(713) 489-1630 Menu
Specials Patient Portal
Dr. Courtney | Plastic Surgeon in Houston, TX
Schedule a Consultation
Call Text (713) 489-1630
English/Español

Achieve the Figure You Desire: Considering Breast Implant Removal

You have the right to have a figure that matches your vision, which may require removing your implants and replacing them with smaller or larger implants — or returning to your natural breast size. In some cases, breast implant removal is performed to replace older implants or resolve a complication.

Breast Implant Removal Overview

    Removing Breast Implants

    Whether your ideal figure is sleek or sexy, Dr. Courtney will work with you to map out the steps to achieve the figure you envision. If you’re in Houston, TX and seeking breast implant removal, we urge you to contact us.

    Dr. Courtney with a breast implant removal client

    Should You Have Your Breast Implants Removed?

    For many women, their relationship with their implants is love at first sight. The 32,218 ratings for breast augmentation on RealSelf average a 98% “Worth It” rating. So why remove them?

    If you love your implants and they’re working for you, don’t concern yourself with removal. Keep enjoying them. However, many women do choose to remove their breast implants for a range of personal reasons, which may include:

    • A change in lifestyle such as engaging in vigorous sports or exercise
    • Health concerns
    • Implant type change
    • Change in size of implants to larger or smaller
    • A complication such as capsular contracture, implant displacement, or infection
    • Concerns about breast implant illness or BIA-ALCL
    • Implant rupture, leak, or deflation
    • Breast sagging after pregnancy or weight loss
    • Asymmetry
    • A desire to return to natural breast size
    Dr. Courtney Plastic Surgery

    Dr. Courtney will discuss why you want to remove your implants so that you can explore options for exchange or replacement together. And if you’re removing implants without replacing them, a breast lift can restore a lifted, rounded appearance.

    Meet Dr. Courtney

    Meet Dr. Courtney - Board Certified Plastic Surgeon in Houston, Texas

    The Key Benefits of a Breast Implant Removal

    • Improved Mammogram Effectiveness: If your implants are placed above the pectoral muscles, they can obstruct mammogram imaging. A breast explant procedure ensures clearer, more accurate diagnostic testing, which is especially important if you have a family history of breast cancer.
    • No More Concerns About Ruptures: Implants can rupture for various reasons, such as physical exertion, aging, or complications like capsular contracture. After a breast explant, you no longer need to worry about ruptures or the costs and procedures involved in replacing implants.
    • Reduced Pain: Large implants can cause discomfort in the shoulders, neck, and back. If you've experienced complications like capsular contracture, the pain can be even worse. Explant surgery alleviates this discomfort, allowing you to feel lighter and more at ease.
    • Wardrobe Freedom: Many women find it difficult to shop for clothes that fit well with larger breasts. Breast explant surgery can help you rediscover a range of clothing options, from bras to swimwear, with a more natural and flattering fit.
    • Enhanced Self-Confidence: Your preferences may change over time, and if you no longer feel comfortable with your implants, breast explant surgery can restore your natural breasts, allowing you to feel more authentic and confident.
    • Short Recovery Time: Recovery after breast explant surgery is typically quick. Most patients can resume their normal activities within a few weeks, making it an ideal time to relax and recover without major disruptions to your lifestyle.

    Your Options After Implant Removal

    You can expect honest and accurate guidance from Dr. Courtney during your consultation for breast implant removal in Houston. Our patients report that Dr. Courtney listens with open-minded compassion and often talk about how comfortable they feel asking questions about the various issues associated with the procedure. Breast implant removal has the ability to provide a beautiful figure — no matter your age, weight, or circumstances.

    Breast Implant Removal Only

    Removing only the implants is a quick and relatively straightforward procedure. An incision is created — typically in the breast crease — and the implant is then meticulously removed. Patients with saline implants may be candidates for implant draining before removal, allowing a smaller incision. Some patients receiving implant removal only can have the procedure done under local anesthesia in the office.

    Implant Removal with Capsulectomy

    The capsule is a scar tissue coating that forms around the implant and pocket. These tissue capsules develop around every implanted medical device, including pacemakers and artificial joints. When the implant removal includes a capsulectomy, the implant is removed along with the scar tissue capsule. Capsule removal isn’t always necessary, but it may be necessary if you have capsular contracture or ruptured silicone implants.

    En bloc Breast Implant Removal

    En bloc breast implant removal is a specialized surgical procedure in which the implant and capsule are removed as a single unit. This procedure may be appropriate if you are experiencing problems with implants or if leakage is suspected. Keeping the capsule intact can help ward off any health risks associated with infection.

    Breast Implant Removal and Lift

    Breast implants stretch and expand the skin and tissues. After removing the implants, the breasts may be left looking deflated and empty. Pairing your implant removal with a breast lift will reshape the breast tissue, helping to restore youthful, round,  natural breast appearance. Generally, the larger the implant, the more necessary it is to perform a lift.

    Breast Implant Removal with Replacement

    Sometimes, breast implants require replacement for various reasons. If you’re experiencing complications with your implants or if you feel you want to change the size of your breasts, it may be time to remove and replace your implants.

    Breast Implant Removal and Fat Grafting

    Fat grafting can replace the volume that the implants once provided. This procedure allows you to enhance breast size without the need to place new implants. Your own fat cells are harvested, purified, and transferred to the breasts to add subtle volume.

    Dr. Courtney performed an explant with a lift. I chose not to have the implants replaced because I didn’t want to face another surgery in the future. My recovery has been extremely easy which I attest to the planning & skill of Dr. Courtney. I couldn’t be happier with the results.

    - S. H.

    What is the Breast Implant Removal Procedure?

    Breast implant removal may be performed under general anesthesia in our fully-equipped operating room. Some patients can have their implants removed with a local anesthetic and intravenous sedation, but this is less common.

    An incision is placed in the breast crease, and the implant is gently removed. The placement of your incision will depend on the location of your augmentation incisions. Generally, the same incision site is chosen (with no additional scars created), but every patient is different.

    If Dr. Courtney is performing an en bloc breast implant removal, the implant and capsule are removed as a single unit. If capsulectomy is needed after implant removal, the implant will first be removed, and then the capsule is removed. Patients that are receiving a breast lift or fat grafting will have this second surgery performed directly after the implant is removed. Some patients will need drains. The drains are put in place after the implant is removed. Compression bandaging helps to alleviate swelling and fluid accumulation during recovery.

    Schedule a consultation

    In-Office Virtual

    Why Choose Dr. Courtney for Breast Implant Removal in Houston?

    Dr. Courtney is known for his skill and compassionate bedside manner. He was mentored by very prominent and esteemed plastic surgeons at the Texas Medical Center in Houston, and in addition, he was nationally recognized as one of six outstanding surgeons for his research by The American Society of Plastic Surgery. This means that your breast implant removal procedure will be performed by an accomplished breast surgeon in Houston. His relaxed and approachable personality is often his patients’ favorite part of the process. 

    Dr. Courtney Plastic Surgery
    American Society of Plastic Surgeons logo
    The Aesthetic Society logo
    RealSelf Verified Doctor logo
    Top Doctors 2023 by New Beauty logo
    logo of Top Doctor Excellence in Medicine
    American's Best Physicians 2023 award
    Texas Top Doctor 2023 Excellence in Medicine award

    Recovery after breast implant removal: What to expect

    Plan on taking a few days off from work. Breast implant removal has a shorter recovery timeline, while implant removal combined with a custom breast lift can have a slightly longer recovery timeline. Dr. Courtney can give you a better idea of what to expect during your breast implant removal consultation in our Houston office.

    Tenderness, tightness, and bruising are normal reactions. Rest as much as you can during the first few days and slowly return to your daily activities. Many women find that implant removal has an easier recovery than the recovery after augmentation. Your recovery experience will largely depend on the type of removal performed. You will be given detailed aftercare instructions, and we will be closely monitoring your recovery throughout the process. We care about our patients and go above and beyond to ensure all goes well.

    Am I a Candidate?

    If you need to have your breast implants removed or have a complication, we encourage you to schedule a consultation with us. We will speak honestly with you about your options. If you are unhappy with the size of your current implants, are experiencing complications, or have older implants, we can discuss breast implant removal and speak with you about what type of procedure will be needed for you. Smoking can interfere with the healing process; we encourage anyone considering surgery to stop smoking.

    Real Patient

    Breast Implant Removal FAQs:

    How much does breast implant removal cost in Houston, TX?

    The cost of your procedure will depend on the type of implant removal and complexity. On average a breast explant is between $12,500-$13,500. Receive a customized estimate during a plastic surgery consultation with Dr. Courtney.

    Will breast implant removal be painful?

    Some tenderness is expected during recovery, but thanks to pain medication, most women find the process is relatively comfortable. We offer several tips for managing discomfort. If you experience pain or discomfort, let us know so we can help you remain comfortable during healing.

    I’ve had my implants for a long time. Do I need to remove them?

    Breast implants do not need to be removed on a specific schedule. If your implants are working well and you have no problems, removing them is not typically necessary. Many women that have had breast implants for many years choose to remove or replace them so they can enjoy the benefits of newer, modern implant types. Implant manufacturers often advise replacing implants every ten years, but if they are problem-free, you can wait longer to undergo replacement.

    Can I remove and replace my breast implants during the same procedure?

    Breast implants are commonly removed and replaced in a single surgery.

    Do I need to remove and replace both breast implants together?

    Your breasts are called “sisters, not twins” for a reason. Ideally, they should look very similar. This symmetry is best accomplished when both breasts are treated in the same surgery. The breast implant manufacturer’s warranty suggests that patients have both of their implants replaced every ten years. If we remove or replace the implant on one side, we highly recommend replacing both implants in the same surgery.

    Real People. Real Results.

    Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipisicing elit. Ad alias animi commodi distinctio doloremque eum exercitationem facilis in ipsum iusto magnam, mollitia pariatur praesentium rem repellat temporibus veniam vitae voluptatum.

    Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipisicing elit. Ad alias animi commodi distinctio doloremque eum exercitationem facilis in ipsum iusto magnam, mollitia pariatur

    Button

    Instant Rewards That You'll Love - Coco VIP

    Special VIP Offers: Receive exclusive offers just for you, that you won't find anywhere else.

    • Awesome Birthday Gifts
    • Rewards For Visiting
    • Invitations To Member Events
    • Special Members-Only Offers

    Sign Up

    Schedule a consultation

    In-Office Virtual

    Newsletter Sign-Up

    © Dr. Courtney Plastic Surgery. All Rights Reserved. Web Design & Internet Marketing by Studio III

    Privacy Policy

    Accessibility: If you are vision-impaired or have some other impairment covered by the Americans with Disabilities Act or a similar law, and you wish to discuss potential accommodations related to using this website, please contact our Accessibility Manager at (713) 489-1630.

    Contact Us