BREAST IMPLANT REMOVAL PHOENIX

Breast Implant Removal in Scottsdale, Mesa, Phoenix, Gilbert and surrounding AZ cities

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During breast augmentation surgery, many women have implants placed under their breast pocket. The body will naturally form a scar tissue (capsule) around the breast implants. Over time, this scar tissue may harden and contract around the implant – leading to distortion, bulging, or ridging. In addition to disfiguration of the breast, many women who get capsular contracture may experience physical symptoms such as pain and discomfort. Breast implant capsule removal surgery aims to remove this hardened scar tissue (capsule) to alleviate both aesthetic and physical symptoms.

Gilbert and Scottsdale, AZ surgeon Jude LaBarbera works with a team of committed professionals to help women alleviate the impact of a capsular contracture. During the surgery, which is also known as a capsulectomy, Dr. Jude removes the scar tissue, and may also replace the implant – depending on the needs and requirements of the patient. Dr. Jude LaBarbera has helped countless women in Gilbert, Phoenix, Scottsdale and surrounding Arizona areas remove capsules to alleviate discomfort and achieve their desired aesthetic results.

What causes Breast Implant Capsules?

Formation of breast implant capsules is the primary complication following breast augmentation surgery and the leading cause of breast revision surgery. An estimated 10% of breast augmentation patients develop severe contracture at one time or the other. Up to 25% of augmentation patients may experience milder degrees of this condition. Although there’s no known cause of capsular contracture, many surgeons believe that the type of implant used during augmentation surgery may be a major culprit. Because they cause calcification, silicone implants tend to develop scar tissue more commonly than saline breast implants. The technique used to place implants may also lead to capsular contracture. For instance, when an implant is placed above the muscle, it may lack enough coverage or lubrication, thus increasing the risk that scar tissue will form. Some plastic surgeons also argue that bacterial contaminations on the implant shell may cause the formation of scar tissue.

No plastic surgeon can predict how the body will heal (and whether a scar tissue will be formed) before a surgical procedure. The best safeguard patients can take against capsular contracture is to work with a highly experienced surgeon during the initial breast implant surgery.

GRADES OF CAPSULAR CONTRACTURE

Breast implant capsules form due to progressive hardening of the breast following implant surgery. The condition typically has a slow onset and can manifest at any time after surgery. It also can affect one or both breasts. Capsular contracture is often categorized into four grades based on its severity.

Grade I

In Grade I capsular contracture, the implant is still largely normal with a soft texture and natural appearance.

Grade II

The implant may feel firm, appear natural, but may be shaped otherwise.

Grade III

The breast implant feels firm with a visibly abnormal shape.

Grade IV

In Grade IV contracture, the implant is abnormally shaped, feels firm and painful.

During your initial consultation, Dr. Jude LaBarbera will conduct an examination and ask questions to establish the severity of your breast implant capsules. This initial visit to his Scottsdale or Gilbert Arizona plastic surgery office also serves as an excellent opportunity for the patient to ask questions, and share their concerns with the surgeon. Dr. LaBarbera will formulate an effective surgical plan based on the extent of your capsular contracture.

IDEAL CANDIDATES FOR BREAST IMPLANT CAPSULE REMOVAL

You may be a good candidate for capsulectomy if:
You experience severe capsular contracture that leads to pain and discomfort
You are in good enough health to undergo a surgical operation
You are well aware of the risks and benefits involved in performing this surgery

Typically, breast implant capsule removal surgery is only considered in severe cases (Grade IV capsular contracture). Milder (low-grade) versions of contracture can be addressed via alternative treatments such as massage therapy and use of drugs. During your in-person consultation, Dr. Jude LaBarbera will conduct an assessment and recommend the best way forward.

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Where possible, Dr. Jude LaBarbera will make incisions along the same sites as the initial augmentation procedure. Once incisions are made, the surgeon will carefully remove the breast implant and hardened scar tissue around it. A new implant will then be inserted.

They type of implant to be used during the capsular contracture surgery will be decided upon during your consultation with Dr. LaBarbera. This is usually done based on the patient’s expectations from the surgery.

Recovery after surgery

Recovery after breast implant capsule removal will vary depending on the type of procedure that was performed, as well as the patient’s healing ability. In most cases though, recovering from capsulectomy is similar to recovering from the initial breast augmentation procedure. Patients normally need to take a week off work. Strenuous physical activity, heavy lifting, and certain tasks should be avoided for a couple of weeks after surgery. Dr. Jude LaBarbera issues each patient with individualized instructions to ensure an uninterrupted recovery process.

Results of a capsule removal surgery

The results of implant capsule removal can be dramatic. Patient’s breasts will have normal firmness, with implants that appear more natural in shape. Symptoms such as pain in the chest disappear because the initial implants have been replaced, and the scar tissue removed.

Planning your Breast Implant Removal surgery in Arizona

Capsular contracture may lead to distortion and discomfort after augmentation or breast reconstruction surgery. Dr. Jude LaBarbera performs capsule removal to improve the aesthetics and increase your comfort. During your initial consultation, the surgeon will brief you on the costs of the surgery, recovery arrangements, and other preparations needed for a successful outcome.

Dr. LaBarbera performs capsular contracture procedures in his ultra-modern office operating room, supported by a team of highly professional and licensed staff.

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Average Cost

Price Varies

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Procedure Time

1 – 3 Hours

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Recovery Time

1 – 2 Weeks

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Insurance

Not Covered

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Jude LaBarbera MD Plastic Surgery of Scottsdale & Gilbert has provided this website for informational purposes only. This website does not constitute formal medical advice. Please contact our office to schedule your plastic surgery consultation to further discuss your medical needs. Serving Gilbert, Phoenix, Scottsdale, Glendale, and other surrounding cities in Arizona, including Paradise Valley, Chandler, and Mesa AZ.