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Surgical Procedures

Breast Explantation in Reston, Virginia

It is not uncommon for women who have received a breast augmentation to later wish to remove their implants. The procedure completed to achieve this result is called a breast explantation.

Common Reasons for Performing a Breast Explantation

In some cases the decision to remove breast implants can be as simple as the woman changing her mind and preferring to return to her natural breast size. Other factors that often lead to this type of decision include:

  • Calcium build up around the implants
  • Infection
  • Abnormal bleeding from the surgical site
  • Necrosis of the breast tissue

All of the above are rare side effects that every woman faces when electing for a breast augmentation. It is always advised that a woman contact her plastic surgeon immediately if she begins to notice any strange symptoms after the breast implants have been placed, as it is much better to catch a complication early on than to let it progress and worsen over time.

Capsulectomy

Another possibility that women face after breast implant surgery is the potential development of scar tissue in the breast. This scar tissue forms a thickened mass that is referred to as a capsule. The surgical procedure used to remove this formation is called a capsulectomy.

The development of scar tissue is the most frequently associated side effect of breast augmentation surgery, and it is not always a negative outcome. It is completely natural for the individual’s body to respond to surgery by trying to protect itself against a new foreign substance, which in this case leads to a composite of collagen, fibroblasts, and blood vessels that form a capsule. In many cases, a small capsule can actually improve the appearance and texture of the breasts.

As the scar tissue progresses, it can be classified into one of these four possible stages:

  • Baker Grade I: A healthy capsule forms around the breast to give it a soft and supple appearance.
  • Baker Grade II: The capsule still gives a natural appearance to the breast, but is quite solid to the touch.
  • Baker Grade III: The capsule has begun to warp the look of the breast and is now hard to the touch.
  • Baker Grade IV: Patients are likely to experience some discomfort during this stage as the capsule has caused the breast to become hard and cold.

Breast Implant Revision

A majority of women who receive a breast augmentation will require some sort of revision surgery later on in their lives. This typically involves replacing the implants with a new pair, or repositioning the original implants for a more natural and balanced appearance.

Schedule an Appointment

If you have experienced any sort of difficulty or dissatisfaction with a breast augmentation or other breast surgery, please contact Dr. Wendy Gottlieb today to see what type of procedure would work best to treat your current condition. You may request an appointment online using our secure form, or call (703) 668-9499 to speak with a representative in our local office.

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