Breast Implant Removalin Dallas
Removes breast implants, with the surrounding capsule when needed, and a lift if you want one.
Taking Implants Out,
and What Comes After.
Women have implants removed because they want a natural look again, because they are worried about implant illness or BIA-ALCL, or because of problems such as capsular contracture. Some have had their implants for many years and no longer want the upkeep. In a career that includes over 10,000 surgeries, Dr. Schwartz has removed implants for all of these reasons, and he does it without judgment. He trained at Yale, UCLA, Harbor-UCLA and UT Southwestern, and his reoperation rate is less than one percent.
During the operation Dr. Schwartz removes the implant and deals with the scar tissue around it, called the capsule. Depending on your situation, he takes the whole capsule out in one piece with the implant (en bloc capsulectomy), or removes part of it to keep better support for the breast. He keeps new scarring to a minimum. The surgery is done in his own fully equipped operating room with his own staff, not agency nurses or contractors.
Dr. Schwartz will tell you honestly what your breasts are likely to look like without implants, and go over the options for shape: a lift, fat grafting, or new implants.
The Procedure
Dr. Schwartz removes implants under general anesthesia, IV sedation, or sometimes local anesthesia alone. The choice depends on your preference and whether scar tissue needs to be removed. He operates in his own surgical suite, with his own staff rather than outside contractors.
In most cases Dr. Schwartz can remove the implants through your existing incisions, which keeps new scarring to a minimum.
How much of the capsule comes out depends on its condition. Thin, pliable capsules can often be left to reabsorb on their own; thickened or calcified capsules need partial or total removal. For confirmed ruptures or specific health concerns, Dr. Schwartz performs an en bloc capsulectomy, removing the implant and capsule together in one piece so that nothing from inside touches the surrounding tissue.
Many patients have a breast lift (mastopexy) at the same time as the removal, because the skin is often loose once the implants are out. Dr. Schwartz tightens the skin and reshapes the remaining tissue so the breast does not look deflated.
If you want to keep some volume without an implant, Dr. Schwartz can take fat from your abdomen or thighs and move it to the breasts (autologous fat grafting). It feels soft and natural, can be done at the time of removal or later, and typically adds one to one and a half cup sizes per session.
Most patients return to work and light daily activities within 4 to 5 days. The early recovery is fairly quick, but Dr. Schwartz recommends waiting three weeks before strenuous exercise or heavy lifting.
If you are removing implants because of a rupture or because you dislike them, but still want volume, Dr. Schwartz can put in new implants in the same operation. He will advise whether to replace them the same day or let the tissues settle for several months first, depending on which is safer for you.
Patient Stories
What to Expect
Recovery from implant removal is generally easier than recovery from the original augmentation.
Your Consultation
Dr. Schwartz reviews your implant history, any imaging, your breasts as they are now, and what you want after removal. He discusses how much of the capsule should come out, tells you honestly what your breasts will look like without implants, and goes over every option for restoring shape. He explains the reasoning behind anything he recommends.
Pre-Operative Preparation
If implant rupture is a concern, updated imaging (MRI for silicone implants) is arranged before surgery. Medical clearance and any medication adjustments are coordinated. Our patient concierge provides detailed preparation guidance well in advance of your surgery date.
Surgery Day
Implant removal is an outpatient procedure, done under general anesthesia, IV sedation, or sometimes local anesthesia alone. Operative time varies from one hour for straightforward removal to three or more hours when concurrent lift, extensive capsulectomy, or fat grafting is included. You are discharged the same day with a supportive surgical bra and all aftercare instructions.
Early Recovery
Soreness and swelling are expected and controlled with prescribed medication. A supportive bra is worn continuously. Drains, if placed for an extensive capsulectomy, are removed within the first one to two weeks.
Return to Activity
Desk work resumes within 4 to 5 days. Strenuous exercise and lifting are restricted for three weeks. The breast keeps changing shape as the swelling goes down and the skin contracts. This takes three to six months, with or without a lift.
Final Results
The final shape shows once all the swelling has gone and the skin has fully contracted around the remaining tissue, which takes three to six months. If you had a lift at the same time, you see your final result then. If you chose to wait on a lift, Dr. Schwartz reassesses you at three to six months to decide whether you need one, and how much.
Why Revision Expertise
Matters Here
Implant removal is not always simple, particularly when the capsule has to come out, the breast needs reshaping, or en bloc removal is needed. Dr. Schwartz's experience in breast revision applies directly: operating on breasts that have had surgery before, removing difficult capsules safely, and telling you honestly what result to expect.
Full Credentials →Plastic Surgeon
Performed
Practice
Rate
Is This Right for Me?
Implant removal is right for any woman who wants her implants out, for any reason. Dr. Schwartz's role is to advise on the safest technique and to go over all the options for what comes next.
Common Reasons
Patients Choose This
- You are in good health and want to be implant-free.
- You want smaller breasts, or your lifestyle has changed.
- You have problems such as capsular contracture, ongoing discomfort or visible distortion.
- Your implant has ruptured, or may have, and you do not want new implants.
- You are concerned about BIA-ALCL or symptoms you attribute to your implants, and want the capsule removed thoroughly or en bloc.
- Your implants are getting old and you no longer want the upkeep they need.
Things to Consider
Before Proceeding
- You should expect your breasts to be smaller, and possibly loose or saggy, once the implants are out.
- You may need a breast lift, at the same time or later.
- You want to know how much of the capsule should come out, for example whether you need an en bloc capsulectomy.
- You smoke or have a medical condition that is not well controlled. Both slow healing and may make surgery inadvisable.
- You have had recent imaging of your implants. Dr. Schwartz will need to review it before surgery.
- You are wondering whether fat grafting could restore soft, natural volume after removal.
Anyone considering implant removal should have an unhurried consultation and complete information. Dr. Schwartz will give you that, and he will support whatever you decide.
Frequently Asked
Answers to the questions Dr. Schwartz hears most often from patients considering implant removal.
Many women choose removal because they now prefer a more natural look. Others want it because of problems such as capsular contracture, rippling or a suspected rupture. Dr. Schwartz also sees patients with concerns about BIA-ALCL or other health issues.
Every patient develops a fibrous capsule around the implant. If the capsule is thin and healthy, it is often left to reabsorb on its own. A partial, total or 'en bloc' capsulectomy (removing the implant and capsule together in one intact piece) is needed if the tissue is thickened, calcified, or has been in contact with silicone from a rupture. Dr. Schwartz recommends the technique that suits your health and anatomy after examining you at your consultation.
It depends on how much breast tissue you have, the size of your implants and how elastic your skin is. Some women keep a good shape; others have a 'deflated' look or loose skin. At your consultation Dr. Schwartz will tell you honestly whether a breast lift (mastopexy) at the same time would help, to raise and reshape the breast without a new implant.
Recovery is usually more comfortable than after the original augmentation. You can typically return to desk work within 4 to 5 days, and exercise and lifting can usually be resumed at three weeks.
In most cases Dr. Schwartz can use your original augmentation incisions to remove the implants and the capsule, so there are no unnecessary new scars. If you also have a breast lift to correct sagging, that needs additional incisions. Either way, he places incisions where they are easiest to hide.
Dr. Schwartz's reoperation rate is less than 1%, but any surgery carries some risk, such as infection, hematoma or changes in nipple sensation. He has performed over 10,000 surgeries and keeps these risks as low as he can.
The cost depends on how much of the capsule must be removed and whether you have other procedures, such as a lift, at the same time. When there is a medical reason for removal, insurance may cover part of it, and our team can help with the paperwork for your insurer. You receive a fee quote and financing options after your consultation with Dr. Schwartz.
Recovery & Concierge Care
You go home the same day. Dr. Schwartz sees you the next day, then typically at one week, three weeks, two months, four months and six months, adjusted to how you are healing. He does almost all follow-up visits himself, and at each one he gives you a specific plan for the weeks ahead. You wear a supportive surgical bra, and if you had an extensive capsulectomy you leave with instructions for your drains.
The office can be reached 24 hours a day. After-hours calls from patients recovering from surgery go directly to Dr. Schwartz, so an important question never waits until morning. The recovery is planned so that any responsible adult can look after you at home. If you would rather have a nurse caring for you at home or in a hotel, we can arrange it.