Your feelings about your breast implants may change over time. Perhaps your implants no longer fit your lifestyle, you’re experiencing discomfort, or you want to return to a more natural appearance. Whatever your reason, breast implant removal can help you feel more comfortable and confident in your body.
At Radiance Plastic Surgery near Pittsburgh, PA, Dr. Lori Cherup brings over 35 years of surgical expertise to personalized breast procedures. Her caring approach, attention to detail, and commitment to natural-looking results help patients make informed decisions about their bodies.
What Is Breast Implant Removal?
Breast implant removal, also called explant surgery, is a procedure that removes saline or silicone breast implants. Some patients choose removal for personal or cosmetic reasons, while others need surgery because of implant complications.
Depending on your needs, explant surgery may involve:
- Implant removal only: Removes the implants while preserving surrounding healthy tissue.
- Implant removal with capsulotomy: Removes some or all of the scar tissue surrounding the implants when medically appropriate.
- Implant removal with a breast lift: Combines explant surgery with a breast lift to address sagging and reshape the natural breast tissue.
Dr. Cherup evaluates your implants, breast tissue, and aesthetic goals to recommend the right approach.
Common Reasons to Remove Breast Implants
Common reasons include:
- Changes in personal preferences or lifestyle
- Breast implants that feel too large or heavy
- Capsular contracture, which causes tightness or hardening around an implant
- Implant rupture or leakage
- Changes in breast shape due to aging or pregnancy
- Concerns about implant-related health symptoms
Some patients also report fatigue, joint pain, or other symptoms they associate with breast implant illness (BII). Although some improve after removal, the link between implants and these symptoms remains uncertain, and surgery cannot guarantee symptom relief.
Candidates for Breast Implant Removal
You may be a good candidate for explant surgery if you no longer want your implants or are experiencing implant-related concerns.
Ideal candidates are generally healthy, at a stable weight, and realistic about what they can expect. During your consultation, Dr. Cherup will discuss your medical history, evaluate your breast tissue, and help you understand your surgical options.
What Happens During Explant Surgery
Breast implant removal is often performed under general anesthesia. Whenever possible, Dr. Cherup may use existing breast surgery scars to minimize additional visible scarring.
During the procedure, she carefully removes the implants. If the surrounding scar tissue is hardened, damaged, or otherwise concerning, partial or complete capsule removal may also be recommended.
Not every patient needs a capsulectomy. The decision depends on your medical circumstances and the risks and benefits of removing the surrounding tissue.
Should You Combine Breast Implant Removal With a Breast Lift?
A breast lift can be beneficial if your breasts have developed loose skin or sagging after years of having implants.
Without implants, breasts may appear smaller, flatter, or less firm than expected. A breast lift can help:
- Remove excess, stretched skin
- Improve breast shape and position
- Reposition the nipples when necessary
- Create a more lifted, natural breast contour
Dr. Cherup can help determine whether a breast lift should be performed during implant removal or as a separate procedure.
Why Choose Radiance Plastic Surgery for Breast Implant Removal
Choosing an experienced plastic surgeon is especially important when making decisions about breast implant removal and your desired breast shape.
Dr. Lori Cherup graduated from Princeton University and Columbia University and completed advanced surgical training at institutions including UPMC and the University of Chicago. With more than 35 years of experience, she combines technical skill, aesthetic judgment, and an understanding of each patient’s individual goals.
At Radiance Plastic Surgery, patients from Pittsburgh, Bridgeville, and throughout the Tristate Area receive attentive care, honest guidance, and personalized surgical recommendations.
Restore Your Natural Confidence With Breast Implant Removal in Pittsburgh, PA
Whether you’re seeking relief from implant-related discomfort or simply ready for a change, explant surgery can help you move forward with confidence.
Call 412-220-8181 to schedule a consultation and explore your options for breast implant removal.
