Breast Implant Removal in Baltimore, MD

Most people feel some soreness, swelling, tightness, and discomfort after breast implant removal. How much discomfort you have depends on whether you had other procedures, like a capsulectomy or breast lift. Prescription and over-the-counter medicines can help with pain during the first part of recovery.

You’ll first meet with Dr. Rottman for your consultation, followed by a pre-operative visit to review your surgical plan and answer any remaining questions. After surgery, you’ll return for follow-up appointments so Dr. Rottman can monitor your healing, remove drains or sutures if needed, and make sure your recovery is progressing as expected.

You will see changes in your breasts right after implant removal, but swelling and healing will affect how they look at first. Over the next few weeks and months, your breasts will slowly settle into their new shape.

As with most surgeries requiring incisions, you will have scars. However, Dr. Rottman is exceptionally skilled at hiding and closing incisions for minimal scarring, which will fade over time.

Most people can travel short distances a few days after surgery, depending on how they are healing. Talk to Dr. Rottman before planning longer trips or flying. Avoid sitting still for long periods during early recovery to lower the risk of complications.

Breast implant removal has some risks, such as infection, bleeding, changes in breast sensation, scarring, fluid buildup, uneven contours, changes in appearance, and the chance you might need more surgery.

In late July of this year, Allergan voluntarily recalled its BIOCELL textured implants and tissue expanders under the name Natrelle after receiving a request for recall from the FDA. The recall is not a cause for alarm. Macro-textured implants of the recalled style are not common in the United States, making up only 5% of implants.

Textured implants are saline or silicone implants with a textured, granular, or rough surface to adhere to the tissue around the implant. This adherence to surrounding tissue helps keep implants from rotating or moving after implantation, which is especially helpful for teardrop-shaped implants.

Macro-textured implants, such as those recalled by Allergan, have a rougher, more textured surface than other textured implants. The particular implants and tissue expanders recalled are as follows:

• Natrelle Saline-Filled breast implants
• Natrelle Silicone-Filled breast implants
• Natrelle Inspira Silicone-Filled breast implants
• Natrelle 410 Highly Cohesive Anatomically Shaped Silicone-Filled breast implants
• Natrelle 133 Plus Tissue Expander
• Natrelle 133 Tissue Expander with Suture Tabs

Allergan BIOCELL textured implants were recalled because these implants have a slightly higher risk of BIA-ALCL (breast implant-associated anaplastic large cell lymphoma).

BIA-ALCL is a rare non-Hodgkin’s form of lymphoma that grows very slowly, making it easy to catch as well as treat. Symptoms of BIA-ALCL include persistent swelling, fluid developing around the implant, pain, or a firm or hard lump in the breast area.

While the likelihood of developing BIA-ALCL is slightly higher with these textured implants, it is still infrequent and highly unlikely. However, if you notice any of the above symptoms, speak with your doctor immediately so they can perform testing.

One theory is that macro-textured implants can lead to a higher probability of BIA-ALCL due to inflammation or bacteria. The rough texture and crevices in these implants may create an environment where bacteria can thrive and spread. To date, it is uncertain why some women develop BIA-ALCL, and further studies are needed.

The FDA does not recommend removing recalled implants unless you are experiencing symptoms of BIA-ALCL. While macro-textured implants carry a higher risk of developing BIA-ALCL, it is still very rare. However, we recommend speaking with your surgeon to discuss the best route for you.

If you are already thinking of breast implant removal or replacement, or the need to remove scar tissue from around your implants, this could be the time to look at scheduling a consultation. Please reach out to Dr. Rottman and his team to schedule a consultation to learn more about your options.