Breast Implant Removal in Oakville, Ontario

What Is Breast Implant Removal?

Breast implant removal surgery is the procedure of removing the artificial breast implants placed previously. During this procedure, often called breast implant explant surgery, a surgeon will remove the silicone implant itself and scar tissue from the area. If there are silicone leaks, your doctor will remove that material as well.

Some people have implant removal so that they can replace the old breast implants with new ones. Others simply do not want breast implants at all. Your surgeon will discuss the appropriate surgery for your needs.

Is Breast Implant Removal Right for You?

Over time, some women choose to have breast implant removal for aesthetic reasons, health reasons, or for revisions. Some of the most common times when you may want to consider having a breast implant removal performed include the following:

• Scar tissue: Many people develop capsular contracture, a condition in which scar tissue forms around the exterior of the implants. This can cause pain and discomfort, though it can also change the look of the breast tissue.
• Breast implant-associated anaplastic large cell lymphoma: BIA-ALCL is a rare type of cancer that builds in the scar tissue surrounding the implant.
• Leaking: Some people experience leaking of the silicone implant, requiring the implant and the leaked material to be removed.
• Shifting: It is possible that an implant can shift, and as that happens, it can create discomfort or an abnormal look.
• Breast implant illness: BII refers to a set of symptoms some women experience after having breast implants placed, often causing brain fog, weight changes, fatigue, and joint or muscle pain.

If you are unsure if you should have breast implants removed or have another reason for doing so not listed here, reach out to a board-certified plastic surgeon to learn more about your options and how we can help you.

Consultation with Dr. Khanna

As a board-certified plastic surgeon, Dr. Khanna will provide accurate, insightful details about whether breast implant removal is best suited for your needs. A consultation is a no-obligation appointment. You will learn more about what Dr. Khanna can offer as well as insight into what to expect if you decide to utilize a procedure like this to remove breast implants.

Dr. Khanna offers a personalized approach without any pressure. We respect that women have a wide range of needs and desires and should have options for choosing the way their breasts look and feel. No matter what you are thinking about here, our entire team is dedicated to providing you with exceptional care and compassion.

Set up a consultation for plastic surgery today. This is the ideal time to ask all of your questions, and you’ll receive answers that are specific to your situation.

How Is Breast Implant Removal Performed?

After your consultation, you’ll have a physical and work with your doctor to prepare for the procedure. Keep in mind that various methods may be used and recommended for this breast implant removal procedure. We will always tell you what to expect during that initial consultation.

The following is what typically occurs. These breast implant removal procedures may be a bit different in your case, depending on your specific needs and goals.

• IV placement: The first step is to have an IV placed. The IV will allow your surgeon to administer medications and keep fluid moving through your body.
• General anesthesia: An anesthesiologist will administer general anesthesia to you through the IV. This medication will make you fall into a sleep-like state. This protects you from feeling pain or discomfort during the procedure.
• Incision: The plastic surgeon will then make an incision around the areola or the darker portion of the nipple. Alternatively, your surgeon may create an incision under the lower fold of the breast, called the inframammary fold.
• Implant removed: Your doctor will use surgical tools to loosen and remove the silicone implants from your body. The procedure may also include the removal of any existing scar tissue.
• New implants: If you are having breast augmentation at the same time or removing the old implants and replacing them with new ones, your surgeon will perform that procedure next.
• Close up: Stitches or tapes may be used to close the incision so it can start healing.

How Long Does It Take to Perform Explant Surgery?

The complexity of your case plays a role in how long it takes for breast implant removal surgery. Most of the time, removal takes between 1.5 and 3 hours. In situations where there is significant scar tissue, it may take longer to have implant removal.

Does Breast Explant Surgery Leave Scars?

The incision to have breast implants removed may leave a pink to red-coloured scar. The incision may heal better for some than others. Most often, the scar will include what looks like a line with darker-coloured skin and a hardened area. Proper treatment after surgery, as well as the size of the incision, play a role in how noticeable this scar may be for you. Your surgeon will do all they can to minimize the risk of significant scars.

Breast Implant Removal Recovery

Implant removal is a serious procedure. As a result, you certainly want to give yourself as much time as you need to heal. Always follow your doctor’s specific instructions. The following is what you can expect from breast implant removal timelines.

• Week 1: Tenderness and swelling are common during this week. You will likely not be able to work but will need to rest and allow your body to heal. Work slowly up to engaging in normal activities.
• Week 3: By the third week, you should feel significantly better and have less pain from the breast implant or surgical procedure.
• Week 6: You will be able to start returning to a more robust and active lifestyle.
• Month 3 to 4: It can take 3 to 4 months before your scar will heal and the breast tissue settles into place. Expect to be able to work and engage in most activities but with the need to monitor your health.

When you work with our team for breast implant removal, you will be able to gain better insight into what you personally can expect when you prepare for your procedure. About 6 weeks prior to the surgery, the ICLS team will go over a variety of steps you will need to take to prepare and offer more insight into what to expect after you leave the hospital.

The ICLS team will provide ample information and answer all of your questions about the recovery process. Our goal is always to help you prepare for the best possible outcome.

How Much Does Breast Implant Removal Cost?

Breast implant removal cost is dependent on numerous factors. breast implant removal costs generally range from $13,900 to $21,900. If you plan to have breast implant removal and then a breast lift to pull skin tissues back into place, that procedure will cost more. Numerous factors play a role in breast implant removal costs, but we can offer a fee to you when you come in for a consultation.

Does OHIP Cover My Explant Surgery?

In some situations, it may be possible to have OHIP cover the majority of the costs associated with breast implant removal. Coverage is typically provided in cases involving:

• Ruptured implants
• Severe capsular contracture (painful hardening of scar tissue around the implant)
• Infections that don’t resolve
• Chronic breast pain
• Breast Implant-Associated Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma (BIA-ALCL), a rare cancer linked to certain implants

However, if the procedure is being done solely for reconstruction or to replace one implant with another, it is not likely to be covered under OHIP.

Breast Implant Removal Side Effects

Dr. Khanna’s expertise and experience in breast implant removal offer some level of protection from suffering from any of these side effects. However, they are still recognized as risks.

• Scarring
• Infection at the surgical site
• Swelling
• Discomfort
• Changes in breast sensation
• Pain
• Skin discoloration
• Bleeding
• Loose skin development

If you have any type of significant discomfort, swelling, or a change in breast appearance, reach out to our team to discuss treatment.