What is Capsular Contracture?

In addition to being dissatisfied with their breast augmentation, many women get their implants removed due to the pain and discomfort that comes from Capsular Contraction. This is a complication that can arise after augmentation surgery where the body forms a thick, tight scar tissue layer over the implant that can cause pain and deform the appearance of the breast. There is a formation of a “capsule” of scar tissue around the implant that is a very normal part of the healing process, where your body will automatically react to the foreign material detected and will attempt to isolate it with a barrier of scar tissue. In most cases, it is a good thing that keeps your breast implant in place and prevents it from slipping around. There are some incidents in a patient’s body where the capsule of scar tissue becomes overly hardened and begins to contract around the implant. Not only can this lead to aesthetic problems, but in certain extreme cases, it can also cause pain in the breasts.

Is Breast Implant Removal Painful?

Your surgery will be performed with anesthesia, so you should be very comfortable during the procedure. You should expect to experience some soreness and/or mild pain during the first few days after surgery, but Dr. Bhat does prescribe temporary pain medication to ease your discomfort, as well as instructions to follow that should also help.

How many appointments will I need?

Dr. Bhat will have you return within a few days to remove any sutures and tubing and evaluate your recovery. After that you can expect a few more check-up appointments, usually within a week or so post-operative, and then again at around three months. Every patient will have a different recovery process so you may require additional appointments. Dr. Bhat will always let you know when she expects to see you again after each check-up.

How long until I see results?

While your breasts are removed during the surgery there will be swelling, so many patients won’t see their final Breast Implant Removal results for almost a full year post-op, but it is important to remember that every patient's healing process can vary. In some cases, the results may not be entirely cosmetic due to the thinning of breast tissue from having implants for an extended period. If you have any questions about your results timeline, feel free to address them in your consultation and Dr. Bhat will be happy to offer her advice.

Can I combine Breast Implant Removal with other procedures?

Yes! Many of our Breast Implant Removal patients in Tampa will combine their surgery with a Fat Grafting Breast Augmentation to fix their previous implant’s appearance. Other common surgeries to pair with your removal would be contouring procedures like a Tummy Tuck or Liposuction . If you have a certain aesthetic goal or would like to hear Dr. Bhat’s expert recommendations, please discuss this during your consultation.

What are the risks associated with Breast Implant Removal?

Even though Dr. Bhat has vast experience with all types of breast surgeries, there are still potential risks and side effects associated with the procedure, which include: Anesthesia risks Bleeding Deep vein thrombosis, cardiac and pulmonary complications Fluid accumulation (seroma) Hematoma Infection Numbness or other changes in nipple/areola sensation Numbness or other changes in skin sensation Recurrent looseness of skin Unfavorable scarring If you come across anything long-lasting or concerning side effects or reactions, you should contact our office immediately.

Breast Implant Removal In Tampa, FL | Ravive Plastic Surgery

Brunette woman looking out of window - Breast Implant Removal

Introduction

Introduction to Breast Implant Removal

Breast implants are one of the most popular procedures in the world, but what happens when you have a change of heart when it comes to the appearance of your breasts? Unlike fat grafting or dermal fillers, your body won’t absorb the implant over time, so they require removal by a plastic surgeon.

Dr. Deepa Bhat is happy to give the women of Tampa, FL an opportunity to either completely remove their implants or even change the size of the ones that they currently have with Breast Implant Removal surgery. We have provided more information on the procedure for you below.

What is Breast Implant Removal?

Breast Implant Removal is a cosmetic surgery that removes or exchanges implants from a previous breast augmentation procedure. Many women elect for this surgery when they feel that their implants are too large or too small, but also seek this procedure if there has been an implant leak or when capsular contraction occurs. It is also completely normal for a woman to feel that her breasts no longer present the image she desires. Whatever the reason for concern, women have the option of safely removing their implants to restore their natural chest or exchanging the implants for a better-fitting size/shape.

It’s important to know that while breast implants are designed to be long-lasting, they are not meant to last forever. Women can have a saline or silicone implant for fifteen years or more without requiring a breast implant exchange or removal.

Back of woman looking downwards - Breast Implant Removal

What are the Benefits of Breast Implant Removal?

Our Breast Implant Removal patients in the Tampa Bay area have seen the following benefits from their treatment, including:

Can restore breasts to their natural size and shape
Increased satisfaction with breast appearance
Mammograms are easier and more accurate
Relief from pain and other symptoms

Who are the Best Candidates for Breast Implant Removal?

The best candidates for a Breast Implant Removal are patients who are experiencing any of the following:

Dissatisfaction with the size or shape of the breasts
Capsular contracture (occurs when scar tissue forms around the implant, causing it to harden)
Implant displacement or asymmetry
Implant rupture or deflation
Medical concerns

We also believe that suitable candidates should be in overall good health, maintain realistic expectations for the results, and keep a generally positive attitude throughout the recovery process.

What’s the First Step?

If you believe it’s time to remove your breast implants, your first step is to contact Ravive Plastic Surgery in Tampa and schedule your consultation with Dr. Bhat. When you come in, she will take her time to discuss all aspects of the procedure, including projected recovery and any potential complications associated with the surgery. She will listen to your concerns and aesthetic goals, and ask you questions regarding your medical and surgical history. We encourage you to be very open and honest when talking with Dr. Bhat. She is completely discreet and confidential, and any information that you provide will help prevent unnecessary risks.

Dr. Bhat will give your breasts and body a thorough examination and discuss the best techniques for your procedure. Once the two of you have discussed and agreed upon every aspect of your surgery, Dr. Bhat will write your surgical plan and our Patient Coordinator will help you schedule the date of your procedure.

What to Expect on the Day of Breast Implant Removal

On the day of your surgery, you will begin by being administered anesthesia, either in the form of intravenous sedation or general anesthesia. Dr. Bhat will discuss the pros and cons of each during your consultation and together, you will decide which one is best for you.

Once you are properly sedated, Dr. Bhat will begin by making an incision either around the areola or under the lower fold of your breasts. Through this incision, the implant will be removed, as well as any scar tissue. If you are having an implant removal in conjunction with an implant revision, she will then insert the new implant. Once Dr. Bhat is finished, she will close the incisions with either stitches, tape, or skin adhesives.

The surgery takes between one and three hours, depending on the extent of your procedure.

Breast Implant Removal Recovery

After your Breast Implant Removal, you will be monitored in our recovery room as you wake up from sedation. Once Dr. Bhat releases you, you will be able to return home to recover peacefully.

As part of your initial recovery, you will need to rest for at least two full days with limited physical activity, so it will be beneficial to have an adult caretaker available to assist you during this time. You may experience tenderness and swelling around the incision sites, which is completely normal. Dr. Bhat will temporarily prescribe you pain medication to relieve these symptoms. The amount of time you will need to take off of work depends on whether the implants are just being removed (shorter time off) or if the implants are being exchanged for a different size (longer time off). This is because implant exchanges often require breast capsule modifications (breast capsulorrhaphy), which may require a more extensive recovery.

During your recovery period, you will need to wear a compressive support bra to provide additional support for your delicate breast tissue, protect the area from impact or injury, and help your muscles adjust to your new contour. You’ll need to wear the support bra and avoid strenuous physical activity for at least three to four weeks, restricting the movement of the upper body, lifting, or any other strenuous physical activity. After coming in for your post-surgery follow-up, Dr. Bhat will let you know when you can resume light activities, such as walking.

Woman bathed in shadows against wall - Breast Implant Removal

How Much Does Breast Implant Removal Cost in Tampa, FL?

The average cost of breast implant removal in Tampa Bay, FL typically starts at $3,000 and can go up to around $10,000. The price can vary depending on factors such as anesthesia costs, additional procedures, and the complexity of the removal. For a personalized cost estimate, it is recommended to schedule a consultation with Dr. Bhat. During your consultation, our patient coordinator will provide a detailed quote tailored to your specific needs and desired outcome.

Why Choose Dr. Bhat?

When considering Breast Implant Removal, choosing the right surgeon is crucial for achieving safe and satisfying results. Dr. Deepa Bhat in Tampa, FL is an exceptional choice for several reasons; with her extensive training and experience in plastic surgery, Dr. Bhat can perform cosmetic surgery with precision and artistry.

She is committed to delivering personalized care, taking the time to understand each patient’s unique goals and concerns to create a customized treatment plan. Dr. Bhat’s warm and compassionate approach ensures that patients feel comfortable and supported throughout their journey at Ravive Plastic Surgery. Our patients can trust that they are in the hands of a skilled and caring surgeon who prioritizes their well-being and provides a better quality of life for every one of her Breast Implant Removal patients.

Schedule Your Consultation

If you are dissatisfied with the current appearance of your implants, contact Ravive Plastic Surgery today to schedule a confidential consultation appointment. You can call our office or use our website to fill out an appointment request. Dr. Bhat and her team look forward to meeting you and will be more than happy to answer your questions and concerns.

Schedule A Consultation

Breast Implant Removal FAQs

Your procedure questions answered.

In addition to being dissatisfied with their breast augmentation, many women get their implants removed due to the pain and discomfort that comes from Capsular Contraction. This is a complication that can arise after augmentation surgery where the body forms a thick, tight scar tissue layer over the implant that can cause pain and deform the appearance of the breast. There is a formation of a “capsule” of scar tissue around the implant that is a very normal part of the healing process, where your body will automatically react to the foreign material detected and will attempt to isolate it with a barrier of scar tissue. In most cases, it is a good thing that keeps your breast implant in place and prevents it from slipping around. There are some incidents in a patient’s body where the capsule of scar tissue becomes overly hardened and begins to contract around the implant. Not only can this lead to aesthetic problems, but in certain extreme cases, it can also cause pain in the breasts.
Your surgery will be performed with anesthesia, so you should be very comfortable during the procedure. You should expect to experience some soreness and/or mild pain during the first few days after surgery, but Dr. Bhat does prescribe temporary pain medication to ease your discomfort, as well as instructions to follow that should also help.
Dr. Bhat will have you return within a few days to remove any sutures and tubing and evaluate your recovery. After that you can expect a few more check-up appointments, usually within a week or so post-operative, and then again at around three months. Every patient will have a different recovery process so you may require additional appointments. Dr. Bhat will always let you know when she expects to see you again after each check-up.
While your breasts are removed during the surgery there will be swelling, so many patients won’t see their final Breast Implant Removal results for almost a full year post-op, but it is important to remember that every patient's healing process can vary. In some cases, the results may not be entirely cosmetic due to the thinning of breast tissue from having implants for an extended period. If you have any questions about your results timeline, feel free to address them in your consultation and Dr. Bhat will be happy to offer her advice.
Yes! Many of our Breast Implant Removal patients in Tampa will combine their surgery with a Fat Grafting Breast Augmentation to fix their previous implant’s appearance. Other common surgeries to pair with your removal would be contouring procedures like a Tummy Tuck or Liposuction. If you have a certain aesthetic goal or would like to hear Dr. Bhat’s expert recommendations, please discuss this during your consultation.
Even though Dr. Bhat has vast experience with all types of breast surgeries, there are still potential risks and side effects associated with the procedure, which include:
- Anesthesia risks
- Bleeding
- Deep vein thrombosis, cardiac and pulmonary complications
- Fluid accumulation (seroma)
- Hematoma
- Infection
- Numbness or other changes in nipple/areola sensation
- Numbness or other changes in skin sensation
- Recurrent looseness of skin
- Unfavorable scarring
If you come across anything long-lasting or concerning side effects or reactions, you should contact our office immediately.

I had my very first Botox and lip filler done by Dr. Deepa Bhat. She is very caring and is the sweetest. She made the process seamless and painless! I had no anxiety over what I’m going to look like after because I knew I was in great hands of an aesthetic plastic surgeon. I LOVE the natural results! I look more youthful and refreshed. I highly recommend her!

- Angela

Dr. Bhat is an amazing surgeon (and person)! I had an extended tummy tuck and lipo 360 and I have never been happier with the way I look. I healed without issue, my scar looks fantastic and most importantly, Dr. Bhat was there for me every step of the way. I would recommend Dr. Bhat to anybody looking to gain self confidence through surgery.

- Rachel

I had the pleasure of seeing Dr. Bhat for lip filler and botox and it was a wonderful experience. She walked in the room with a warm smile and instantly put me at ease. She was very attentive and I felt that she really listened to my goals and desired outcome. She was gentle and meticulous and my lips turned out absolutely beautiful! My botox was placed perfectly as well. She made the experience easy and enjoyable. I would absolutely recommend her to anyone and will be going to see her for my future cosmetic needs!

- Amanda

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