Breast Implant Removal with Mastopexy in Raleigh,NC*

This 52-year-old woman had breast implants placed about 11 years ago with silicone gel implants in the sub muscular position done by another surgeon. She developed some health problems and began gaining weight but was never totally pleased with the appearance of her breasts with the augmentation as she had some degree of ptosis even when the implants were placed. She now felt her breasts are too large and too droopy and desired removal with breast lifting. She had her surgery performed in a hospital setting because of her underlying health issues but still was done as an outpatient. She underwent bilateral removal with total capsulectomy of breast implants. Interestingly, she was found to have an intracapsular rupture of the right breast implant which was unsuspected. The implant material was contained within the capsule and removed with complete capsule removal. She underwent simultaneous mastopexy and was very pleased with the smaller more lifted and perkier-appearing breasts. Motivation for explantation varies depending on the circumstances. Many women, with aging and weight gain, feel that their breasts are too large and develop drooping which can be sometimes accentuated with the extra weight of the implant. Removal with lifting is usually a safe procedure although it can be somewhat complicated if blood supply to the nipple is compromised. It is not unusual to discover unsuspected rupture of breast implants during removal.