REMOVE IMPLANT (310) 228-5569

This website aims to familiarize those with various implants including breast implants, chin implants, cheek implants, nose implants, male pectoralis implants, calf implants and buttock implants with facts about removal of their particular implants and other adjunct procedures. With the modern trend to make breasts more beautiful with breast augmentation or the face more attractive with facial implants, necessary removal of such implants among others is typically not adequately mentioned. We have therefore highlighted the common reasons to remove implants in detail with the pros and cons of replacing the implants. Specific techniques of implant removal as well as alternative treatments are also discussed. You are encouraged to contact us for a consultation to discuss your particular area of concern and for further assistance in making your informed decision regarding removing your implant.

REASONS TO REMOVE IMPLANTS

1. Breast implants

Breast augmentation remains the most common implant procedure performed. With the 300,000 breast implants which are inserted actually in the United States, some do have to be removed for various complications. Occasionally, patients choose to have their breast implants removed for purely personal reasons without a medical justification. The most common complications associated with breast augmentation are highlighted below.

Capsular contracture
Capsular contracture is the most common reason for removing a breast implant. Occurring in 10 to 20% of patients within 10 years of their breast augmentation, capsular contracture is treated by removing the tight capsule around the breast implant (capsulectomy) followed by removing the implant.

Rupture
About 3 to 5% of breast implants will rupture over 10 years after breast augmentation. Once diagnosed, the ruptured breast implant will have to be removed as soon as possible and possibly replaced.

Asymmetry
In rare cases, the breasts can appear asymmetrical or uneven after breast augmentation. This unevenness is typically due to pre-existing natural breast asymmetry prior to the breast augmentation. After insertion, breast implants may also shift in their position on the chest leading to breast asymmetry. In cases of significant asymmetry after breast augmentation, the breast implants may have to be removed or if being replaced, the implant pocket will have to be revised prior to inserting another implant.

Rippling
Visible rippling after breast augmentation is a difficult problem to address. This problem typically occurs in women who have thin breast tissue covering their breast implants. Removal of the breast implants in suck women will likely lead to a deflated appearance to their breasts which may require a breast lift or mastopexy.

Infection
Infection occurs in approximately 3 to 5% of breast augmentation surgeries. In cases of superficial infections, antibiotics alone will typically treat the problem. When the infection involved the deeper tissues within the breast, the breast implant may be involved. As the breast implant does not have its own blood supply, it can not fight the infecting bacteria. Removal of an infected breast implant is therefore necessary. Another breast implant can be replaced into the affected breast once the infection has fully resolved.

Extrusion
If there are wound healing issues or excessively large implants are placed into the breasts, implant extrusion may result. The implant may become visible through the open wound, or skin necrosis over the breast implant may lead to a potentially exposed implant which will have to be removed.

Personal dissatisfaction
If you are extremely dissatisfied with your breast implants, removal of your breast implants is certainly an option. You are encouraged to contact our office to discuss your concerns and possible alternatives prior to undergoing the procedure.

2. Chin implants

Chin implants are the most commonly inserted facial implants. Some of the older chin implants were soft and resembled breast implants with their associated risks of mechanical complication such as rupture or leaks. The new generation of chin implants are solid and have a far fewer rate of mechanical complications. Chin augmentation of a chin implant procedure is a perfect adjunct to a nose surgery or rhinoplasty procedure in those who have a recessive or small chin. Some of the causes leading to chin implant removal are highlighted below.

Shifting
A chin implant may shift either immediately of sometime after insertion. Such shifting may lead to an implant which is too high on the chin or too low. It can even move slightly from one side to the other leading to an asymmetrical or uneven chin. If significant, the chin implant can be removed and replaced if so desired.

Infection
Though rare, infection of a chin implant can occur. If the chin implant is inserted through an incision inside the mouth, there is a slightly higher infection rate relative to placing the chin implant through an incision under the chin. Mild infections can be treated by antibiotics. More severe infections will necessitate removal of the chin implant will possible revision once the infection has fully resolved.

Asymmetry
Shifting of the chin implant can lead to unevenness or asymmetry of the chin. If some chin asymmetry exists prior to chin augmentation, the chin implant can actually worsen the asymmetry. In such cases, the implant can be removed and reinserted if so desired.

Nerve compression
Occasionally the chin implant can compress the mental nerve which is the nerve responsible for sensory innervation to the chin and lower lip. Once diagnosed, the chin implant may have to be removed to releave the pressure on the sensory nerve. Adjusting the chin implant to move it away from the nerve may also treat the problem.

Bone resorption
Our bones are always remodeling in response to stress. Constant micromovement where it is not firmly fixed in place can lead to resorption of the mandible or jaw bone. In severe cases of bone resorption after chin augmentation, chin implants can lead to tooth loss or deformities of the mandible. Removal of the chin implant is necessary to halt the prosorption in such extreme cases of bone resorption.

Extrusion
After the chin implant is placed in its pocket in front of the mandible, it can shift in position causing to partially extrude out of the body. Wound healing problem after a chin augmentation procedure may also lead to implant extrusion and require removal of the implant.

Personal dissatisfaction
Whether the chin implant is too small, excessively large, or not the ideal shape for your particular needs, it can be removed. After most of the inflammation has resolved from a chin augmentation procedure, timely removal of an unwanted chin implant is important. To receive more assistance in making your informed decision, please schedule a consultation with our office in order to discuss your particular concerns and rationale for removing your chin implant.

3. Cheek implants

With the growing popularity of fat injection into the face, cheek implants have decreases in popularity. In fact, many patients with cheek implants are choosing to have their firm cheek implants removed and replace the lost volume with fat injection. Other causes for removing cheek implants are listed below.

Infection
Though infections of the face are exceedingly rare, cheek implants may occasionally become infected. In a majority of cases, the exact cause for the infected cheek implant is not identified, but dental infections or procedures have occasionally been known to lead to infection of cheek implants. Once infected, the cheek implants have to be removed and replaced once the infection has fully resolved.

Asymmetry
Nearly all faces have some degree of asymmetry from one side to another. Any type of facial procedure can highlight the already existing facial unevenness or asymmetry. If the asymmetry is significant enough, the cheek implants can be removed or exchanged to improve results.

Nerve compression
Cheek implants placed over the cheek bone or zygomatic arch can under rare circumstances place excess pressure a sensory nerve to the face. Called the infraorbital nerve, this particular nerve exits the skull at the inferior aspect of the eye socket or orbit. Short-term or permanent injury to the nerve can lead to numbness or pain at the corresponsding side of the face. Once diagnosed, immediate removal of the implant is necessary to prevent any long-term nerve damage. If you suspect you have such pain or numbness at the side of the face after a cheek implant, you are encouraged to contact our office immediately for a consultation in order to confirm the diagnosis of a nerve compression.

Personal dissatisfaction
Whether the cheek implants are too small, too large or just not the right look, dissatisfaction with cheek implants may rarely occur. Please contact our office to discuss your personal experience with your cheek implant to allow us to give you as much information as you may need to make an informed decision regarding possible removal of your cheek implant.

4. Nose implants

Infection
Infections of implants placed into the nose are actually higher than other types of implants such as breast implants. If infected, a trial of antibiotics may be started, but the nose implant will likely have to be removed.

Extrusion
Under rare circumstances, the nose implant may extrude or come out of a wound at the nose. Such problems are most common in smokers or patients at high risk for wound healing problems. Another population of rhinoplasty patients which has a higher risk of implant extrusions includes those who use cocaine. The compromised vascularity of the nose in cocaine users leads to progressive thinning of nasal tissues with eventual collapse and extrusion of the nasal implants. Once a nose implant begins to extrude to come out of the nose, it has to be removed in order to minimize the risk for infection. Another means of nasal support or augmentation will have to be performed once the infection has resolved.

Change in shape
Nose implants can either shift in position or in shape long after the implant was placed inside the nose. Whether due to trauma or unknown causes, if the change in shape or position of the implant is significant enough, the nose implant has to be removed and repositioned into its correct location. Certain types of nasal implants such as L-struts may actually break leading to change in nasal support and shape. In such cases, the nose implant will again have to be exchanged for either another synthetic implant or one made of the patient’s cartilage.

Asymmetry
Close examination of anyone’s nose typically reveals subtle asymmetry or unevenness from one side to another. Nasal implants may at times highlight the asymmetry of the nose. If such problems are moderately severe, the nasal implant can be removed and / or replaced. Please take the time to contact out office to discuss your particular problem and interests such that we can provide you will all the guidance you require to make an informed decision.

Personal dissatisfaction
On occasion, the results of a nasal implant may fall short of your expectations. If you are extremely dissatisfied with the results, the nose implant can be removed. An important factor to consider is the rationale for insertion of the nose implant to begin with. If you had a complicated nose with no support which required a nasal implant for shape and definition, the implant can not be simply removed without compromising the shape of your nose. A detailed examination by a plastic and reconstructive surgeon as well as lengthy discussions with the surgeon are necessary to detail and plan the nose implant removal. Replacement of the implant with another synthetic or one made of the patient’s bone / cartilage may be necessary. You are encouraged to contact our office for a complimentary consultation to discuss your particular case.

5. Male pectoral implants

While fare more rare than breast augmentation in women, some men choose to have pectoral implants to achieve their ideal athletic shape. Pectoral implants have many of the same risks as breast implants and may have to be removed sometime into the future. The common reasons for removing male pectoral implants are listed below.

Infection
If the pectoral chest implants are complicated with infection, removal of the implant becomes necessary as there is almost no way to effectively treat the infection with antibiotics alone. The pectoral implant can be replaced once the infection has fully resolved.

Extrusion
A firm pectoral implant in the male chest can, at some point, extrude or become exposed through an open wound on the chest. If diagnosed early enough and the implant has not yet become infected, wound closure with repositioning of the implant may be possible. If you experience a wound or other problem on the chest particularly at the implant insertion site, you should contact us immediately to schedule a consultation.

Change in shape
As with other types of implants, pectoral implants may shift in position or shape. If the resulting chest unevenness or asymmetry is severe enough, removal or repositioning of the implant will be necessary.

Asymmetry
In some cases, significant chest asymmetry or unevenness may result after insertion of pectoral implants. Pectoral implants may actually accentuate or bring to attention pre-existing chest asymmetry which was present even before the implants. If your chest asymmetry is significant enough, please contact our office to schedule a consultation to assess the particular cause for the asymmetry and either correct or remove your pectoral implants.

Personal dissatisfaction
There is a small chance that you will not be perfectly satisfied with your results after pectoral implants are placed. Once the inflammation and swelling have subsided, you will be better able to assess the results from your surgery. If the results are grossly off, you may choose to have your implants revised or removed even before the swelling has fully resolved. Should you need to discuss your particular concerns, please contact us to schedule a consultation.

6. Calf implants

Some men and women undergo calf implants to accentuate the shape of their calves. Because of the constant motion at the legs and the thin overlying skin, complications leading to removal of calf implants are unfortunately quite high. The common problems which require removal of calf implants are listed below.

Infection
As with other implants, infections may occur with calf implants. Once infected, a trial of antibiotics may be started, but typically calf implant removal is required as the infections typically do not resolve with antibiotics alone. After the calf implant is removed and the infection resolved, another implant may be replaced.

Nerve compression
Unlike breast implants, calf implants may compress or place too much pressure on sensory nerves with give carry sensation from the foot or leg to the brain. The implant may also compress a motor nerve which provides innervation to muscles in the leg or foot. If such a compression is noted, removal of the calf implant is mandatory in minimizing nerve injury.

Extrusion
Due to the degree of motion at the legs, calf implants are constantly under pressure. If there is a wound healing problem or infection at the insertion site, the calf implants may extrude or become exposed through the incision. In such rare instances, the calf implant must be removed until the infection or the wound healing problem has fully resolved. As in other implants, the calf implant can be replaced afterward.

Asymmetry
Indeed no two legs are ever the same. The natural asymmetry or unevenness in a person’s legs can sometimes be highlighted with calf implants. The calf implants may also shift in position or be placed unequally in the legs leading to further asymmetry. If moderate to severe, the calf implants may need to be repositioned in the calves.

Shifting
With the constant contraction of the calves with every step, calf implants may shift in their position over time. If severe, such shifts can distort the shape of the legs and cause asymmetry or deformities of the legs. The calf implants may have to be removed or repositioned in such cases. You are encouraged to contact our office to schedule a consultation in such instances. We would be glad to discuss the treatment options such that you are able to make an informed decision.

Personal dissatisfaction
In rare instances, you may be dissatisfied with the results of your calf implants. You may consider removal of your calf implant in such instances. Please take the time to contact us to schedule a free consultation and discuss your concerns in person with an experienced board certified plastic and reconstructive surgeon.

7. Buttock implants

Buttock implants are inserted to enhance the gluteal area in men and women. Due to the special function and location of the buttocks, any implant in that region will have to withstand prolonged movement and pressure particularly in the sitting position. Also, as the incisions for inserting buttock implants are close to the anus, wound infections are particularly prevalent.

Infection
An infection at any cosmetic implant will be difficult to treat with antibiotics alone due to the lack of blood vessels within the implant. Antibiotics will therefore not be able to effectively reach and treat the infected implant. An infected buttock implant will therefore have to be removed until the infection has fully resolved. The buttock implant can be replaced once the infection has resolved. It is imperative to identify the source of the infection to best avoid future problems. A consultation with our board certified plastic and reconstructive surgeon will inform you of the various factors surrounding your implant and the possible cause for the infection such that the risk of recurrence can be minimized.

Extrusion
A wound healing problem, infection, or constant pressure at the buttock implant may eventually lead to extrusion of the buttock implant. Once a potential extrusion is identified, the buttock implant should either be removed or steps must be taken to provide adequate coverage of the buttock implant with healthy tissue.

Nerve compression
As with calf implants, there are several important nerves near the location of buttock implants. In rare instances, the implant may compress these critical nerves and thereby lead to weakness or numbness of the associated leg. Removal of the buttock implant soon after the diagnosis of nerve compression has been made is imperative.

Asymmetry
Not all buttocks are created equal, not even in the same person! Asymmetry or uneven buttocks may result after buttock implants either due to accentuation of re-existing asymmetry or uneven placement of the buttock implants. If severe enough, the implants may have to removed or adjusted.

Shifting
There is no effective way to be sure buttock implants stay in the exact same position they are placed in during surgery. Shifting of the buttock implants may lead to asymmetry, uneven results or deformity of the buttocks. In such instances, the buttock implants may have to be removed or their position corrected.

Personal dissatisfaction
If you are very dissatisfied with your buttock implant results, removal of the buttock implants may be an option. As in breasts, removal of the buttock implants can lead to sagging buttocks which may require a buttock lift after implant removal. To schedule a free consultation to discuss your particular concerns please contact our office.