Safe & Gentle – Breast Implant Removal

Breast implant removal is a specialized procedure to safely take out your implants—whether you’re experiencing complications, choosing to return to a natural breast shape, or addressing health concerns. At Monarch Plastic Surgery & Skin Renewal Center in Sandy Springs—serving Buckhead and Atlanta—Dr. Carmen Kavali offers gentle removal techniques, complete capsulectomy when indicated, and an optional breast lift to restore a youthful contour. We tailor every step to your goals, ensuring a comfortable experience and results that feel right for you.

You might choose implant removal if you:

• Experience Discomfort or Pain: Chronic capsular contracture, implant rupture, or tightness.
• Face Health Concerns: Suspected implant leakage, systemic symptoms, or desire to remove implants placed decades ago.
• Pursue a Natural Look: No longer wish to maintain augmented volume.
• Encounter Rippling or Malposition: Visible wrinkling, implant edge visibility, or shifting implants.
• Address Failed Revisions: Prior revision surgeries that didn’t meet your expectations.
• Prefer Lifestyle Changes: Simplify future breast imaging and avoid further implant maintenance.

Ideal candidates are in good general health, maintain a stable weight, and understand the trade-offs between volume loss and returning to their natural breast shape.

1. Comprehensive Discussion

Dr. Kavali begins by understanding your reasons for removal—comfort, aesthetics, or health—to shape your personalized plan.

2. Review of Surgical History

A Physician Assistant documents your prior implant details (type, size, placement) and any complications you’ve experienced.

3. Physical Examination

• Skin Quality: Elasticity and thickness
• Implant Position & Capsule Firmness: Degree of contracture or deformation
• Breast Volume & Shape: Assessment of tissue changes

4. Imaging Studies

Ultrasound or MRI may be recommended to assess implant integrity and capsule condition before surgery.

5. Educational Overview

We’ll explain removal options—en bloc capsulectomy versus implant-only removal—and discuss whether you’d like a concurrent breast lift (mastopexy).

6. Personalized Plan

Together, you’ll decide on:

• Incision Reuse: Inframammary, periareolar, or transaxillary
• Capsulectomy Extent: En bloc or total capsulectomy, or capsulotomy
• Need for Lift: Crescent, vertical/lollipop, or anchor pattern
• Postoperative Expectations: Recovery timeline and any adjunctive procedures

Our goal is a relaxed, informative consultation so you feel confident in your personalized removal plan.

Capsule Management

• En Bloc Capsulectomy: Implant and capsule removed together—preferred for ruptured or textured implants
• Total Capsulectomy: Complete capsule removal in pieces, reducing residual scar tissue
• Capsulotomy: Releasing the capsule without full removal when the capsule is soft and healthy

Incision Strategy

• Inframammary (Breast Fold): Reuses original scar for direct pocket access
• Periareolar (Around Areola): Ideal if you plan a minor lift
• Transaxillary (Armpit): Minimizes breast scarring but less common for full capsulectomy

Need for Breast Lift (Mastopexy)

• No Lift: If you’re comfortable with smaller, naturally positioned breasts
• Concurrent Lift: Restores shape and lifts sagging skin—patterns include crescent, vertical (lollipop), or anchor

Future Volume Options

• Removal Only: Return to your natural breast footprint
• Exchange Implants: Swap for different size or type in the same surgery
• Fat Grafting: Add natural volume using your own fat if desired

1. Anesthesia & Preparation

Performed under general anesthesia in our accredited Sandy Springs surgical suite. Preoperative markings indicate incision lines and lift patterns, if applicable.

2. Incision & Implant Access

The previous augmentation scar is opened to reach the implant pocket, minimizing new scarring.

3. Capsule and Implant Removal

Dr. Kavali performs the chosen capsulectomy technique. The implant and capsule are carefully extracted to avoid spillage.

4. Pocket Revision

Remaining scar tissue is smoothed, and the pocket is irrigated. If exchanging implants or grafting fat, a fresh pocket is created or revised.

5. Optional Mastopexy

Excess skin is excised per your lift pattern, and the nipple–areola complex is elevated to achieve a youthful contour.

6. Closure & Dressing

Multi-layer dissolvable sutures secure deep tissue and skin. Steri-strips and a supportive bra minimize movement and swelling.

Duration: 1–2 hours (longer if combined with lift or exchange)
Setting: Outpatient; same-day discharge with a supportive escort

• Pain Relief: Oral medications and cool compresses for comfort
• Support Garments: Wear a surgical bra constantly for 4–6 weeks
• Activity: Keep upper body elevated; avoid lifting, driving, or strenuous activity for two weeks
• Wound Care: Follow instructions for incision cleaning and drain management, if used

Weeks 1–2

• Swelling & Bruising: Peaks by days 3–5, then subsides
• Follow-Up Visit: One-week check for wound assessment and garment fit
• Work: Desk work may resume in 5–7 days; avoid chest movement

Weeks 3–6

• Scar Management: Silicone sheets or gels aid in scar maturation
• Gentle Activity: Walking encouraged; no upper-body workouts
• Support Transition: Shift from surgical bra to a well-fitted soft bra

Months 2–6

• Final Contour: Tissue settles by months three to six
• Exercise Clearance: Chest exercises at six weeks; full activity by eight weeks
• Long-Term Support: Use supportive bras for high-impact activities

Strict adherence to Dr. Kavali’s protocol ensures the smoothest recovery and best cosmetic outcome.

Breast implant removal carries standard surgical risks plus unique factors:

• Bleeding or Hematoma: May require drainage
• Infection: Treated promptly with antibiotics or washout
• Scarring: Incisions will fade over time but never disappear completely
• Breast Shape Changes: Loss of volume may lead to sagging, sometimes requiring lift
• Altered Sensation: Nipple or breast skin numbness—usually temporary

Dr. Kavali discusses each risk during your consultation, ensuring you’re fully informed.

Many patients choose adjunctive procedures at time of removal:

• Mastopexy (Lift): Restores breast shape and elevation
• Fat Grafting: Adds natural volume to restore contour
• Chest Wall Liposuction: Refines underarm or torso fullness for a balanced silhouette

Combining procedures can reduce overall downtime and enhance cohesive, natural results.

For breast implant removal in Sandy Springs, Buckhead, or Atlanta, look for:

• Board Certification: American Board of Plastic Surgery
• Removal Expertise: Experience with capsulectomy and complex pocket revisions
• Accredited Facility: AAAASF or Joint Commission accreditation for safe outpatient care
• Before-and-After Gallery: Examples of implant removal and lift cases
• Patient Reviews: Testimonials praising technical skill, comfort, and follow-up care

Dr. Carmen Kavali meets and exceeds these standards, providing safe, personalized care in our state-of-the-art Sandy Springs suite.

• Comfort Restored: Relief from implant-related pain or tightness
• Natural Contour: Return to your breast footprint, with or without lift
• Health Monitoring: Annual self-exams and mammograms per guidelines
• Supportive Bras: Use well-fitted bras for everyday and high-impact activities
• Skin Care: Daily SPF and moisturizing to maintain skin quality post-lift

Regular follow-ups enable Dr. Kavali to monitor healing and address any late-onset concerns.

Breast implant removal is an investment in comfort and well-being. At Monarch Plastic Surgery we offer:

• Transparent Pricing: Detailed quotes for surgeon, anesthesia, and facility fees
• Flexible Financing: Tailored payment plans to fit your budget
• No-Pressure Scheduling: Time to decide without obligation

Our Patient Coordinator will guide you through financial options after your consultation.

Ready to remove your implants and regain confidence? Contact Monarch Plastic Surgery & Skin Renewal Center:

• Call: 404.250.3333
• Email: info(at)drkavali(dotted)com
• Visit: 6045 Barfield Rd, Suite 100, Atlanta, GA 30328
• Online: Request a Consultation

Your personalized consultation will include a thorough exam, discussion of your removal goals, and a clear surgical plan—starting your journey to comfort, balance, and renewed confidence.