Breast Implant Removal

Conveniently located to serve the areas of Beachwood and Cleveland, Ohio

implant removal

Making the decision to remove breast implants is as serious as the decision to undergo a breast augmentation. Many women are turning to board-certified plastic surgeon, Dr. Gregory M. Fedele in Cleveland to guide them through the implant removal journey.

A breast augmentation may have enhanced your appearance, quality of life, and how you felt about yourself. Now, they may cause concern for your health, may not suit your body in the manner they once did, or you may simply no longer desire to have them. All of these concerns, plus many more, may lead you to consider a breast implant removal.

About

Breast implant removal, also known as explant surgery, is a surgical procedure where breast implants are physically removed from the body. A breast implant removal can improve a woman’s quality of life. Removing breast implants can allow patients to engage in activities that may have become prohibitive. Explant surgery can bring back confidence and create a renewed sense of agency over one’s body. Discomfort, dissatisfaction, and concerns with breast implants can be addressed through explant. 

Benefits

There are many benefits of a breast implant removal. Enhanced self-esteem and overall comfort may be what women are seeking when they are researching a plastic surgeon to perform breast implant removal surgery. It is important to Dr. Fedele that you realize your aesthetic goals and leave his care feeling and looking your best. 

Benefits of Breast Implant Removal

  • Increased physical comfort
  • Enhanced quality of life
  • Better overall health
  • Decrease in concerns related to breast implants

Women will leave Dr. Fedele’s care feeling rejuvenated and very much ready to reclaim their bodies! If you are ready to see these benefits in your life, contact Dr. Fedele in Cleveland today to schedule a consultation!

Candidates

Ideal breast implant removal candidates are healthy women who are experiencing dissatisfaction, discomfort, and possibly, health concerns related to their breast implants. Those looking to remove their breast implants may also be experiencing capsular contracture. This is when the scar tissue that naturally develops around breast implants becomes hardened and squeezes the implant while in the breast pocket. This may cause discomfort or pain and may cause the breast to look distorted. 

Dissatisfaction can mean that you are unhappy with the size, shape, or overall look of your breast. You may just wish to go back to your pre-implant size or you may desire to be more physically active. However, your breast implants are proving to be a hindrance in an active lifestyle.

Discomfort may stem from breast implants that are too big for you. This may cause neck, back, and shoulder pain. Also, because capsular contracture can be uncomfortable, this may be a cause of breast distortion and pain. 

Health concerns related to breast implants may crop up. A breast implant removal surgery can address these concerns if detected and discussed early. 

Breast Implant Illness (BII)

Breast Implant Illness is not a medical diagnosis. Rather, it is a collection of symptoms that are found in the general public at any given time. Women self-identify as having breast implant illness because they notice a cluster of symptoms that occur after getting breast implants. Symptoms may include, but are not limited to:

  • Fatigue
  • Headaches
  • Anxiety
  • Depression
  • Chills
  • Chronic pain
  • Rash1

Breast Implant Associated Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma (BIA-ALCL)

Breast Implant Associated Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma is not a cancer of the breast tissue. Instead, it is a type of non-hodgkin’s lymphoma and is a very rare cancer of the immune system. BIA-ALCL is curable in most patients when detected early. 

Breast Implant Associated Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma has been linked to textured breast implants. BIA-ALCL is found in the fluid between the breast implant and the scar tissue, or capsule, that forms around the implant. Symptoms of BIA-ALCL may include, but are not limited to swollen, tender breasts, a hard lump in the breast or armpit, rash, or breast asymmetry.2

En Bloc Capsulectomy

To address health concerns related to breast implants, en bloc capsulectomy may be required. En bloc capsulectomy is total explant of the breast implant and the surrounding capsule in one piece, or “package.” The implant remains encased in the scar tissue and is removed from the body. This is to prevent any contents of the capsule or breast implant (in the case of rupture) from contaminating the surrounding breast tissue.3 

If you are a candidate for breast implant removal surgery or have questions regarding your health with breast implants, contact Dr. Fedele’s Cleveland office today to schedule a consultation!

Breast Implant Removal Consultation in Cleveland, Ohio

A private consultation with board-certified plastic surgeon, Dr. Fedele is the first step in achieving your aesthetic goals. This appointment is your opportunity to discuss any concerns and have your questions answered by a skilled and knowledgeable medical professional. 

Dr. Fedele will explain the breast implant procedure to you and he will examine your breasts.

From there, a personalized treatment plan will be discussed. This will inform the approach Dr. Fedele will take when it comes to your breast implant removal. Once this treatment plan is finalized and agreed upon, a final price will be given to you.

Preparation

During your one-on-one consultation with Dr. Fedele, he will inform you of all pre- and post-operative instructions you must follow. Dr. Fedele will direct you to stop smoking and to cease taking specific types of medications prior to your surgery day. This is to ensure your health and safety before, during, and after your breast implant removal surgery. He will also prescribe certain medications that you must fill before surgery that you will need post-op. He will also let you know what can be expected during recovery. 

Procedure

Before your breast implant removal procedure, Dr. Fedele will meet with you to review your customized treatment plan. He will mark your body to easily locate landmarks that will assist in allowing your breast implant removal to proceed smoothly. You will then be provided with adequate anesthesia to make sure you are comfortable throughout surgery.

breast implant removal procedure

During surgery, Dr. Fedele will make incisions following the markings made on your breasts. Depending on your individualized procedure plan, Dr. Fedele will remove your breast implants using the prescribed technique. Once the breast implant is removed, Dr. Fedele may perform a breast lift, revision, or close the incision site(s).

Recovery

Many women report that a breast implant removal surgery seems easier than their original breast augmentation. You may expect to return to work after about the 5th day post-op, if there was no subsequent breast lift, revision or lipofilling included. You may have mild to moderate discomfort during this time. Also, you should avoid heavy lifting and excessive physical activity for about 6 weeks post-op. 

Depending on your prescribed treatment plan and your body’s natural healing tendencies, your recovery period may be longer. Some people may experience increased discomfort.

If at any time during your recovery you experience intolerable pain or discomfort, contact Dr. Fedele at (216) 464-1616 immediately to have your needs addressed. 

Results

Dr. Fedele is an artist. While results of a breast implant removal will vary between patients, the end goal is the same: to make women feel and look their best! You can expect the tailored approach of your breast implant removal to be unique to you. You may notice a change in bust size and this may enhance your self-confidence, your comfort, and your physicality.  

If you are ready to see the results of breast implant removal for yourself, reach out to Dr. Fedele and his helpful staff to schedule a personal consultation today!

Cost

Breast implant removal is a personalized procedure. Because of this, costs may vary patient to patient. If Dr. Fedele determines that you are a candidate for breast implant removal, costs will be discussed during your private consultation.

Complementary Procedures

After a breast implant removal, your breasts may appear deflated. To counter this, there are a number of complementary procedures Dr. Fedele may perform to give you the silhouette you desire. 

Breast Lift (Mastopexy)

Dr. Fedele may perform a breast lift following your breast implant removal. A breast lift is a surgical procedure where the sagging breast skin is removed and the breast tissue is redistributed within the breast envelope. The nipple-areola complex is repositioned higher and the incisions will be closed.4 This results in a more lifted, fuller breast.

FAQ

How much does breast implant removal cost in Cleveland, Ohio?

Breast implant removal is an individualized procedure. Because of this, the cost for various fees will be different for each patient. Dr. Fedele and his staff will be happy to assist you during your consultation with a breakdown of the fees involved with your procedure. Contact Dr. Fedele’s office today to learn more!

Additional Resources

  1. The Aesthetic Society. (n.d.). Breast Implant Illness – Frequently Asked Questions/Talking Points. Retrieved from https://www.surgery.org/sites/default/files/downloads/BII-Talking-Points-FINAL-1.15.19.pdf 
  2. American Society of Plastic Surgeons. (2019). Breast Implant Associated Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma. Retrieved from https://www.plasticsurgery.org/patient-safety/breast-implant-safety/bia-alcl-summary 
  3. Breastimplantillness.com. (2019). Explant. Retrieved from https://www.breastimplantillness.com/explant-breast-implant-removal/ 
  4. American Society of Plastic Surgeons. (2019). Breast Lift Procedure. Retrieved from https://www.plasticsurgery.org/cosmetic-procedures/breast-lift/procedure