Breast implant removal performed at our Miami clinic is a detailed surgical process designed to safely and effectively address your needs. On the day of your breast implant removal or exchange surgery in Miami, you will be warmly welcomed by Dr. Valina and her expert surgical team, who will help you get settled and review the procedure with you to ensure you feel completely at ease. A board-certified anesthesiologist will then administer general anesthesia, allowing you to remain comfortable and pain-free throughout the surgery. This is an outpatient procedure, so you can expect to return home the same day.
Once you are fully sedated, Dr. Valina will begin by making carefully planned incisions to access the breast implants. The incision technique and placement depend on several factors, including the type of implants you have (e.g., silicone), any prior surgical scars, and the natural contours of your chest. Common incision sites include the inframammary fold (under the breast), around the areola, or through the original incision used during your initial augmentation.
When removing breast implants, Dr. Valina will gently extract the implants and assess the surrounding tissue, including the breast capsule and any excess scar tissue that may have formed. The removal of the breast capsule (the fibrous scar tissue that forms around the implant) is often necessary, especially in cases of capsular contracture or discomfort. There are two main techniques: en bloc capsulectomy, which removes the implant and surrounding scar tissue in one piece without opening the capsule (recommended for ruptured silicone implants to prevent silicone from escaping into the body) and standard capsulectomy, which involves making an incision in the capsule to remove the implant, often used when the capsule is fused to the rib cage or chest muscle. The choice between en bloc and standard capsulectomy depends on factors such as the presence of rupture, capsular contracture, or other complications. Complications from breast implants can include capsular contracture, rupture, leakage, and symptoms associated with Breast Implant Illness (BII). If no further procedures are needed, she will then carefully close the incisions with sutures.
For those opting for a breast implant exchange, Dr. Valina will insert the new implants and ensure they are properly positioned for the most natural, aesthetically pleasing result. The pocket where the implant sits may also be adjusted to accommodate the new implants better. Once the implants are securely in place, she will close the incisions with dissolvable or removable sutures, depending on your specific surgical plan.
To aid in healing and minimize swelling, Dr. Valina may place drainage tubes (if necessary) to prevent fluid buildup and will provide you with a compression bra to support your breasts during recovery.
On average and without complications, breast implant removal/exchange in Miami at Grace Surgical Arts can take anywhere from one to three hours.
