Can You Remove Breast Implants With Local Anesthesia?
Choosing to remove your breast implants is a personal decision that can be made even more challenging when you factor in the cost and time off to get the procedure done. In this blog, we discuss the option of removing breast implants with local anesthesia and how many women find it to be very beneficial.
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Breast Implant Removal
After having breast implants for a long period, some patients no longer wish to have them for a variety of reasons. Many women want to have them removed in the most convenient and inexpensive way possible. In certain cases, Dr. Doezie can remove a patient’s breast implants in our office under local anesthesia.
Why Do Women Choose to Get Their Breast Implants Removed?
Similar to how there are various reasons why women may choose to get breast augmentation, there are numerous factors that may make a woman decide to remove her breast implants. Some women may decide that they no longer want larger breasts and wish to go back to a smaller size. Other women may wish to switch their implants out for a larger size or perhaps a different shape or material. Additionally, breast implants are not designed to stay in the chest forever. They will eventually need to be removed and replaced after ten or so years, depending on the patient’s individual circumstances. For patients who wish to exchange their implants due to personal preferences or having them in for a long time, a breast revision procedure can be performed.
While breast augmentation can provide stunning, voluminous results, it does not stop your body from naturally aging. Some women find that as they get older, their breasts sag more noticeably with breast implants due to the additional weight in their chest and their breast tissue stretching to fit over the implants. This may lead them to want to exchange their implants for a smaller size or remove them altogether. They may also choose to have a breast lift to their procedure to remove excess sagging skin and elevate the breasts.
Lastly, one of the most common reasons women remove their implants is due to implant complications. Capsular contracture, implant ruptures, leakage, and infection are some of the common breast implant complications that women deal with. Unfortunately, implant complications can occur at any point, necessitating implant removal as soon as possible.
What Are the Benefits of Removing Breast Implants With Local Anesthesia?
While breast implant removal can be performed under general or local anesthesia, some women may prefer local anesthesia. With local anesthesia, you can have your implants removed in your surgeon’s office, you’re fully conscious during the procedure while still feeling numb, the procedure is less time-consuming, and it is less expensive than general anesthesia. Regardless of the reasoning behind removing the breast implants, most women want to choose the most convenient and inexpensive option.
How Do I Know If I’m Eligible for Removing Implants With Local Anesthesia?
To have your implants removed in the office, as opposed to a surgery center, you must meet the following criteria:
- Have no capsular contracture
- Have unruptured silicone implants
- Be willing to remove your breast implants under local anesthesia
What Is Capsular Contracture?
Capsular contracture happens when the scar tissue surrounding the breast implant becomes thick and tightens, causing a very firm, round-looking implant. In severe cases, capsular contracture can cause pain and force the breast implant to position itself too high on the chest, leaving the breast looking deformed.
Silicone Implant Rupture
Often, when a silicone implant ruptures, patients start to get a capsular contracture. If there is a rupture, the pocket needs to be thoroughly cleaned. In this case, the patient needs to have their implants removed under general anesthesia in a surgery center to remove not only the implant but also the thickened scar tissue surrounding it. The process to remove the scar tissue around a breast implant is called a capsulectomy and is too invasive of a procedure to keep the patient comfortable enough under local anesthesia in the office.
What Is a Breast Implant Removal Consultation Like?
When you come into Mission Plastic Surgery for your consultation, you’ll meet with Dr. Doezie. As a board-certified surgeon providing plastic surgery to the South Orange County area since 2004, Dr. Doezie is highly experienced and capable of delivering the best possible results. During your consultation, you’ll discuss your medical history, breast implant concerns, and your goals for the procedure. Dr. Doezie will examine your breasts and determine if you are eligible for breast implant removal with local anesthesia. Once this determination is made, a surgical plan detailing your unique procedure’s techniques and other specificities will be created. You will also receive a price quote for your breast implant removal cost.
Breast Implant Removal With Local Anesthesia
The biggest topic regarding the removal of a patient’s breast implants in the office is their willingness to have the procedure done under local anesthesia. Some people don’t like being awake and aware during this procedure. If that is the case for you, general anesthesia is likely a better option.
Many people have been able to have this procedure done under local anesthesia, and sometimes, they take medication prescribed by Dr. Doezie for anxiety 30 minutes before arriving at the office. We provide a calm atmosphere with soothing music and always stay aware of the patient’s sensitivity. Dr. Doezie always ensures the patient is completely numb during the entire surgery. It is normal for the patient to feel pressure during the procedure, and pressure is alleviated when the breast implants are removed.
The original incisions that were used for breast augmentation can often be used for implant removal, so there is no additional scarring. Once the implants have been removed, the incisions will be closed.
How Much Does It Cost to Remove Breast Implants?
If implants are removed in our office, the price generally starts at $2,900. If the patient is not a good candidate for breast implant removal in an office setting, they must go to the surgery center. The cost generally ranges from $2,900 to $9,800; this includes Dr. Doezie’s fees and the surgery center fees, and the higher-end cost accounts for combining breast implant removal with other procedures.
To get a more accurate personalized quote, patients can schedule a cosmetic consultation with Dr. Doezie, and the quote will be given to them on the date of their appointment.
Breast Implant Removal Results
Afterward, you can expect to see loose breast skin, which will retract somewhat, depending on the skin quality or elasticity. This will occur within a month or two after having the breast implants removed. Often, patients will have their breast implants removed and wait to see how much their skin retracts and if they are happy with the position of their breast tissue. At a later date, if the patient thinks the breasts are undesirable because of a droopy appearance, they can choose to have a breast lift (mastopexy) done by Dr. Doezie at a surgery center.
If the patient is happy with their new look, they will have saved the time and money it would have taken to have the procedure at a surgery center under general anesthesia.
Schedule Your Breast Implant Removal Consultation in Ladera Ranch, CA
If you’re ready to remove your breast implants, contact Mission Plastic Surgery to learn what your options are. To schedule a consultation with Dr. Doezie, please call 949-481-9850 or fill out our online contact form.