Breast Implant Removal Fort Worth

Throughout life, we’re constantly changing. The clothes we wear, the music we listen to, and our favorite hobbies evolve, and what we once loved may no longer have a place in our lives. Breast implants are no different—and if you are no longer happy with yours, having them removed may be the right choice for you. If you wish to remove your implants in Fort Worth, Board Certified Plastic Surgeon Dr. Emily J. Kirby can help.

Should I have my breast implants removed?

Ultimately, this decision is yours alone. If your breast implants no longer fit in with your lifestyle or aesthetic preferences, having them removed is a choice you may wish to make—your personal happiness, comfort, and confidence should be your top priority.

There are a number of reasons women choose to have their breast implants removed, including:

Complications with breast implants

Breast implants are not meant to be lifetime devices—and after around 10 years, the risk of implant-related complications increases. Older implants have a slightly higher risk of rupture, leakage, and capsular contracture, so you may opt to have your implants removed to address an issue or to proactively minimize your risk.

Often, patients who have experienced a complication choose to have their implants replaced with newer generation styles for a refreshed look, but if you prefer to restore your natural breast after removal, that is entirely up to you.

Change in lifestyle or aesthetic preference

It’s normal for your sense of style to change over the years—and some women find that their larger breasts no longer work for them. Perhaps your bust is now getting in the way of your newfound athletic lifestyle, or you no longer feel comfortable with the way your breasts look in your clothing.

Put simply, if you no longer want your breast implants, it is your prerogative to have them removed.

Safety concerns

With growing media attention on breast implant-related health risks, like BIA-ALCL and “Breast Implant Illness” (BII), some women are choosing breast implant removal to prevent the possibility of BII or in attempt to reduce issues with other associated inflammatory diseases. Similarly, some patients are worried by the news of the BIOCELL® textured breast implant recall.

While the FDA does not recommend having your breast implants removed preventatively, since the risk of developing BIA-ALCL is very low, it is your body and you can choose to have your breast implants removed if you want to. Just make sure that you are working with an experienced, Board Certified Plastic Surgeon and that you have the green light to move forward with surgery safely.

Dr. Emily Kirby

Female Plastic Surgeon Fort Worth

• Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon
• Over 12 years of experience in private practice
• Founder and Medical Director of Kirby Plastic Surgery, Kalos Medical Spa, and City Surgery Center—a Quad A-accredited, state-of-the-art facility located onsite
• Specialist in breast surgery and body contouring, including postpartum
• Castle Connolly Top Doctor since 2019
• First female Chief of Plastic Surgery, Texas Health Resources Harris Methodist Hospital

Meet Dr. Kirby

What is breast implant removal surgery like?

Depending on the age and type of your breast implants, breast implant removal is typically a straightforward procedure with few risks. Your procedure is typically performed under general anesthesia and takes anywhere from 30 minutes to two hours to complete if the capsule is also removed with the implants.

If possible, Dr. Kirby will use your existing scar to make a new incision, typically located in the natural fold under the breast.

Through this incision, Dr. Kirby opens the capsule of scar tissue that naturally surrounds the implant so she can gain access to the implant. Alternatively, if the capsule is to be removed at the same time (capsulectomy), the capsule is ideally surrounded, left intact, containing the implant, and is removed together with the implant. This decision will be based largely on how best to achieve an optimal result for you and your safety.

Breast implant removal recovery

Most patients find recovery after breast implant removal to be much more comfortable than their primary breast augmentation. You’ll be able to return home the same day after surgery, though you will need a little help around the house for that first night.

You may be required to wear drains for your initial healing to avoid excess fluid buildup and swelling. Similarly, you might also be asked to wrap your chest for around a week to ensure proper compression of the healing tissues.

The majority of our patients are able to go back to work after just a few days, once they’ve stopped taking prescription pain medication. Non-strenuous activities can also be resumed at this time, but you’ll still need to avoid the gym, heavy lifting, and excessive activity for a few weeks.

Minimal Downtime, Less Pain

Dr. Emily Kirby ensures that every plastic surgery patient receives Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) care to optimize recovery time and minimize pain. Dr. Kirby uses innovative pain reduction techniques, such as numbing anesthetics and small doses of different types of medications, to reduce discomfort from many angles.

“Dr. Kirby has created the most amazing experience. She is thorough and intuitive, sincerely cares about the work she does and perfectly marries listening to what you want and what science says.”

—Actual patient

Dr. Kirby’s ERAS protocols »

What is an en bloc capsulectomy?

An en bloc capsulectomy is when the entire capsule around the implant, along with the breast implant itself, are removed as one solid piece. Dr. Kirby makes an incision in the inframammary fold and then carefully separates the capsule from surrounding tissues before removing the implant and capsule together.

While this term has been popping up more frequently in conjunction with breast implant concerns, it is not always a necessary procedure for most patients—and, in fact, has the potential to add unnecessary complications to surgery.

An en bloc capsulectomy requires a longer incision to allow access to the full capsule. The procedure takes longer and is more complex, which, in turn, increases the risk of complications. Additionally, sometimes the capsule or breast tissue are too delicate to perform the procedure and pieces of the capsule may not be able to be removed safely.

In cases of suspected or confirmed BIA-ALCL, an en bloc capsulectomy is the best choice for ensuring all cancerous tissue has been removed. For traditional breast implant removal, however, a partial or total capsulectomy (where the capsule is removed entirely after the implant has been removed) is usually the best choice. Dr. Kirby will discuss your options with you and make a surgical recommendation based on your personal circumstances.

What will my breasts look like after breast implant removal?

Because every woman and her breasts are different, there is no definitive answer here. The final look of your breasts can be impacted by your natural anatomy, size of your breast implants, and age. Because of Dr. Kirby’s care and consideration of all of these factors during your explantation procedure, the majority of our patients are left with a pleasing breast shape that they’re happy with.

It’s normal to notice a loss of fullness in the upper breast where the implant was. However, unless your breast implants were very large or your skin is very lax, this is usually not noticeable or problematic for patients. If needed, Dr. Kirby can also perform a breast lift to address excess skin, though she may recommend waiting at least 6 months before that follow-up procedure for safety reasons.

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Area Served:

• Fort Worth

Medically reviewed by Dr. Emily J. Kirby — Updated on Dec 12, 2024