BREAST IMPLANT REMOVAL AND TOTAL CAPSULECTOMY

Our bodies and minds are always changing. What made sense or brought us happiness at one point in life may not continue to do so as time goes by. This is true for many things—and breast augmentation or breast reconstruction is no exception. For this reason, Buinewicz Cosmetic Surgery offers total capsulectomy and breast implant removal in the Philadelphia area, welcoming patients to our office in Doylestown so they can enjoy a fresh start, improve symptoms possibly related to their breast implants, and improve chest contours that reflect their current lifestyle. Our experienced and board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Brian Buinewicz is a leader in breast implant removal and total capsulectomy, using advanced and sophisticated techniques to help women who want to make a change or who are experiencing side effects or complications related to their implants. He has performed more than 2000 capsulectomy and implant removal procedures; these removals are now the most common procedures he performs.

What Is Breast Implant Removal and Total Capsulectomy?

As the name indicates, breast implant removal and total capsulectomy is a surgical procedure performed to remove breast implants and completely remove the capsules that are no longer wanted. Patients may seek breast implant removal and capsulectomy for any number of reasons, including to address medical complications that have developed over time or out of a desire to make an aesthetic change after pregnancy, breast reconstruction, hormone shifts, weight loss, or age have altered their augmented figure. They may want to replace their current saline or silicone implants with new ones, to swap their current implants out for smaller or larger implants, or to do away with their implants and capsules entirely and return to natural breasts. In patients with textured implants, they may want to remove the textured implants and replace with smooth implants to reduce the risk of developing a cancer such as BIA-ALCL.

Real Patient Samantha Details Her Decision To Remove Her Breast Implants

What Are the Details of Breast Implant Removal and Total Capsulectomy at the Philadelphia Area's Buinewicz Cosmetic Surgery?

All breast implant removal and capsulectomy procedures start with a detailed and discreet consultation with Dr. Buinewicz. This surgery is your choice, and you are the focus, so we do everything in our power to make sure you are educated, comfortable, and ready for the procedure.

For the surgery itself, an anesthetic will be used to make you comfortable, after which Dr. Buinewicz will begin the procedure. Pain blocks are performed after you are asleep to make your recovery as comfortable as possible, as well as to minimize or do away with the need for narcotics. As much as possible, he positions the breast implant removal incisions in the same place as the original breast augmentation or reconstruction incision sites. This avoids the creation of a new scar. For patients who have had drooping of their breasts, or ptosis, a mastopexy or breast lift may be recommended.

The existing breast implants will be removed through these incisions. If internal scar tissue or capsule removal is also required, necessary or desired because of a patient's systemic symptoms such as Breast Implant Illness Syndrome or desire to remove the capsule, this will require a different procedure (known as a capsulectomy), which Dr. Buinewicz will discuss at your initial consultation. Each patient is unique and the planning of their procedure hinges on their history, physical exam and desired outcomes.

Many patients find that years of life with implants caused the internal structure of their breasts to change. After breast implant removal, stretched-out skin may result in sagging, with drooping breasts pointing downward due to the loss of internal volume. This can be addressed in one of two ways: by the insertion of new implants or the surgical excision of redundant skin, either of which can be performed at the same time as the breast implant removal.

What Is Breast Revision Surgery?

Breast revision surgery is a procedure designed to alter or change breasts that have previously been augmented or revising a previous breast lift or breast reduction. It often involves breast implant removal, but typically also includes the insertion of new implants instead of simply leaving the breasts natural. This surgery is commonly performed to correct implant-related complications, such as ruptured implants, capsular contracture, implant migration or malposition, visible rippling, implant-related systemic illness (breast implant illness syndrome), and more. Focused breast implant illness treatment is also available and typically involves the removal of implants and a total capsulectomy.

What Happens After Breast Implant Removal and Total Capsulectomy?

Recovery after breast implant removal and total capsulectomy is very similar to recovery after a breast augmentation procedure—at least in terms of down time and resumption of activities. Patients should expect to have a week of rest and recuperation, after which they can return to work. More strenuous activities can be resumed after about three weeks.

If patients have had breast implants repositioned, have had new implants inserted, or have undergone a more complex surgical procedure, the healing time will likely be longer. The recommended down time for you will be discussed prior to any actual surgery during your consultation and pre operative visit with Dr. Buinewicz.

As with the original augmentation surgery, there are some things to remember when it comes to caring for the breast implant removal incision sites to minimize scars. Be sure to follow all of our post-operative instructions, and avoid exposing the incisions to sunlight, since ultraviolet radiation can cause the scars to darken.

As post-surgical bruising and swelling fade, you will be able to increasingly see the new size and shape of your breasts. Remember that healing after breast implant removal and capsulectomy takes time, but that you—and your breasts—are worth it!

Why Choose Buinewicz Cosmetic Surgery & Medspa for Breast Implant Removal in the Philadelphia Area?

Our board-certified plastic surgeon, Dr. Brian Buinewicz, is accomplished at a great number of procedures, but breast implant removal and capsulectomy is a surgery at which he especially shines. As a certified, highly trained, and greatly experienced plastic surgeon, he has a particular heart for working with patients who want to enjoy their chest contours, be healthy again, and regain their life—but who have found that there is something keeping them from doing so. Of the more than 2,500 capsulectomy and implant removal procedures he has performed, less than 1 percent had a major complication, more than 70 percent of patients needed no narcotic use, and 90 percent saw improvement in systemic symptoms (breast implant illness).

Patients seeking breast implant removal and total capsulectomy may be motivated by cosmetic reasons, medical reasons, or a combination of both. Understanding the reasoning behind a desire for breast implant removal and capsulectomy is an integral part of the process, which is why our plastic surgeon takes significant time and care in communicating closely with each patient. Establishing a connection and rapport is vital to a beautiful outcome.

Whether you are unhappy with the results from an augmentation or reconstruction surgery elsewhere that didn't go as planned, have seen unflattering changes develop over time in your augmented breasts, or are experiencing the effects of a rupture, breast implant illness, or other complications, the Buinewicz Cosmetic Surgery team can help.

Are There More Procedures Besides Breast Implant Removal and Total Capsulectomy Available?

There are many breast surgery options patients can choose at Buinewicz Cosmetic Surgery. A breast lift addresses sagging and can be performed on its own or in conjunction with breast implant removal to correct laxity once the implants are out. Some patients need breast reconstruction after breast cancer treatment or trauma.

Men who have developed the appearance of breasts have a condition known as gynecomastia, which can be treated with sophisticated surgical techniques.

At Buinewicz Cosmetic Surgery, we emphasize that you do not have to come us knowing exactly what it is you want done. Instead, you can explain to us your cosmetic goals, the problems you are experiencing, and your hopes for your appearance in the future, and we can work with you to chart a path that leads to beautiful, natural-looking results.

For breast implant removal in the Philadelphia area—Doylestown in Bucks County, PA, or Flemington in Hunterdon County, NJ—call Buinewicz Cosmetic Surgery & Medspa at 215.647.9668 or send a message online.

CALL TODAY 215-647-9668

Flemington, NJ

200 Route 31, Suite 206
Flemington, NJ 08822