For some women, getting breast implants can be transformational, helping them achieve their body goals and increase their confidence. For others, breast implants can result in unwanted side effects and complications, including breast implant illness, deflation, leakage, declining health, and feeling as though they have lost their sense of self.
If you are experiencing these negative outcomes after breast augmentation, learn more about getting breast implant removal in Austin, Texas. At Meridian Plastic Surgery Center, Dr. Tjelmeland is here to help you feel like yourself again and elevate your quality of life.
What Is Breast Implant Removal?
Breast implant removal, also referred to as explant surgery, is a surgical procedure that removes silicone or saline implants, as well as any scar tissue that may have formed around the implants.
Why Do Some Women Choose to Get a Breast Implant Removal?
There are many reasons why women choose to have their breast implants removed. At Meridian Plastic Surgery Center, Dr. Tjelmeland often finds the most common reasons include:
- Breast Implant Illness (BII) – Also referred to as SSBI, or systemic symptoms associated with breast implants, many patients report symptoms like fatigue, chest pain, hair loss, brain fog, joint pain, anxiety, and more after undergoing breast augmentation surgery.
- Capsular Contraction – A complication that can occur after breast augmentation surgery, capsular contraction is when the tissue capsule around the breast implant becomes abnormally tight and contracts. This can cause pain and may distort the appearance of the breast.
- Cosmetic Dissatisfaction – Some patients are unhappy with the aesthetic outcome of their breast augmentation or may experience changes in their preferences over time, prompting them to opt for implant removal to restore their natural breast appearance.
- Implant Changes – Over time, implants may shift and change, resulting in displacement, asymmetry, or unwanted texture. They can also leak or rupture, prompting patients to seek explant surgery.
- Pregnancy or Breastfeeding – Changes in breast size and shape during pregnancy and breastfeeding can affect the appearance of augmented breasts. Breast implant removal can address these changes, especially when combined with a breast lift, to elevate and restore their natural shape.
- Changes in Lifestyle – For many women, their personal goals and perspectives shift over time, leading them to prioritize self-acceptance and their natural figure. In some cases, this means undoing a previous procedure, like breast augmentation, and embracing their body without implants.
No matter what reason you have for wanting your breast implants removed, Dr. Tjelmeland is here to help you achieve your goals.
Who Is the Right Candidate for Breast Implant Removal?
You may be an ideal candidate for breast implant removal in Austin if you:
- Are unhappy with the look or shape of your breast implants.
- Are experiencing unwanted symptoms or side effects.
- Have realistic expectations for the procedure outcome.
- Are healthy enough for surgery.
- Understand the risks associated with this procedure.
- Do not smoke or use nicotine products.
- Are not pregnant or breastfeeding.
- Do not have a health condition which may put you at risk during surgery.
To find out if breast implant removal surgery is right for you, schedule a one-on-one consultation with Dr. Tjelmeland.
Can Breast Implant Removal Be Combined with Other Procedures?
At Meridian Plastic Surgery, Dr. Tjelmeland often recommends combining a breast implant removal surgery with another procedure, such as a breast lift, implant replacement, or fat transfer.
These complementary procedures can help address any changes in size and shape following the removal of implants and keep your breasts looking fuller, rounder, and more youthful.
Additionally, combining procedures into one surgery is often more efficient and cost-effective, as you benefit from less recovery time and lower associated costs, like anesthesiologist fees.
Breast Lift
A breast lift, also known as a mastopexy, restores your breasts’ height on the chest and youthful appearance by removing any excess skin, reshaping the tissue, and repositioning your nipples. This procedure is ideal for addressing loss of volume or shape following the removal of breast implants.
Breast Implant Replacement
Breast implants are not meant to last a lifetime. Factors like the natural aging process, pregnancy, breastfeeding, and weight fluctuations can affect the shape, size, and projection of your breasts. If you wish to keep breast implants, Dr. Tjelmeland can replace your current ones with new implants that better align with your needs, goals, and desires.
Fat Transfer
Also referred to as fat augmentation or autologous fat grafting, a fat transfer is a surgical procedure used to enhance breast volume and shape using your own fat cells harvested from another area of your body, such as your abdomen, thighs, or buttocks. When performed in combination with breast implant removal, a fat transfer can be an alternative way to restore or enhance breast volume.
Dr. Tjelmeland’s Breast Implant Removal Process
When visiting Dr. Tjelmeland for your breast implant removal in Austin, here is what you can expect during your initial consultation, procedure preparation, surgery day, and recovery process.
Consultation
Your breast implant removal journey first starts with a personal consultation with Dr. Tjelmeland, during which he will learn more about your concerns and goals, ask you questions about your breast implants, conduct an examination, review your medical history, and provide a professional recommendation on how to best achieve your desires.
Preparation
Once you schedule a surgery date, the next step is preparation. In the weeks leading up to your procedure, Dr. Tjelmeland and his team will send you pre-op instructions, which include avoiding all alcohol and nicotine products, eating a well-balanced diet, and exercising regularly.
Surgery
On the day of surgery, you will be warmly welcomed at our fully accredited and licensed ambulatory surgery center in Austin. When you are ready, you will be placed under general anesthesia, which promotes your comfort during the procedure.
Once you are asleep, Dr. Tjelmeland will remove your breast implants, make adjustments based on your individual treatment plan, and perform any additional procedures you may have chosen to combine with your explant surgery, such as a breast lift or fat transfer.
When your surgery is complete, Dr. Tjelmeland will close your incisions, and you will be moved to our comfortable recovery room until the anesthesia wears off.
What Is Breast Implant Removal Recovery Like?
As the anesthesia wears off, you may experience some discomfort, swelling, and possibly nausea or grogginess. However, this should subside quickly, as most breast implant removal patients are up and walking within a few hours post-surgery.
It is normal to have some swelling, bruising, and tenderness after breast implant removal surgery, which typically peaks within the first few days before gradually subsiding over the following weeks. These side effects can be minimized with prescribed or over-the-counter pain medication.
Austin patients who undergo breast implant removal are advised to avoid strenuous activities, heavy lifting, and vigorous exercise for several weeks following surgery to minimize the risk of complications and promote proper healing.
Following your surgery, Dr. Tjelmeland will provide detailed post-op recovery instructions, including information on how to clean your incisions and change bandages, what type of bra to wear, pain and antibiotic management, how to promote healing with exercise, and the best sleeping position for optimal recovery.
Breast Implant Removal FAQs
If you are considering breast implant removal in Austin, you likely have a lot of questions. Browse our frequently asked questions section to learn more about the procedure, getting new implants, sleeping after breast implant removal, and more.
Is Breast Implant Removal Painful?
Dr. Tjelmeland and his team work hard to ensure you experience the most comfortable breast implant removal procedure possible. Our board-certified anesthesiologist is highly experienced and understands how to safely administer anesthesia in a way that prioritizes your comfort during surgery.
How Long Does Breast Implant Removal Surgery Take?
Generally, breast implant removal takes around one to four hours to complete, depending on your unique circumstances and if you have chosen to combine breast implant removal with any additional procedures.
Are There Any Risks Associated With Breast Implant Removal Surgery?
Adhering to pre-operative and post-operative instructions, as well as choosing a board-certified plastic surgeon experienced in breast surgery, like Dr. Tjelmeland, can help minimize the risk of complications and optimize your results.
Can I Have New Implants After Breast Implant Removal?
Yes, it is possible to have new breast implants placed after breast implant removal surgery. This decision depends on factors such as individual preferences, aesthetic goals, and discussions with your board-certified plastic surgeon in which you can review your implant replacement options.
How Often Should Breast Implants Be Checked?
Dr. Tjelmeland recommends patients with breast implants get annual mammograms starting around age forty, perform regular breast self-exams, and undergo regular clinical examinations by healthcare providers. Additionally, attend your scheduled follow-up appointments with your plastic surgeon after breast augmentation surgery.
How Should I Sleep After Breast Implant Removal Surgery?
After breast implant removal surgery, it is important to sleep in a position that minimizes discomfort and promotes optimal healing. Dr. Tjelmeland typically recommends elevating your upper body, sleeping on your back, and wearing a supportive bra.
How Long Does Breast Implant Removal Recovery Take?
Generally, breast implant removal recovery takes around four to six weeks, but this will vary depending on your individual rate of healing, recovery progress, and how well you follow Dr. Tjelmeland’s post-op instructions.
How Much Does Breast Implant Removal Cost?
The cost of breast implant removal surgery varies depending on several factors, including your plastic surgeon’s experience, the location of their practice, the scope of your procedure, and any associated costs, like anesthesiologist fees. For more information on how much breast implant removal costs in Austin, Texas, contact Meridian Plastic Surgery Center.
Is Breast Implant Removal Covered By Insurance?
This depends on factors such as the reason for the procedure and individual insurance coverage. Generally, insurance may cover breast implant removal if it is deemed medically necessary due to complications like implant rupture, capsular contracture, infection, or implant-related illness. For more information on coverage, reach out to your individual insurance provider.
Excellence in Breast Implant Removal in Austin, TX
With over two decades of experience in plastic surgery, Dr. Tjelmeland is a trusted provider of breast implant removal in Austin, Texas. With a deep passion for helping patients look and feel their best and a commitment to providing the highest level of care, you can rest assured knowing he will prioritize your needs and help you achieve your desired outcome.
To learn more about getting breast implant removal in Austin, contact Meridian Plastic Surgery today at (512) 617-7500 to schedule a consultation with Dr. Tjelmeland.