Breast Implant Removal Los Angeles

Dr. Hirsch is one of the most well known and experienced surgeons for breast implant removal in Los Angeles. He has performed well over 1000 explant and capsulectomy procedures, both with and without mastopexy. As an expert breast implant removal surgeon in Los Angeles, Dr. Elliot Hirsch helps patients from Los Angeles and the surrounding areas including Bakersfield, Fresno, San Diego, and all throughout California, the United States ensuring that you have access to top-tier care no matter where you are located.

Why remove your breast implants?

Breast implants are not permanent medical devices! Many studies have shown that the longer they are implanted, the higher the risk of complications. In fact, data from the American Society of Plastic Surgeons shows that more woman than ever are undergoing explant surgery. There are many reasons that women decide to remove their breast implants such as:

Options for women undergoing explant surgery

For these reasons or others, or simply not wanting implants anymore, Los Angeles breast implant removal patients may choose to undergo explant surgery. There are many surgical options available for women undergoing breast implant removal. Sometimes, patients may remove their breast implants without a breast lift. This may be a good option for younger patients who do not have kids who have not had implants for very long. However, there is a often lot of skin remaining after the implants are removed, and in order to remove the extra skin and reshape the breasts, a breast lift can be performed at the same time as the explant. Other procedures such as liposuction and fat transfer can be performed at the same time as well to improve breast appearance.

If no mastopexy is performed during your explant surgery in Los Angeles, the breast implants and capsules can often be removed through the same incision that was used for the breast augmentation, which minimizes new scarring. Most often, this is done through the inframammary fold incision. If a lift is performed as well, the implants and capsules can be removed through the lift incisions, which also limits scarring.

View before and after photos of breast implant removal without breast lift

View before and after photos of breast implant removal with a breast lift

Through the hundreds of these procedures that he’s performed, Dr. Hirsch has developed his own technique for breast implant removal, en bloc capsulectomy, and mastopexy (breast lift), and has published it in the Aesthetic Surgery Journal online. It’s available at the link below:

Read Paper

The video below shows Los Angeles breast implant removal specialist Dr. Elliot Hirsch performing an implant removal, total (en bloc) capsulectomy, and a breast lift.

Breast implant removal, en bloc capsulectomy, and breast lift

Muscle repair during explant surgery

During breast augmentation, plastic surgeons may occasionally cut or release the lower part of the pectoralis muscle to create a space for the implant. When the implant is removed, it may be necessary to reattach the muscle to the chest wall in order to stabilize it. Muscle repair during explant surgery can help improve the appearance of the inner part of the breast by restoring the normal anatomic contour of the chest, and can potentially reduce animation (unnatural movement of the pectoralis muscle).

Tissue testing during explant surgery

If desired, patients may choose to have removed tissue be tested after surgery. The two most common types of testing that are available are pathology and microbiology. Pathology testing is when a pathologist (doctor trained in pathology) examines the removed tissues to see if there are any atypical or cancerous cells. Microbiology testing is when cultures are taken of the capsules or implant to see if there is any bacteria or fungus growth. During your consultation for explant surgery in Los Angeles, Dr. Hirsch will discuss indications for these tests with you.

Frequently Asked Questions
About Breast Implant Removal in Los Angeles

What is the difference between en bloc and total capsulectomy?

In general, en bloc capsulectomy, otherwise known as “total complete capsulectomy” refers to removal of the breast implant scar tissue capsule while it remains around the breast implant. Total capsulectomy refers to a removal of the capsule, but not necessarily while it remains around the implant. Please review our en bloc capsulectomy vs. total capsulectomy page for additional information. Dr. Hirsch performs a total capsulectomy in all cases, en bloc whenever possible, to remove the breast implants and their capsules.

How much does breast implant removal cost in Sherman Oaks?

The cost of breast implant removal varies depending on the complexity of the surgery and any additional procedures like a breast lift. Contact our office in Sherman Oaks for a personalized consultation and pricing information.

How long is the recovery after breast implant removal?

Most patients who have their breast implants removed with/without a lift say that they feel a soreness, like after working out in the gym. This usually lasts a few days and is much better after a week or so. After two weeks, most patients are able to resume their regular activities without much difficulty. Dr. Hirsch recommends wearing a soft, supportive sports bra or other similar bra without underwire during this healing period. Drains are usually present one week post-operatively, and following post-operative care instructions is important for optimal recovery.

What are the risks of breast implant removal surgery?

Breast implant removal is generally a safe procedure, but as with any surgery, there are risks such as infection, bleeding, scarring, and changes in breast sensation. Dr. Hirsch, based in Los Angeles, carefully assesses each patient to minimize these risks.

How do I know if I need a breast lift after implant removal?

If your implants have caused significant stretching of the breast skin, a breast lift may be recommended after implant removal. Dr. Hirsch will evaluate your breast tissue during the consultation and recommend the best approach to achieve a natural and youthful appearance.

What is the breast implant capsule?

The breast implant capsule is a layer of scar tissue that naturally forms around the implant. This is different from the silicone shell of the implant. Dr. Hirsch, a plastic surgeon in Sherman Oaks, performs a total capsulectomy, removing the capsule and implant together to minimize exposure to any remaining silicone.

My implants are big and I am worried that my breasts will be saggy if the implants are removed. What can be done to help?

Large implants can stretch the skin, and after removal, breasts may look saggy or deflated. Dr. Hirsch often recommends a breast lift to reshape the breasts, tighten the skin, and reposition the nipple for the best appearance. The type of lift will depend on your breast size and the amount of sagging.

What is “breast implant illness?”

Breast implant illness describes symptoms some women experience that they believe are linked to their implants. The condition is still being studied. Dr. Hirsch has discussed it in detail with Dr. Yehuda Shoenfeld in a podcast series.

What is breast implant associated ALCL? Am I at risk?

Breast implant-associated Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma (BIA-ALCL) is a rare cancer linked to textured implants. Symptoms include swelling and fluid buildup in the breast. Treatment usually involves removal of the implant and capsule, and sometimes chemotherapy.