Chicago Breast Implant Removal Chicago by Dr. David Dreyfuss
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Why Do Women Have Their Breast Implants Removed?
Though everyone who chooses plastic surgery has intensely personal reasons, women who decide to have their implants removed and not replaced may share a few commonalities.
- Capsular contracture: This condition occurs when excessive scar tissue develops around the implants, causing chest discomfort and tightness. Dr. Dreyfuss can remove the breast implants along with their capsule.
- Health concerns: After breast augmentation, some women may experience a condition referred to as breast implant illness. Though there is no conclusive research to link breast implants to health-related issues, patients who report symptoms often opt to remove their implants in the hope of feeling better.
- Age: As you get older, your lifestyle and priorities will change. If your implants no longer fulfill your cosmetic goals, you may wish to get them removed.
What Will Your Breast Implant Removal Procedure Entail?
Dr. Dreyfuss typically performs breast explant surgery as an outpatient procedure with general anesthesia. He begins by making incisions along the same lines as your initial breast surgery. Next, he removes the implants and checks for capsular contracture, where scar tissue may have accumulated and hardened.
Why Choose Dr. David Dreyfuss?
With decades of experience and board certification from the American Board of Plastic Surgery, Dr. David Dreyfuss offers a refined balance of surgical skill, artistic vision, and personalized care. Patients from across the region trust him for his expertise in procedures such as breast augmentation, liposuction, laser skin resurfacing, and eyelid surgery. Known for his compassionate approach and commitment to excellence, Dr. Dreyfuss personally guides each patient through every step of their surgical journey—from the first consultation to your final results.
If you’re considering a change—whether it’s enhancing your features or restoring what time has altered—our Orland Park practice is here to help. Dr. Dreyfuss invites you to schedule a private consultation and discover the many surgical and non-surgical options available to help you look and feel your very best. Your vision, paired with his experience, can create results that are both natural and transformative.
What Do Breasts Look Like After Explant Surgery?
Your breasts will not return to the exact contour they had before you sought augmentation surgery. Why? Because implant weight and size will have stretched your skin and weakened support tissues. After removing your implants, your breasts may look deflated, with downward-pointing nipples. After their original implants are gone, some women choose to exchange them for new ones, and others address concerns like drooping or asymmetrical breasts with a breast lift.
To ensure you have realistic expectations for your surgery, you can ask Dr. Dreyfuss to provide breast implant removal before-and-after photos of patients who came in with similar concerns.
Will I Need a Lift After My Implants Are Gone?
Dr. Dreyfuss almost always recommends combining a breast lift with your explant surgery. With this surgery, he can remove sagging skin, reposition the remaining breast tissue, and likely relocate the nipple-areola complex. The goal of a breast lift is to return the breasts to a higher position on the chest, which will be essential for you to be satisfied with the appearance of your breasts after removing your implants.
View Real Patient Results
Explore our before and after gallery to see real patient transformations performed by Dr. David Dreyfuss. From subtle enhancements to dramatic results, these photos showcase the artistry and precision behind every procedure.
Breast Implant Removal Recovery
Recovery is typically brief after implant removal. You’ll be sore along the incision sites for a few days, but you won’t have a lengthy healing time. Your chest may feel a bit different without the implants, but there’s minimal to no discomfort.
However, most women having their implants removed require a breast lift, so the decision doesn’t adversely affect their breasts’ appearance. Because Dr. Dreyfuss repositions tissue and removes excess, adding a breast lift can make your recovery a tad more involved. You shouldn’t lift anything heavier than a gallon of milk for a month. Weightlifting or other strenuous exercise must wait six weeks after a breast lift.
Schedule Your Consultation Today
If you’re ready to learn more about explant surgery and how it might benefit you, book a virtual consultation with Dr. Dreyfuss or call our office at (815) 806-9400.
Explant Surgery FAQs
Will my breasts look flat after breast implant removal?
As previously mentioned, unless you choose to get a lift, your breasts will likely appear flattened and saggy without implants. That’s especially true if you chose larger implants and left them positioned in your body for a long period.
How much does explant surgery cost in Chicago?
The total cost of your implant removal surgery will vary based on factors such as whether you opt to combine it with a lift or replace your old implants with brand-new ones. Dr. Dreyfuss can provide an accurate estimate after meeting you and learning about the improvements you want to make.
What is breast implant illness?
There have been no studies or medical literature associating a specific illness with breast implants. However, complaints from some women with implants include:
- Memory issues
- Lack of energy
- Irritable bowel syndrome
- Headaches
- Gastrointestinal illness
- Swollen lymph nodes
- Recurrent infections
- Hair loss
- Skin rashes
- Pains in joints and muscles
We find that most of our patients who have their implants removed due to breast implant illness feel better after the procedure.
Can breast implants cause lymphoma?
In July 2019, the FDA announced a recall of textured Biocell implants made by Allergan. There is some connection between these devices and anaplastic large-cell lymphoma – a rare form of cancer.
Lymphoma cases due to implants are extremely low. Of the 40 million women with implants, only 300 to 500 have received a diagnosis of BIA-ALCL. Still, the news has brought implant removal to the forefront of public awareness. This potential health issue does not apply to implants other than the Biocell textured ones subject to the recall.
Will my health insurance cover the cost of this procedure?
Health insurance policies typically don’t cover breast implant removal. The primary exception is when women have this procedure done post-mastectomy and reconstruction, and only if a doctor deems the surgery medically necessary.