Breast Implant Removal in St. Petersburg & Tampa, FL

Since breast augmentation is one of the most popular cosmetic treatments on the market, sometimes women change their mind or end up having issues with their implants over time. If this occurs, then our board-certified plastic surgeon, Dr. John O’Brien, can help address your needs by performing a breast implant removal. You may choose to have this procedure if you wish to change the size of your breasts, decide you no longer want implants, or if you have had an implant rupture or infection. Whatever the reason, St. Petersburg Center for Plastic Surgery help restore your appearance back to the way you want. If needed, Dr. O’Brien can also perform a breast lift after the removal to ensure that your breasts remain perky and cosmetically appealing. Call our Saint Petersburg, FL office today to schedule a consultation.

You will be an ideal candidate for a breast implant removal if you want to change the shape and size of your breasts. Over time, you may decide that you don't like the appearance of your implants and want your size reduced. If you have had your implants for ten years or more, or if their appearance has become distorted from a rupture, then a removal procedure may be the right choice for you. Dr. O’Brien can assess your condition and see if implant removal surgery is the best option to address your needs.

To provide the best results, Dr. O’Brien will need to know the surgical details of your first breast augmentation. His approach to the revision procedure will depend on that information, your health history, and your particular concern or desires.

Ruptured implants will need removal, and the diagnosis of a rupture depends on the type of implant. Saline implants simply and quickly shrink in size after the implant shell develops a flaw — it is quite obvious but harmless and easily treated. A gel implant rupture is harder to detect but could be heralded by a change in shape, hardening of the breast, or a lump. In instances where surgery is necessary to correct an obvious problem, diagnostic tests may not be needed. In cases where the patient is not having a problem but is concerned about the integrity of the implant, an MRI will be recommended.

If your skin and breast tissues have stretched significantly, Dr. O’Brien may recommend a breast lift in addition to the breast removal procedure. The implant and often the capsule will be removed, and the breast and nipple will be reconfigured with the lift.

The length of recovery time will vary depending on the degree of correction needed. Most patients plan for two weeks off from work. You should arrange for someone to drive you home after the procedure and help you with routine activities for the first day. You will be given detailed instructions regarding healing, such as how to care for your incisions and watch for signs of infection. Patients are usually cleared for exercise at their follow-up visit about six weeks after surgery.

Breast implants can be a wonderful way to enhance the size and shape of your breasts. However, sometimes you may decide you want to return to your natural bustline, or you may experience issues with your implants that warrant a removal procedure. Dr. John O’Brien is very experienced with breast procedures and can help restore your appearance. If you think a breast implant removal is the right step for you, then call our St. Petersburg, FL office today to schedule a consultation.