Even though breast augmentation—a procedure to enhance the size and shape of the breasts—remains the most popular cosmetic surgery in the United States, an increasing number of women are opting to have their breast implants removed and not replaced.
Because silicone and saline implants typically only last for 10-15 years, many women choose to remove them and replace them with new ones. Others may choose implant removal surgery because of scar tissue hardening around the implant, implant rupture, or other complications. Some women may wish to get rid of their implants simply because they want to return to their natural breast shape.
Whatever your reasons may be, if you are considering breast implant removal in St. Petersburg, reach out to board-certified breast surgeon Dr. Percy Lo at Allure Aesthetics & Plastic Surgery to schedule a consultation.
Health conditions are the leading reason women undergo breast implant removal surgeries in St. Petersburg. Capsular contracture, which is the process of excessive scar tissue forming around the implants, causes unbearable tightness and pain in the chest. Women who suffer from capsular contraction often choose to remove their breast implants to alleviate pain and further health risks.
Recently, the FDA noted a rare occurrence of a certain kind of cancer in women with breast implants—known as breast implant-associated anaplastic large-cell lymphoma. The risk of this cancer is extremely low and is estimated to be anywhere from 1 in 3,800 to 1 in 30,000. However, some women want to eliminate their risk by removing their implants.
Finally, many women in St. Petersburg opt for breast implant removal because they simply feel that they do not need them any longer. The implants may no longer suit their needs or their personality. This often occurs when a women gets implants at a young age and later in life realizes she no longer has the same cosmetic goals.
At Allure Aesthetics & Plastic Surgery, our qualified plastic surgeon, Dr. Lo, removes breast implants through revision surgery. Revision surgery means the implants are removed, sometimes via the same incisions that were created to insert the implants. Dr. Lo will also remove any excess scar tissue. Often patients choose to have old implants replaced with new ones. In such instances, Dr. Lo would simply insert the new implants via the same incisions, sometimes tightening or lifting the breast tissue to improve the shape.
Generally, a breast removal surgery at our office in St. Petersburg takes 2-3 hours, depending on how much scar tissue is removed.
A breast implant removal surgery is a major procedure, so you must prepare for it as you would for any other surgery. You should stop taking any blood thinners, including aspirin, for at least one week prior to your surgery. You will also be required to make healthier lifestyle changes, like stopping cigarette smoking for at least a month before and after your breast implant removal procedure.
Be prepared to take at least one week off work, ideally two, to recover after your breast implant removal surgery in St. Petersburg. While you recover, you will not be able to lift anything or reach upward for at least two weeks. Ideally, you should make yourself extra comfortable, move as little as possible, and surround yourself with lots of cushions and pillows to help you sleep on your back.
Dr. Lo typically recommends a breast lift procedure after a breast implant removal in St. Petersburg, especially if new implants are not placed. A breast lift could remove any loose hanging or extra skin, reposition the remaining breast tissue, and relocate the nipple/areola complex to a better position.
Without a breast lift, your breasts are likely to be flat and saggy without the implants—especially if you had larger implants for a long period of time prior to their removal. A breast lift procedure will return the breasts to a higher, more youthful position on the chest. This will improve your satisfaction with the appearance of your breasts after removing your implants.
Interested in learning more about breast implant removal in St. Petersburg? Call Allure Aesthetics & Plastic Surgery today to book your consultation with our experienced plastic surgeon, Dr. Lo.
