Implant Removal in Tucson, AZ

Name: Implant Removal
Brand: Tucson Plastic Surgery

Breast implant removal at Tucson Plastic Surgery is a personalized procedure designed to help you achieve your desired look with expert care. Our board-certified surgeons ensure a smooth, supportive experience, whether you’re removing implants for health, comfort, or aesthetic reasons.

What is Breast Implant Removal?

Breast implant removal surgery is performed to remove breast implants from a previous breast augmentation or breast reconstruction procedure. There are many reasons why an individual may wish to remove their breast implants, including an implant leak, capsular contracture, discomfort from the implant, or symptoms of breast implant illness (BII). While breast implants do not expire, they do have a limited life span, which means that breast implants should be exchanged or removed after 10-15 years.

Who is a Good Candidate for Breast Implant Removal?

Patients who experience chronic discomfort from their breast implants, or symptoms of breast implant illness (BII), or simply no longer desire to have breast implants can benefit from breast implant removal at Tucson Plastic Surgery. The best way to determine if this procedure is a good fit for you is through a consultation appointment with one of our plastic surgeons. Contact our Tucson office today to get started!

Breast Implant Removal Before & After

The breasts are a fundamental component of feminine beauty and we offer a variety of procedures to lift, enhance, or reduce the breasts. Every procedure is customized to your individual needs. Our board-certified plastic surgeons are also skilled in gynecomastia surgery for men and reconstructive surgeries for patients of all genders.

View More Breast Implant Removal Results

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Breast Implant Removal Procedure

The breast implant removal procedure is generally performed under general anesthesia. To remove the breast implant, an incision is often made along the lower fold of the breast, or an incision is made around or below the areola. Because breast implant removal is a highly personalized procedure, the exact steps may vary depending on your individual case. Breast capsules and implants can be removed using a combination of different techniques. If a breast lift is also performed after the breast implants are removed, then excess skin and tissue will be removed and the breasts lifted for a perkier appearance.

Breast Implant Removal Recovery Process 4-6 Weeks

Following breast implant removal at Tucson Plastic Surgery, dressings or bandages may be placed on the surgical sites, and drains may also be placed to drain any excess fluids or blood. While the healing process can vary depending on the complexity of the procedure, recovery usually takes several weeks. Discomfort, swelling, and bruising may occur, which will dissipate with time. Once your swelling subsides, you will begin to see your overall results. Your plastic surgeon will provide you with instructions on how to best care for your surgical sites and minimize any complications.

Reviews

You could not dream of a better team than Tucson Plastic Surgery. From the minute you walk in the door, every person you encounter is compassionate and welcoming. For going thro...

— CC

You could not dream of a better team than Tucson Plastic Surgery. From the minute you walk in the door, every person you encounter is compassionate and welcoming. For going through such a scary process, they were patient, informative, and made it so much easier to digest. It truly feels like you have a team fighting for your health and advocating for your well being. Both Dr. Kurtovic and Dr. Mahabir are caring, confident, and masters of their craft. Doctors and nurses alike were there at the drop of a hat for any issues that arose post-op, and were always more than happy to take calls/emails and reassure me. I felt extremely taken care of and cannot recommend them enough. Bonus: their advocacy efforts are commendable and the office is gorgeous! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

The office is beautiful and the staff were very welcoming. I felt instantly at ease with Dr. Mahabir. He listened carefully to my concerns and answered all of my questions. My s...

— DP

The office is beautiful and the staff were very welcoming. I felt instantly at ease with Dr. Mahabir. He listened carefully to my concerns and answered all of my questions. My surgery results were better than I would ever expected. I highly recommend Tucson Plastic Surgery.

I cannot say enough about the level of care and concern from the team at this facility. They were all so kind and patient as they helped me achieve the results I wanted post mas...

— JM

I cannot say enough about the level of care and concern from the team at this facility. They were all so kind and patient as they helped me achieve the results I wanted post mastectomy. They made the experience so much less traumatic then I had anticipated. I was stunned at how amazing I looked post surgery. I would HIGHLY recommend both doctors! They are amazing!

I had the pleasure of working with both Dr. Kurtovic and Dr. Mahabir for my mastectomy to implant reconstruction and revision with fat grafting. I cannot say enough about Dr. Ku...

— KP

I had the pleasure of working with both Dr. Kurtovic and Dr. Mahabir for my mastectomy to implant reconstruction and revision with fat grafting. I cannot say enough about Dr. Kurtovic and Dr. Mahabir along with Virgina and the rest of the Tucson Plastic Surgery staff during what was certainly a fast and frightening year of my life. Both surgeons and staff were so positive, reassuring and compassionate from the minute I walked in for my first consultation. Dr. Kurtovic and Dr. Mahabir put my nerves at ease with their warm care and attention to detail in every aspect of their practice. I was lucky to have both surgeons of this amazing practice be the lead surgeon of my two procedures. I am so thankful to Tucson Plastic Surgery and the work they do. I am extremely happy with the results, and I can safely say with the help, support and guidance of Dr. Kurtovic, Dr Mahabir and Tucson Plastic Surgery, I’m ready for the next year and to be on the other side. I cannot thank you enough for your care and gratitude.

Met with Dr. Mahabir to discuss reconstruction options. Walking into his lobby, my husband and I immediately found comfort as the area is inviting and beautifully designed!! The...

— MR

Met with Dr. Mahabir to discuss reconstruction options. Walking into his lobby, my husband and I immediately found comfort as the area is inviting and beautifully designed!! The rooms are just as beautiful and tranquil. I loved his confidence and his knowledge in breast reconstruction. He gave me my options and we selected 2! Double mastectomy with immediate reconstruction (implants), once I finish chemo, we'll go back in for my final surgery (DIEP flap). Dr. Mahabir was professional, kind and compassionate which is what you want from your surgeon! His staff were also very welcoming and kind. I highly recommend Dr. Mahabir for your reconstruction needs!!

What an amazing surgeon and staff. Dr Mahabir and Nicole Baca were awesome!! My experience with a breast reduction/reconstruction due to breast cancer 17 years ago was perfectio...

— KL

What an amazing surgeon and staff. Dr Mahabir and Nicole Baca were awesome!! My experience with a breast reduction/reconstruction due to breast cancer 17 years ago was perfection. I'm so happy with the results and I'm just 6 weeks out. Did a Tummy Tuck for fun and can't wait to see final results in a few months. Fabulous all the way around from scheduling, to surgery to post op visits. Worth the 5 hour round trip drive from N Scottsdale to Tucson. Thank you...happy beyond words!

Both Dr. Mahabir and Dr. Kurtovic are health care providers who care for patients with dignity, and quality care. My mom was Dr Mahabir's patient, and she was treated with respe...

— AS

Both Dr. Mahabir and Dr. Kurtovic are health care providers who care for patients with dignity, and quality care. My mom was Dr Mahabir's patient, and she was treated with respect, humility and patience as we were trying to understand reconstructive surgery after my mom's breast cancer diagnosis. I am in deep appreciation for Dr. Mahabir and the care he provided to my mom; he practiced active listening, and treated both of us as human beings (something you rarely see in the health care system; especially, managing a cancer diagnosis). All staff at Tucson Plastic Surgery, since the moment you walk in are attentive to patients' needs. Both my mom and I felt welcomed and in positive spirits as soon we walked into Tucson Plastic Surgery's space. I am specially grateful for Virginia Van, Patient Care Coordinator at Tucson Plastic Surgery for always answering our questions promptly, and making sure we fully understood everything regarding my mom's care pre and post surgery. After the cancer diagnosis, every visit with Dr. Mahabir became a positive experience, and a break from the myriad of testing and doctor visits my mom and I had to attend. Tucson Plastic Surgery created a space for my mom and I to find relief and look forward to a life after cancer. Thank you for all your work!

Highly recommend Dr. Mahabir and his team! He listens well, is excellent at what he does and overall my experience was nothing but positive.

— IH

Highly recommend Dr. Mahabir and his team! He listens well, is excellent at what he does and overall my experience was nothing but positive.

Tucson plastic surgery has been so kind to me. From the ladies at the front desk to the surgeons. I felt extremely comfortable around them all. Very professional.

— TR

Tucson plastic surgery has been so kind to me. From the ladies at the front desk to the surgeons. I felt extremely comfortable around them all. Very professional.

I saw Dr. Mahabir for reconstruction surgery after a double mastectomy. His skills are unsurpassed-- I couldn't be happier. His staff is also fantastic: warm, welcoming, knowled...

— SL

I saw Dr. Mahabir for reconstruction surgery after a double mastectomy. His skills are unsurpassed-- I couldn't be happier. His staff is also fantastic: warm, welcoming, knowledgeable. Ten stars.

Nothing but good things! Dr. Mahabir and his staff have been wonderful throughout my surgeries and recovery. I had a preventative double mastectomy and immediate reconstruction ...

— JC

Nothing but good things! Dr. Mahabir and his staff have been wonderful throughout my surgeries and recovery. I had a preventative double mastectomy and immediate reconstruction in June and just this week had an implant exchange. The pre-care and after care has been nothing short of excellent!

I won’t have enough room to say everything good I have to say. Dr Mahabir changed my life. I have lived with neck and upper back pain for over 20 years. It’s gone no...

— DL

I won’t have enough room to say everything good I have to say. Dr Mahabir changed my life. I have lived with neck and upper back pain for over 20 years. It’s gone now. Gone. Thanks to not taking advil for the pain my GERD is gone now too. As a side benefit one of the supplements I was given for better surgery outcomes has virtually eliminated my post nasal drip due to allergies. There is virtually no scars tissue from the procedure. The only thing left after three months are red lines. Much less than I was told to expect. On my skin these red lines will be gone on less than a year. My only regret is that is did not do this procedure sooner. This office is so professional. Staff answer calls immediately. I never felt like I couldn’t call and get answers to questions or concerns. The recovery was a breeze and I did listen to Dr M when he told me not to over do things because I felt so great. I followed directions with great care and had an incredible outcome. Dr M has a detailed preparation and post op protocol. He really knows what he is doing.

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Breast Implant Removal Frequently Asked Questions

Can breast implants cause autoimmune disease?

While there is not scientific research that shows breast implants cause autoimmune disease, some patient’s with autoimmune issues may have a develop a sensitivity to breast implants and not do well with them long term.

Can breast implants cause cellulitis?

By definition, cellulitis is a bacterial infection that affects the skin. So, no, breast implants do not cause cellulitis, bacteria does. That said, having a breast surgery does increase the risk of infection as the skin is cut during surgery. Once the skin barrier is broken, there is a small risk of infection. We minimize this risk in our practice by giving every implant patient IV antibiotics before and during surgery and we sending them home on antibiotics.

Can breast implants get infected years later?

Unfortunately, yes. We dont know exactly why, but breast implants can get infected years later. The most common theory is that infections in other parts of the body somehow get to the breast implants through the bloodstream. For example, patients with a UTI (urinary tract infection) or dental infections. We do recommend antibiotics before any dental work to minimize this risk. The good news is that in most cases, the implants can be salvaged with good cosmetic results.

Can you die from breast implants?

There is a rare cancer associated with textured breast implants that has received a great deal of news coverage of late: BIA-ALCL (Breast Implant Associated Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma). BIA-ALCL is a cancer and in some cases can be fatal. We do not offer these textured breast implants in our practice even though other surgeons in Phoenix and Scottsdale do.

Can you get your breast implants removed?

Yes you can. Depending on the reason you are removing them, there are two methods for implant removal. You can just remove the implant. This option requires less surgery and less risk, but leaves behind the capsule. Alternatively, you can remove the capsule and the breast implant at the same time with an en-bloc resection or total capsulectomy. The cosmetic result of removing implants varies depending on your tissues and remaining breast tissue.

Do breast implants cause health problems?

According to the Institute of Medicine, FDA and the WHO, smooth breast implants are safe. However, there are some women who get breast implants that will go on to have symptoms that have now been labelled Breast Implant Illness (BII). Researchers are working hard to figure out how breast implants are triggering this constellation of symptoms in women. Textured breast implants, and we do not offer these, certainly cause health problems, specifically BIA-ALCL (Breast Implant Associated Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma) a cancer.

How common is capsular contracture in breast implants?

The formation of a capsule or scar tissue around the implant is a normal part of healing and helps to keep the implants in place. In some patients however, the scar tissue becomes usually thick. While at one time this was a common problem, thankfully, capsular contracture in our practice is unusual. The new cohesive gel implants (gummy bear), no-touch technique, and Keller funnel have all contributed to the decrease in risk. Where we do see capsular contracture occasionally is in reconstruction patients, especially after radiation.

How do I prepare for breast implant removal?

First, dont use any tobacco or nicotine products or take aspirin / drugs / supplements that increase the risk of bleeding. Second, try to get some exercise in the weeks leading up to surgery. Even just walking for 30-45 minutes can make a difference in your recovery. And finally, mentally prepare yourself. While we will do everything we can to make you look as good as is possible, removing your implants will not have a positive effect on your appearance.

How is BIA ALCL diagnosed?

The most common symptom of BIA ALCL is a swollen breast. An ultrasound guided sample of the fluid around the breast implant can be tested to confirm the disease. If BIA ALCL presents as a lump, a needle biopsy may be needed to make the diagnosis. Finally, at the time of surgery, tissue removed from the breast can be sent and tested for BIA ALCL.

How long does it take to recover from breast implant illness?

For some, relief is immediate. For others, you will need to be patient with your healing process and understand that it can take months or even years to see significant improvements in your health. It can depend on several factors including how long you had the implants, how long you were sick for, if you have the MTHFR gene or other genetic variant and if the implant was ruptured. Most importantly, we will completely remove the capsule either en bloc (whenever possible) or by total capsulectomy (when en bloc is not technically possible).

How much does it cost to have breast implants removed?

Our prices are all inclusive: the consult, all pre-operative visits, the surgery, anesthesia and surgery center, as well as all post-operative visits and garments if needed. Breast implant removal en-bloc costs between $10,500 and $11,500. There is a range as each patient is unique as is each surgery performed. Please contact us regarding a private consultation with one of our board-certified plastic surgeons. We pride ourselves on a patient-centric approach to serving you and look forward to meeting you soon

How often does breast implant illness occur?

At this point, we really dont know. Studies are underway to try and get better data to answer that exact question. In the meantime, we are working collaboratively and diligently with the Breast Implant Safety Alliance (breastimplantsafetyalliance.org). To that end, we helped co-author and pass an Arizona law (first in the nation) that will now ensure that every woman considering breast implants will learn about BII in order to make a truly informed decision.

How often should breast implants be checked?

You should be doing a regular breast self-exam both for breast health and for the health of your implants. The FDA currently recommends that you get an MRI three years after surgery and every two years thereafter. (Note: the new FDA draft guideline is after 5 years and every 2-3 years thereafter). Your insurance company may or may not cover imaging for breast implants.

Is breast implant illness covered by insurance?

Breast implant illness has yet to receive an ICD 10 code (the universal diagnosis coding system used my insurance companies. Know that we are working diligently with advocacy groups across the country to make this happen. Until then, some insurance will cover breast implant removal when deemed medically necessary. You will have to check with your insurance company for more information.

Is removal of breast implants dangerous?

The surgery is not dangerous and can be done as an outpatient surgery with a relatively short recovery period. Breast implant removal, like any surgery, has risks. General risks of surgery include general anesthesia, bleeding, blood clots, infection, pain and scarring. Specific to implant removal, there is often some deformity or the breast and even the chest wall. There may be reduced sensation to the nipple and the breast that may be transient (lasting several months) or permanent.

Silvia Kurtovic, MD & Raman Mahabir, MD

Board Certified Plastic Surgeons

At Tucson Plastic Surgery, we have a patient-centric approach that sets us apart from the rest. We take the time to really get to know you and your aesthetic goals during one-on-one conversations which help us to fully understand your motivations.