Getting breast implants can boost your self-esteem, but it can also be a major decision. However, there are situations when you might have to remove those implants. Perhaps you’ve had them for a while or maybe you are experiencing some unwanted side effects of larger breasts. In that case, breast implant removal may be recommended.

Being informed is a very important part of breast implant removal and in this blog, we will talk about why this procedure is sometimes necessary. This way, you will know exactly what to expect.

When to Consider Breast Implant Removal?

Breast implants do not have an expiration date, but their lifespan is limited. According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, you should remove these implants once every 10 to 15 years. If you still want to maintain the old cup size, then you may have new implants added during the exchange. 

There are several instances when you should opt for breast implant removal, including the following: 

• Leaking from the breast implant
• Pain caused by the breast implant
• Tissue death or necrosis around the breast implant
• Calcium deposit build-ups around the implant
• Movement or shifting of the implant
• Autoimmune response to the breast implant

Many women also decide on breast implant reduction because their breasts changed their shape over time. This is frequently caused by things such as aging, pregnancy, or breastfeeding. Not to mention that some women may decide on removing their breast implants when planning for a child, as the implants may affect lactation.

A woman’s cosmetic goals may also change, making her want to remove her breast implants. For example, she may have a D-cup, but she’s looking for a lower B or C-cup. In this case, the implant will be removed so that her new goals are met.

What to Expect During the Breast Implant Removal Procedure?

A breast implant removal is an outpatient procedure, which means that you can go home after the surgery is done. Dr. D’Souza will tell you everything you need to know before and after the procedure. For example, if you are taking medications that can increase bleeding, you should avoid them before the procedure, and you must also avoid smoking and alcohol. 

You will be under anesthesia during the procedure, but it’s up to you whether you want general or local anesthesia. The doctor will make the necessary incisions so that the implants can be removed and new implants may be added. You may also opt for a breast implant removal and lift if you no longer want augmentation. 

What Will Breast Removal Recovery Look Like?

Since this is a surgical procedure, you should expect some breast implant removal side effects. Tenderness, soreness, and sensitivity are very common among patients during the next six weeks after the surgery. Breast implant removal recovery is different for every person, which is why you may want to take it slow for some time. 

You may resume your daily activities after about three or four days. If you have a desk job, you may return to work around this time. That being said, for the next two months, you should refrain from strenuous activities—for example, do not lift anything over five pounds, as this can cause unnecessary discomfort.

Also, aside from walking, you should avoid intense exercise or working out. For instance, jumping activities can cause pain in your breasts, causing your recovery to slow down. Last, but not least, avoid sleeping on your stomach. While staying on your side is alright, you should only do it for a limited time as it’s always recommended to sleep on your back during this recovery  time. 

Removing breast implants can bring different results for every woman. If you had larger implants, you may notice a bit of sagging, as the skin stretched out around the implant. This can usually be fixed with a breast lift. If you’ve had smaller implants, the sagging is less pronounced and the skin should eventually bounce back over time.

Is Breast Implant Removal for Me?

Breast implants are not usually meant to last a lifetime, and sometimes you may have to change them. If you decide to go forward with breast implant removal surgery, then you should be as informed as possible and our team is here for you to answer all of your questions. 

If you want more information about breast implant removal, you can call Iconic Plastic Surgery at 760-637-5288. Our nationally-recognized surgeon, Dr. D’Souza, will be more than happy to answer all of your questions. You may also use our online contact form to set up a virtual consultation.

In a time when more and more women are opting for breast augmentation, some naturally endowed women feel troubled by their generous breasts. According to studies, 23% of women would like their breasts to be smaller. Big breasts look great in a low-cut dress, but when you have difficulties finding clothes that fit, they can be inconvenient.

Enter breast reduction, a surgery that aims to reduce the size of your breasts. This surgery will remove the excess tissue so that your breasts reach the exact size that you want. In this blog, we will talk more about breast reduction surgery to determine if it’s right for you or not.

What Is Breast Reduction?

Also referred to as a mammaplasty, breast reduction surgery is a procedure used to remove breast tissue, fat, and skin from your breasts. If you have large breasts, breast reduction surgery may be used to ease discomfort and improve your overall appearance. It can also help you in the case of breast asymmetry, allowing you to reduce the size of one breast.

Breast reduction surgery can help improve your self-esteem and relieve some of the physical discomfort caused by the bigger size of your breasts. Depending on the circumstances, you may have to meet some breast reduction weight requirements of <30 or <35 BMI. The best course of action would be to schedule an appointment with Dr. D’Souza, and he will inform you whether you are a good candidate for the procedure or not.

Signs You May Need Breast Reduction

Here are some of the signs that will tell you if you may need breast reduction surgery or not:

• You Are Dissatisfied With Your Large and Heavy Breasts

Many women with big breasts feel embarrassed about their cup size, causing them to feel self-conscious. Women with curves are often objectified, getting catcalls and unwanted attention. This can cause them to feel anxious whenever they leave the house, and they might not be able to wear the clothes they like. If you are in this situation, breast reduction surgery can help lower the size of your breasts enough for you to feel comfortable and confident.

• You Can’t Easily Find Clothes That Fit

Sometimes, it might be difficult for you to find clothes that fit, especially if you are at a healthy weight. For instance, your waist may be small, but your breasts might continuously pop out of your shirt. Your clothes will either constrict you at the back or be too loose at the waist. Breast reduction can help you fit better into your clothing.

• Breast Weight Causes Back or Neck Pain

Large breasts can put a lot of pressure on your back, neck, and shoulders. This can lead to a lot of chronic pain, especially when you are on your feet a lot. Breast reduction surgery can help ease these symptoms.

• You Constantly Have Under-Breast Rashes and Bra Strap Marks

Constant skin friction in the under-breast area can cause rashes to constantly trouble you. Moreover, when you have large breasts, your bra straps may not be able to handle the weight. This can cause bra strap marks when the straps are constantly digging into your skin. You can solve these issues with breast reduction.

When Is the Best Time for Breast Reduction?

Aside from establishing the signs, you need to determine when to get breast reduction surgery. Dr. D’Souza recommends that you get the surgery in a period when it will not be disruptive to your lifestyle.

Breast reduction is a surgical procedure, so you may need to take a few days away from work. If you have a flexible schedule, then you can take some time off and/or work from home. But make sure, you choose a time when you know for a fact that you can sit back and relax.

Most people choose this procedure during colder months, as they spend more time indoors. Bulky clothing can also hide potential side effects until the surgery site heals. That being said, summer may also be a good time, as you will wear fewer clothing pieces to cause potential discomfort. Find out which season works best for you.

The Bottom Line

Not everyone enjoys having big breasts that can’t fit into any piece of clothing. Breast reduction surgery can help you lower the size of your breasts, making your life much easier. Set up an appointment for breast reduction with Iconic Plastic Surgery and get the shape that you want!

For more information about breast reduction surgery, you can contact Iconic Plastic Surgery at 760-637-5288. Dr. D’Souza is one of the best surgeons in San Diego and will answer any questions that you may have. You may also use our online contact form, and we will set you up for a virtual consultation.

In the past few years, body positivity has taken over the media, but it seems that not everyone is happy with how they look. For example, only 29.3 percent of women say they are happy with their breasts and the rest find all kinds of flaws, pointing at their breast’s form or size. The bigger issue is that breasts also lose their shape as you age. But, there is nothing that a breast lift can’t fix!

The question is though, how do you know that a breast lift is a good choice for you? That’s what we’re here for! At Iconic Plastic Surgery, Dr. D’Souza will examine your breasts and body type and give you advice and recommendations based on your expectations and preferences.

What Is a Breast Lift, and Why Would You Need One?

Factors such as sudden weight loss, pregnancy, or aging can cause your breasts to start drooping, which often leads to self-esteem issues in some women. In this case, you can call on breast lift surgery, which reduces the appearance of sagging breasts by removing the extra tissue.

You might need a breast lift if:

• You notice that your nipples are pointing downward.
• Your breasts are sagging with the appearance of loose skin.
• Your nipples are falling below your breast crease.

One important thing to remember is that a breast lift does not increase the size of your breasts. Instead, it can help correct their position, making them look much firmer in their new position.

When to Opt for Breast Lifts vs. Implants?

When you feel like there is something wrong with the shape of your breasts, you might automatically think about getting a breast implant. However, this is not always necessary and a breast lift, without the augmentation, might be enough for you.

Most women should choose breast lift surgery if:

1. You Want to Correct Your Breast Posture and Position

Look at the posture and position of your breasts when you are wearing a bra versus when you are not wearing one. Are you happy with their overall size, but do not like how they hang without a bra? In that case, a breast lift may be enough, as it can make your breasts look perkier and firmer.

2. Your Breasts Are the Same Size

Studies show that 9 percent of women go through some kind of chest asymmetry, and a 20 percent size difference is rather common. However, some women have an even bigger difference between their breasts, causing them to opt for augmentation on one side. If that is not a problem for you and you are the proud owner of relatively symmetric breasts, then augmentation may not be necessary. In that case, a regular breast lift should be just enough.

3. You Don’t Want More Volume

The bigger your breast size, the greater your upper back pain is going to be. If your breast size is causing enough trouble as it is, then adding more volume can make things even worse. If you just want to improve the aspect of your breasts without adding extra volume, then breast lift surgery may be a good option for you.

4. You Want a Shorter Recovery Time

With a breast augmentation, the recovery time is about four to six weeks because your body needs to accommodate the foreign implant. On the other hand, the recovery time for a breast lift is around two weeks. This makes breast lift surgery a better choice for you if your schedule doesn’t allow you to go through a longer recovery period.

The Bottom Line – Should You Get a Breast Lift or Not?

Breast lifts can be a great alternative to make your breasts look firmer without adding volume to them. If your breasts have been touched by time, a breast lift can help turn the clock back to their glory days. Book a consultation for a breast lift with Iconic Plastic Surgery so that you can look good and feel good in your own skin!

For more information about breast lift surgery, please contact Iconic Plastic Surgery at 760-637-5288. We will gladly address your issues and concerns and set up an appointment for you. You may also use our online contact form to set up a virtual consultation.