Implant Removal in New Orleans, LA

Our center in New Orleans, LA offers explant surgery to take out breast implants and restore a natural, youthful appearance. This transformative procedure is performed by Dr. Stephen Metzinger, who has many decades of experience and triple board certification. Our state-of-the-art surgery center offers maximum safety, precision techniques, and comfort. We guide patients compassionately through every step of the process to help them meet their aesthetic goals and improve their well-being.

Table of Contents

What is
Breast Implant Removal?

Breast implant removal, also known as explant surgery, is a procedure that takes out implants and makes breasts look youthful. The surgeon makes an incision under the breast, in the armpit, or around the areola to reach the implant. The old implant is taken out completely or replaced with a new one. Breast implant removal surgery typically requires one to three hours to complete. It helps patients improve their appearance and avoid health issues caused by implants.

View Our Breast Implant Removal Before & After

The implants are removed when they rupture, cause complications, or if the woman decides that she no longer wants to have them. Here is a more detailed description of these common reasons:

Implant Rupture

Breast implants may break due to normal wear and tear or trauma to the chest. The gel from a ruptured silicone implant can leak into surrounding breast tissue, requiring a removal surgery.

Breast Implant Illness

Some women develop fatigue, cognitive issues, and other health problems after getting implants. This condition is called “breast implant illness.” It may cause significant discomfort and trigger different symptoms.

Capsular Contracture

Scar tissue around the implant can tighten, making the breasts feel hard and painful. This problem may progress over several years and require implant removal.

Changes in Aesthetic Preferences

Many women get implants in their 20s but decide that they no longer want an augmented look later in life. Personal aesthetic preferences change over time, inspiring patients to return to their natural appearance.

Preparation forImplant Removal

Before implant removal surgery, we schedule a consultation to discuss the reasons for explantation and review the patient’s medical history. Dr. Metzinger examines the implant site and may order imaging tests to look for signs of rupture, capsular contracture, or other complications. He also discusses the details of the explant procedure, including the estimated surgery time, anesthesia method, and incision approach.

Patients may be instructed to stop taking certain medications or supplements before surgery that could increase bleeding. Arrangements should be made for someone to drive the patient home after the operation and stay with them for at least the first night to help with various tasks. Clearance from the primary care provider is generally required as well. The patient should also abstain from smoking and consuming alcohol for a month before the breast implant revision surgery.

Implant Removal
Procedure

Markings

Dr. Metzinger marks the previous incision site and outlines the area for the new cut. The main goal is to access the implant with minimal scarring.

Anesthesia

The patient is given general anesthesia before the procedure begins. They transition into a deep, sleep-like state where they do not feel any pain or remember anything about the operation.

Incisions

The surgeon makes an opening along the previous scar. If the old incision cannot be used, a new one is created, often in the breast crease, around the areola, or in the armpit. The incision goes through the skin and tissue to provide access to the implant.

Opening Capsule

The surgeon carefully opens the muscle and surrounding scar tissue capsule. The procedure is simpler for implants placed behind the breast tissue rather than the pectoral muscle.

Removing Implant

The surgeon breaks down any scar tissue and gently manipulates the implant to take it out. Sometimes, the implant is ruptured or deflated, requiring the doctor to perform additional procedures.

Irrigation and Inspection

The pocket is irrigated and inspected for any capsular material or leakage from the implant. This helps us ensure that no unwanted substances are left behind.

Implant Replacement (Optional)

Some patients choose to replace the removed breast implant with a better one during the same surgery. Dr. Metzinger can offer many options with different sizes, shapes, and fillers. Such breast augmentation helps patients achieve their aesthetic goals.

Closing Incisions

After all procedures, the surgeon closes the incisions with sutures in the muscle and tissue layers. The skin is then stitched with non-dissolvable sutures. Steri-Strips or surgical glue may be applied over the closed incision.

Add-On Procedure:
Breast Lift

Some patients choose to undergo a breast lift (mastopexy) after having their breast implants removed. During mastopexy, the surgeon cuts away excess skin and reshapes the remaining tissue to raise and firm the breasts. This procedure can benefit women with sagging skin or changes in breast shape. It involves making incisions, removing loose skin, and raising the areola and nipples to a higher position. Performing mastopexy simultaneously with implant removal allows the patient to achieve better results with shorter recovery.

Recovery After Implant Removal

Immediate Recovery

After the implant is removed, patients experience some pain, bruising, and swelling at the incision site. Cold compresses and over-the-counter pain medication can help relieve discomfort. Patients should take it easy and rest the first 24 hours after surgery. Basic activities can be resumed the next day, but strenuous physical movements should be avoided.

Week 1

During the first week, swelling and bruising peak at some point and then start improving daily. Patients can usually return to work or school after 7 days of recovery. The incision site might feel slightly tight and tender, but significant pain is uncommon. Oral antibiotics may be prescribed to prevent infection while healing.

Week 2

By the end of the second week, symptoms become much milder. The incision site may still be slightly tender, and the swelling decreases gradually. We recommend avoiding exercise or any strenuous activities. Gentle lymphatic massage can help to speed up recovery.

Week 3 and Onward

After 3 weeks, most residual swelling should be resolved. Patients generally have no activity restrictions except for vigorous exercise. The incision scars continue to fade over the next several weeks. By the second month, patients are usually fully recovered. The scar may remain slightly visible but will lighten over time. The final results of breast implant removal can be seen after a few months.

Implants are commonly used in cosmetic augmentation procedures to enhance breast size and shape. However, some patients later want to have their implants removed for various reasons. This can be done for physical health, body image enhancements, or cosmetic preferences.

Potential candidates for breast implant removal include:

Women who experience complications from breast implants, such as pain, infection, rupture, or capsular contracture.

Patients who are concerned about potential long-term health risks associated with implants.

Individuals who are dissatisfied with the cosmetic results of their primary breast augmentation.

Women whose bodies have changed considerably since their original surgery due to pregnancy, weight loss/gain, or aging.

Explant procedures are very common because many women want to restore their natural breast shape, prevent health complications, or replace their implants. According to a recent report by the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, the number of such operations increased 9% between 2022 and 2023. Once implants are removed, women often experience significant benefits:

Improved self-image and confidence

Relief from implant-related health issues, such as capsular contracture, rupture, and infections

Saved costs associated with implant replacements every 10-15 years

Ability to more accurately detect lumps and other changes in breast tissue

More clothing options without disproportionately large breast size

Reduction of rashes and other skin irritants associated with excessively large breasts

The decision to take breast implants out is highly personal. While they may enhance appearance for some women, others find that removal surgery brings significant lifestyle benefits and improved well-being.

Cost of Implant Removal
in Metairie & New Orleans

The cost of breast implant removal in New Orleans ranges from $3,000 to $6,000. The price can vary based on the complexity of the procedure, the surgeon’s experience level, and additional factors, such as the type of anesthesia used. Patients with saline implants typically pay on the lower end of the range, while those with silicone, textured, or larger implants tend to have higher expenses.

Dr. Metzinger provides accurate price quotes after physical examination and consultation. Patients can also use our flexible financing plans from CareCredit and Alphaeon Credit.

What Makes Our Breast Revision Surgery Different From Others?

Aesthetic Surgical Associates provides deep expertise and patient-centered care. Our top New Orleans plastic surgeon, Dr. Stephen Metzinger, brings precision techniques and extensive knowledge to every procedure. He treats each patient with genuine compassion, guiding them through the process with care and attention. Dr. Metzinger is the only triple-board-certified surgeon in Louisiana, offering unparalleled expertise in breast operations and other cosmetic procedures. Our state-of-the-art surgery center ensures the highest levels of safety and comfort. From the initial consultation to follow-up meetings, Aesthetic Surgical Associates offers the best conditions to achieve impressive transformations and make patients happy.

Implant Removal in New Orleans, LA

What is
Breast Implant Removal?

View Our Breast Implant Removal Before & After