There are a number of reasons why women may be unhappy with their breast implants and seek breast implant removal in Washington DC. Many women hesitate to have their implants removed because of fear of what their breasts will look like without implants.
Dr. Troy Pittman, an acclaimed board-certified plastic surgeon, specializes in cosmetic surgery of the breast and devises a customized operative plan for each patient based on their specific needs and desires.
"Dr. Troy Pittman is a skilled surgeon and his expertise in the field of breast surgery is unparalleled. I feel very lucky with the care that I received as he is committed to excellence using advanced techniques. Any patient wants to feel that the attention to detail is addressed with the utmost priority. That is definitely what you will find with Dr. Pittman. I went to him for my third breast surgery in over 20 years. I am 3 weeks post-op and I already love what I see in the mirror. He is a trustworthy physician and handled my case with what I call a magical eye. Dr. Pittman’s comforting bed side manner is the positive energy that we all need when making medical decisions. His state of the art office is beautiful and his team are welcoming and accommodate my every request with a smile. I would highly recommend him for all your plastic and cosmetic wishes. If you are considering any kind of reconstruction or augmentation schedule a consultation and make your dreams a reality!"
Common Reasons Why Women May Choose to Remove Their Implants
Dissatisfaction with the Appearance of the Breast
With normal aging, the body changes. Women who may have had implants placed at a younger age may develop sagging of the breast over the implant. This is commonly referred to as a “waterfall deformity” where the natural breast tissue starts to fall off of the implant giving the breast an unnatural appearance. This condition can become worse if the original implants were placed completely under the pectoralis muscle.
There are also cases where the weight of the implant causes thinning of the breast tissue which results in visible breast implant rippling or severe breast sagging. Larger implants can also cause issues with neck and shoulder pain as patients age, much like the excess breast tissue that women try to get rid of in a breast reduction.
Capsular Contracture
Capsular Contracture is a condition where scar tissue develops around the breast implant following breast augmentation. Every implant will have a small amount of scar tissue around it, given the fact that it is a foreign body (Grade I). However, in some cases, that scar tissue becomes severely thickened causing the breast to develop a hardened feel and distorted appearance (Grade II and III).
In the most severe cases of capsular contracture, women may develop pain as a result of the condition (Grade IV). Capsular contracture can be a manifestation of breast implant rupture so women who feel their breasts are hardening or changing should consult with a board-certified plastic surgeon.
Breast Implant Deformity
There are several reasons that implants may become misshapen or deformed over time. The most common reason is capsular contracture which can be a manifestation of breast implant rupture. In other patients, the breast tissue overlying the implant may become thinner with time making the breast implant more visible or palpable by the patient. This can be a distressing condition for patients.
Additionally, patients that have lost or gained a significant amount of weight may notice changes in their breast, particularly in women with implants. With weight gain, the breasts may become larger making breast implants unnecessary. Conversely, women who lose a great deal of weight may notice that their breast tissue has become thinner, unmasking an underlying implant deformity.
Changes in Breast Goals
As in all aspects of life, our goals change. Women who had implants placed in their early 20s may not have the same aesthetic when they are in their 50s or 60s. It is common for women to wish to have their breast implants removed when they get older. There are also patients that do not wish to deal with implant maintenance and wish to have their implants removed so they “don’t have to worry about them” anymore.
The Healing Process
The recovery process after local breast implant removal will depend on which techniques were used during the procedure. Generally, bruising and swelling will be present and will fade over time. It will be necessary to wear a post-surgical compression garment or surgical bra in order to support the healing tissues.
You will need to stay home from work for around a week or less, and you must avoid physically taxing activities like sports for at least four weeks. During a follow-up appointment, Dr. Pittman will check on your recovery process and remove your sutures.
Breast Implant Removal Cost
The price of implant removal is based on a number of factors. The exact techniques employed, the time required to perform the surgery, and the anesthesia type all play a role in determining breast implant removal cost.
Schedule a Consultation for Breast Implant Removal in Washington DC
The cornerstone of Dr. Troy Pittman’s practice is providing concierge care to each patient and creating a personalized couture surgical plan based on the patient’s goals, desires and anatomy. Whether your implants have been creating problems or you simply no longer wish to have them, breast implant removal in Washington DC can help you. Call us today.
