations. The doctor evaluates the patient’s health, asks about medications being taken, and examines the breasts and implant position. He also reviews the techniques for implant removal, incision sites, replacement options, and expected recovery time.

Patients may be asked to get pre-operative tests or adjust their medications before surgery. They are also advised to find someone to drive them home after the procedure and help during initial recovery. Clearance from  a primary care physician may be required as well. We recommend smoking cessation for a certain period and avoiding blood thinning medications  or supplements for some time. All of these details are thoroughly discussed during the initial consultation.

Breast Implant Removal Procedure

In most cases, Dr. LaBarbera uses general anesthesia to put the patient in a sleep-like state and provide maximum comfort. The anesthetic ensures that the person does not feel pain or remember the procedure.

The surgeon makes an incision to access the implant. This is often done through the existing scar from the original breast augmentation. However, a different incision site may also be used. The location depends on factors like implant type, quality of breast skin, and the doctor’s preference.

A space is created by gently breaking scar tissue. Then, the surgeon carefully takes the implant out through the opening. Textured implants may require additional excising because they grow into the breast tissue much more significantly. If the implants have ruptured, Dr. LaBarbera removes as much silicone gel as possible to ensure that no foreign substances are left in the breasts. Broken saline breast implants are easier to take out because the filler is absorbed naturally by the body.

The incisions are closed with layered sutures for inner tissues and surgical glue or tape for the surface. Temporary drains may be left to prevent fluid buildup. Bandages and a supporting bra are also applied.

Add-On Procedure:
Breast Lift

After an implant is taken out, the remaining breast tissues may appear deflated or saggy. A breast lift can restore youthful breast contours and perkiness by removing excess skin and reshaping the breast mound. It involves repositioning the nipple higher on the chest wall and tightening breast tissue internally for support and upper pole fullness. The lift helps compensate for volume loss so the breasts do not appear too small or flat after implant removal. Combining these two procedures allows  Dr. LaBarbera to reshape the breasts in a single surgery.

Recovery After Breast Implant
Removal Surgery

After having breast implants removed, patients spend a few hours in the surgical facility recovering from general anesthesia. Our medical team monitors them for bleeding, fluid buildup, or other complications. Pain medication and antibiotics are provided to manage discomfort and avoid infection. Drain tubes may also be inserted to prevent fluid buildup. Bandages are used to minimize swelling. After returning home, women are encouraged to have short walks to reduce blood clot risks, but most activities are restricted.

During the first week, patients experience pain, swelling, and soreness that usually peaks a few days after surgery. Oral medication can help reduce this discomfort. Patients wear a supportive bra and have bandages over the incisions that need regular changing. Bruising, numbness, and tightness may start easing. Patients can resume light activities after a few days, but no heavy lifting is allowed. The doctor removes the sutures and drains after the symptoms stabilize.

During the first month, patients continue to recover. Their discomfort subsides, swelling decreases further, and any residual bruising fades. Sensation slowly returns to the breasts and incision sites. The reddish scars mature and fade over the next few months. Patients can gradually return to more strenuous activities by the end of this period, depending on how well they are healing. Dr. LaBarbera monitors the recovery process through regular follow-up appointments. The final results are usually visible after several months of healing.

View Our Breast Implant Removal Results

Candidates for Breast Implant Removal

Realistic Expectations

Candidates for breast implant removal must have realistic expectations about the results of this surgery. Without implants, the breasts can look deflated or saggy. They may not return  to their pre-augmentation shape. Scarring is also likely to remain from the original surgery. Additional procedures, such as a breast lift, may be necessary to achieve desired aesthetic outcomes.

Dissatisfied With Breast Implants

Many women choose to have their breast implants removed because they do not like the results of their original augmentation surgery. Whether it is due to implant rupture or unnatural shape and feel, dissatisfaction  is a common reason to have implants taken out.

Health Complications

In some cases, breast implants may cause health issues that warrant their removal. Complications like capsular contracture, infection, and breast implant-associated anaplastic large cell lymphoma (a rare type of cancer) can prompt the decision  to undergo explant surgery. This operation may help alleviate symptoms and preserve health.

Changing Priorities & Lifestyle

Priorities and lifestyles change over time. Patients who once desired larger breast size may now feel that implants interfere with certain activities or simply no longer match their self-image. Younger women who chose implants in their 20s might want to remove them later in life when facing parenthood, breastfeeding difficulties, or shifting priorities.

Benefits of Breast Implant Removal

Improved Self-Image & Confidence

Many women get breast implants when they are young and feel the need to comply with certain beauty standards. Years later, priorities change, and they want to restore their natural appearance. Removing breast implants can lead to self-acceptance and increased confidence. Without implants, women embrace their figures and feel more comfortable in their bodies.

Reduced Health Risks

Breast implants carry risks, such as capsular contracture, rupture, and infection. Explant surgery can prevent these issues and worries. Without implants, women no longer need additional operations to replace ruptured devices or correct deformities. Removal brings peace of mind, knowing that breast implant illness is no longer a concern.

More
Comfort

Breast implants can cause discomfort from the weight and pressure on muscles and tissues. After surgery, women experience less neck and shoulder pain. Clothes fit better, and it is easier to exercise or sleep comfortably. Without heavy implants, everyday activities require less effort.

Financial
Savings

Keeping breast implants means paying for future MRIs and replacement surgeries. Removal is a one-time cost. From then on, women may save thousands of dollars in medical expenses and enjoy financial freedom. These resources can be used in other areas of life.

Cost of Breast Implant
Removal in Scottsdale, AZ

Breast implant removal cost in Scottsdale ranges from $3,500 to $10,000. The price depends on several factors, including the complexity of the procedure, the doctor’s experience, and the specific techniques used. Patients should remember that this estimate covers the surgeon’s fee, anesthesia, and facility charges. The initial quote may not include additional expenses for pre-operative tests, medications, and follow-up appointments.

Patients should schedule a breast implant removal consultation with Dr. LaBarbera  to receive a detailed breakdown of all costs. We also offer convenient financing  from PatientFi and CareCredit.

What Makes Our Breast Implant Removal Different From Others?

Patients seeking breast explant surgery should consider Dr. Jude LaBarbera for their procedure. As a highly skilled professional, he brings a wealth  of expertise and the latest techniques. His commitment to operational excellence and patient-focused approach ensures that each individual receives personalized care throughout their journey.

Dr. LaBarbera’s knowledge of the latest cosmetic surgery advancements, combined with his artistic eye, enables him to achieve natural-looking results that enhance both appearance and confidence. His dedication to providing superior care extends beyond the operating room. Dr. LaBarbera takes the time to guide patients through each step of the process, ensuring that they feel informed, comfortable, and supported throughout their transformation.

Breast Implant
Removal
in Scottsdale, AZ

What Is Breast Implant Removal?

Preparation for Breast Implant Removal

Breast Implant Removal Procedure

Anesthesia

Incisions

Implant Removal

Closing the Incisions

Add-On Procedure:
Breast Lift

Recovery After Breast Implant
Removal Surgery

First Day

First Week

Weeks 2-6

View Our Breast Implant Removal Results

Candidates for Breast Implant Removal