Breast Explant Surgery in Jupiter & Miami

The reasons for breast implant removal (explant) surgery vary from patient to patient. While some women choose to remove their implants for cosmetic reasons, others do so out of health concerns. In recent years some women have expressed concern that their breast implants may have led to an autoimmune disease or worsened a serious health condition. Many of these women have reported experiencing symptoms of what some call “breast implant illness,” including fatigue, cognitive dysfunction, muscle pain and weakness.

Aqua Plastic Surgery in Florida is committed to the well-being of our patients. Drs. David Rankin and Dev Vibhakar are respected breast enhancement surgeons hailed for their knowledge, experience, and surgical skill. The surgeons have treated patients who wish to remove their implants, some of whom report experiencing symptoms of breast implant illness The surgeons meet with each patient one-on-one to discuss their concerns regarding their breast implants. After identifying the root of the problem, the surgeons design a treatment plan for removal. Each breast removal procedure is unique. Our surgeons carefully explain all of the available options and help each patient choose the best option for her needs and goals.

Aqua Plastic Surgery also has Explant Concierge, Dee Hicks and Beatrice Zuluaga, who have extensive experience helping hundreds of women with breast implant illness (BII). They will be available to help you through the process of explanting — from your initial call to your post-surgery healing.

Former Playmate of the Year, Karen McDougal, had her breast implants removed. Click Here to read her story.

What Happens During Breast Explant?

Breast explant is performed with the goal of safely removing the breast implant and restoring an attractive breast contour and appearance. The procedure typically takes two hours to perform.

Our surgeons will do the following:

• Offer a nerve block performed during surgery to reduce pain for 72 hours post-surgery, which may reduce or even eliminate the need for prescription pain medication.
• Remove implant and capsule.
• Insert drains to enhance the healing process.
• Take pictures of the implant and capsule.
• Offer the choice to send capsules to pathology and keep possession of your implants.

Most women who report symptoms of breast implant illness opt to remove their implants without replacing them. These types of breast explant procedures are generally performed under general anesthesia. The surgeon tries to keep the incisions as small as possible to achieve little to no post-operative scarring. Through the incision, the surgeon carefully removes the implants. In case of an implant rupture or capsular contracture, the “capsules” that hold the implants are also removed. Once the implants are removed, the doctor addresses any loose skin that has become stretched out due to the implants. They trim the breast skin and reshape the breast tissue for a beautiful, natural shape.

As long as they have good breast tissue and skin elasticity to begin with, the majority of patients are very happy with their post explant breast appearance. However, the doctors may recommend performing a breast lift in conjunction with the explant to position the breasts higher on the chest wall, correct breast ptosis and achieve a more beautiful breast shape. Dr. Rankin and Dr. Vibhakar, leading authorities in breast explant, have refined their surgical technique to consistently deliver safe and successful results with the breast lift and explant method. During the procedure, the surgeon selects the breast tissue (gland) in the lower breast that will create the new volume in the upper breast and prepares it to be moved. This technique, known as the tissue wrap around, leaves the lower end of the gland attached to preserve the blood supply and to prevent any necrosis. The surgeon rotates the tissue to its new position in the upper pole of the breast (between the nipple and the collar bone) and attaches it to the chest wall and surrounding upper breast tissue.

The tissue wrap-around technique provides in many circumstances breast volume to be rotated into the breast space/cavity that is left over after removal of the implant. It is a superiorly based pedicled surgery, allowing use of the lower breast tissue to create more volume. At the same time, it addresses the lower portion of the breast that may be loose and in need of tightening. Outcomes certainly depend on multiple factors, the most important of which is the amount of native breast tissue present. 

When finished, the incisions are closed with sutures and bandages. A surgical bra and drains will be placed to aid in healing. Patients will then be moved to one of our recovery suites where they will rest for approximately one hour before being driven home from a loved one to rest for the remainder of the day.

Fat Grafting to the Breast

Aqua Plastic Surgery is pleased to now offer fat grafting to breast explant patients who still desire to add a small to moderate boost in volume to their breasts without the risks associated with implants. 

Fat grafting to the breasts allows patients to increase breast size naturally, by utilizing fat cells from other areas of the body, and transferring to the existing breast tissue. It is the perfect complement to the breast explant procedure, or to provide fullness and symmetry for augmentation. After implant removal, patients should expect to wait approximately 6 months post surgery before scheduling the fat grafting procedure. Explant patients are offered an additional discount when they opt for this procedure.

Please contact us to learn more information on this option.

Playboy Playmate of the Year and Fitness Cover Model Karen McDougal – “I just wanted to say THANK YOU to you and your staff for taking such good care of me during my explant.”

What to Expect During Recovery

Recovery from breast explant is similar to breast augmentation recovery. Patients should expect to take one to two weeks off from their normal routine, including work. During this time, vigorous activity should be avoided. During the initial recovery period, patients may experience swelling, bruising and tenderness. Our team can prescribe oral pain medication to minimize discomfort. Surgical drains are removed six days after surgery. Regular follow-ups with us are mandatory so we can closely monitor healing progress. You will meet with our team for three-month and six-month follow-up appointments.

What Does Breast Explantation Cost?

There is a range of costs, it always makes sense to have a consultation to get a exact cost for your condition. All pre-operative consultations are free. The final cost of your treatment will be discussed in more detail at your pre-operative consultation with our plastic surgeons. Aqua Plastic Surgery offers several affordable financing options to help you pay for your procedure. These will also be discussed during your consultation

Schedule an Explant Surgery Consultation

To learn more about breast explantation and your treatment options when it comes to removing your implants, please schedule a personal consultation with Dr. Rankin or Dr. Vibhakar.