Breast Implant Removal in Denver, CO

Name: Breast Implant Removal
Brand: The LaVie Institute
Rating: 4.4 (50 reviews)

For women struggling with complications after breast augmentation — or for those who simply wish to return to their original chest size — breast implant removal can provide enhanced comfort, security, and peace of mind.

Natural Breast Restoration

While most breast augmentation clients are thrilled with their results, some women experience the risk of rupture, capsular contracture, BII (breast implant illness), rippling, or BIA-ALCL and seek out explantation to mitigate their concerns. Others will choose our breast implant removal in Denver because they desire a more natural breast appearance, as their aesthetic tastes have changed over time.

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What Sets The LaVie Institute of Plastic Surgery Apart?

At The LaVie Institute, we walk side by side with our patients on their road to aesthetic fulfillment, supporting their journeys towards the realization of their ideal selves. By delivering comprehensive, patient-centric care in a technologically advanced, accredited environment, we empower our clients to live their best lives.

We understand our patients each have different backgrounds, goals, values, and desires. For this reason, we cater to patients individually, looking deeper to create a personalized plan for resolving their concerns. Our board-certified plastic and reconstructive surgeons take all the time necessary to achieve an outstanding outcome that exceeds expectations.

What is Breast Implant Removal?

Breast implant removal (“explant” surgery) is performed to relieve complications associated with implant devices and/or to restore the patient’s chest appearance to a more natural-looking aesthetic. It can provide relief, comfort, and peace of mind for patients who have not received the results they imagined after breast augmentation.

Our surgeons can either completely remove the implants or they can replace them with new ones. If the implants are placed above the pec muscles, they can be repositioned beneath in a submuscular location. Another option is to remove the implants and then perform a fat transfer breast augmentation, which uses the patient’s own autologous fat to enhance the bust.

A breast lift can be performed in tandem with implant removal to create a lifted, youthful silhouette. This allows the breasts to appear balanced and elegant, with appropriately upturned nipples. Our team will go above and beyond to ensure that your final result is well-suited to your figure and reflects your wishes for a harmonized, attractive physique.

From the moment I stepped into Dr. Daniali’s office I felt like I was in good hands. Dr Daniali is a compassionate soul who spent time getting to know my story. She respected my decisions. I am happy with Dr. Daniali's work and she reminded me that I can always come back if my priorities change and I want any additional procedures performed later. You won't be disappointed with Dr. Daniali and her team!

Suree Towfighnia

Reasons for Breast Implant Removal

Capsular Contracture

The body naturally forms a protective layer of collagen-based scar tissue around any foreign material, including implants. In rare cases, the scar tissue hardens, causing discomfort as well as aesthetic distortion for the client. This is called capsular contracture and it is among the most common reasons that women seek out breast implant removal procedures.

Rupture

On rare occasions, an implant can leak or rupture. In the case of saline implants, the saltwater is harmlessly absorbed by the body. With silicone implants, the rupture may be indetectable and the patient must undergo MRI scanning to determine the extent of implant damage. Ruptured implants will need to be removed completely or replaced.

Malposition

Implants can shift position, migrating too close together, too far apart, too high, or too low on the chest wall. When this happens, the chest appearance is compromised and the implants will need to be removed or adjusted. Occasionally, implant malposition occurs when the patient chooses implants that are the wrong size for her frame.

Breast Implant illness (BII)

Breast Implant Illness involves a range of symptoms from chronic fatigue and joint pain to sleep disturbances, headaches, and depression. It can occur with any type of implant (saline, silicone, Gummy Bear). It has been associated with autoimmune diseases, although there is no medical diagnosis for it. Most women experience relief after the implants and capsules are removed.

BIA-ALCL

Breast Implant-Associated Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma (BIA-ALCL) is classified as a non-Hodgkin lymphoma of the scar tissue encasing the implant. It is associated with textured implants, which have been recalled by the FDA. If left untreated, it can metastasize and spread to the lymph nodes. Treatment involves the surgical removal of the implants and attendant scar tissue. In some cases, radiation or chemotherapy may be advised.

A Change of Heart

As a woman gets older, her aesthetic tastes may change and she may wish to return to a more modest breast appearance or exchange her implants for a fat transfer augmentation. If the implants are removed, our team can perform a breast lift procedure to ensure the chest looks balanced, symmetrical, and youthful.

How Is Explant Surgery Performed?

Our explant surgery in Denver typically takes 1-4 hours to complete, depending on the technique utilized and your specific concerns. Most patients can expect to resume work within the first week after surgery. In general, recovery will be less involved than it was with breast augmentation, as the surgeon will not be creating a capsule from scratch as they did during the original procedure.

Our surgeons strive to reuse the original incisions wherever possible to minimize the need for additional scarring. This is usually possible when the incisions were placed at the inframammary fold or encircling the areolas. In cases of BII, capsular contractures, rupture, or BIA-ALCL, our surgeons may need to perform a capsulectomy in addition to implant removal.

Exploring Capsulectomy

When an implant is inserted into the body, it fits into a protective shell called a capsule, which helps to hold the device in place. However, complications such as capsular contracture (the hardening of scar tissue around the implants), BII, and rupture may require the surgeon to remove the capsule along with the implants. A capsulectomy may also be required due to infection or cancer.

Partial capsulectomy

A partial capsulectomy — also referred to as a capsulotomy — can help loosen the scar tissue surrounding the implant, providing the patient with relief from discomfort and aesthetic distortions. The surgeon will remove a portion of the capsule tissue, easing tension to soften the implant and restore the breast appearance. Implants can be either removed or replaced during the procedure.

Total capsulectomy

Here, the surgeon removes the entirety of the capsule, extracting it in sections. The implants can be either removed completely or replaced at this time. The surgeon may take the opportunity to switch the implants from a subgladular to submuscular position or to switch from saline to silicone or from silicone to Gummy Bear. These steps can lower the risk of capsular contracture occurring again down the line.

En bloc capsulectomy

With this technique, the capsule and implant are removed as a single unit along with a thin layer of the natural breast tissue. En bloc capsulectomy is reserved for cases of BIA-ALCL or Breast Implant Illness and is considered a more complex, higher risk procedure. After the procedure, you can consult with your doctor to determine if you wish to replace the implants. Factors such as your overall health and body contouring goals will be considered.

Am I a Candidate for Breast Implant Removal?

Most women will qualify for our breast implant removal in Denver, provided they are in good mental and physical health and they have realistic expectations. Our team will evaluate your concerns and help you decide on the best treatment plan for your goals.

In general, ideal candidates:

Are experiencing complications after breast augmentation surgery
Are unhappy with the current look and feel of their implants
Seek a more natural-looking chest aesthetic
Have textured implants and are experiencing signs of BIA-ALCL

Where Will My Breast Implant Removal Surgery Be Performed?

Our facility at The LaVie Institute of Plastic Surgery houses a cutting-edge 8-room clinic equipped with advanced, world-class technology and an elegant decor. We have two onsite accredited operating theaters to ensure your safety and convenience, as well as a hospital-based clinic affiliated with the prestigious Swedish Medical Center for hand and reconstructive surgeries.

Our state-of-the-art facility coupled with the expertise of our skilled, board-certified plastic surgeons translates to optimized, successful results and an exceptional patient experience.

What Will My Recovery Be Like?

After surgery, you will be placed in our recovery suites and monitored to ensure it is safe for you to go home. You should schedule a helper to drive you home and assist you for 24 hours prior to your procedure date. You will leave our offices with prescription pain medications and a thorough aftercare plan with postoperative instructions.

It is normal to feel sore or tired following your surgery. These are signs that the body is healing. Most patients can expect to return to normal activities within several days but will need to avoid intense exercise for 2-3 weeks. It is important to follow your surgeon’s instructions carefully in order to minimize pressure placed on the incisions.

Temporary numbness or fluid drainage in the breasts are normal side effects and will fade with time. Sutures are typically removed after 7-10 days. While the initial swelling will fade within several weeks, residual swelling may take more time to disappear — up to several months. Scars will appear pink and firm for around 6 weeks before they fade.

What Can I Expect During My Consultation?

Your consultation is a time to get to know our team and create a winning treatment plan that will safeguard your health, enhance your comfort, and elevate your quality of life. During this initial meeting, we will go over your medical history and perform a physical evaluation. If you are experiencing implant complications, we will delve into your symptoms and find their cause. We will leave no stone unturned in order to exceed your expectations for your breast implant removal results.