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Breast Implant Removal

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Las Vegas Breast Implant Removal by Dr. Arthur Cambeiro

Although most patients never envision removing their implants after breast augmentation, as many as 40,000 women undergo breast implant removal every year. Their reasons vary, ranging from dissatisfaction, complications from the initial surgery, or entering a different stage in their lives. Whatever the reason, a board-certified plastic surgeon is necessary to ensure optimal results. Mayo Clinic-trained plastic surgeon, Dr. Arthur Cambeiro, is a breast surgery expert well versed in complicated breast revision procedures for patients in Henderson, Las Vegas, and beyond. 

If you’re considering removing your breast implants, contact Dr. Cambeiro today to request a consultation. Or you can call SurgiSpa at (702) 734-4100 to schedule an appointment.

Your Breast Implant Removal Plan

Because breast implant removal is a complex surgery, Dr. Cambeiro takes the necessary steps to ensure a successful outcome. First, he will discuss your goals and reasons for the procedure, detail what you need to do before and after the operation, and let you know what you can expect from the results. To make sure breast implant removal is what you need, he asks you to review these eleven critical questions that you should ask during any consultation.

With your input, Dr. Cambeiro will develop a surgical plan customized to your unique anatomy and desired outcome. He will:

  • Show you a video outlining the surgery
  • Provide direction on how to prepare for surgery and what to do during recovery
  • Address your concerns and answer your questions
  • Discuss the potential risks involved
  • Explain the procedure in detail and what you can expect from the outcome

Dr. Cambeiro understands patients don’t like surprises during or after surgery. That’s why he will inform you of the realistic possibilities of breast implant removal and what procedures you can combine to enhance the results.

Are You a Suitable Candidate?

Breast implant removal is a highly individualized surgery. Patients who have capsular contracture, discomfort, or implant leakage should consider removing their implants. Or when lifestyle changes with a new phase in your life, your implants may have outlived their usefulness. So, you may be a suitable candidate for breast implant removal if:

  • Your weight is stable, and you’re healthy
  • Your expectations are realistic
  • You don’t smoke
  • Your implants are not what you expected
  • You’re dealing with discomfort from the implants
  • Your breasts are too weighty
  • Imaging notices an implant rupture or leak
  • Your scar tissue is hardening
  • You are entering a different stage in you life

If you’re considering surgery, you will need to decide what is next. Will you replace the implants or not? This should be discussed with Dr. Cambeiro during your consultation.

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Why Dr. Cambeiro?

  • voted one of Las Vegas' top plastic surgeons 15 years in row
  • Impressive Credentials: Mayo Clinic trained and Double-Board Certified
  • An Honest, caring approach with a dedication to patient safety and satisfaction
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The Breast Implant Removal Procedure

Dr. Cambeiro typically performs breast implant removal as an outpatient surgery with general anesthesia. He usually traces the original line of incision used during the initial surgery, unless they were in the armpit.  

He uses various techniques to accommodate his patients’ unique requirements. These include:

This is the purest form when the implant is simply removed from the capsule. It has the fastest recovery and the least amount of risk.

Here, the back capsule stays on the chest wall, and the front capsule is removed. This technique avoids damaging the muscle, rib, or lung if scar tissue is adherent and thick.

The entire capsule is removed (front to back wall). This technique allows the internal tissues to heal together and seal the pocket.

Here the implant and the entire capsule is removed as one unit. This is the best option for silicone implant removal.

While the en bloc technique is typically ideal, it is not always feasible for safety concerns. If Dr. Cambeiro finds that the capsule is too hard or firmly adheres to the chest wall, he may recommend another technique. After he removes the implant and the capsule, Dr. Cambeiro will irrigate the pocket thoroughly with an antibiotic solution. Next, he can reshape the breasts with a breast lift, if desired. Lastly, he regularly places surgical drains to prevent fluid buildup in the pocket and promote optimal healing.  

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Breast Implant Removal Recovery

Following a breast implant removal procedure, Dr. Cambeiro will apply gauze dressings or bandages and, most likely, drains. You will be fitted for a surgical garment, support bra, or a compression garment to minimize swelling after surgery.

We will schedule follow up visits to remove sutures and drains. Before the surgery, you will be given instructions to follow during your recovery. These may include:

  • How to care for your incisions during recovery
  • Medications to apply or take by mouth to aid your healing and reduce the risk of infection
  • What to look for that may require medical attention
  • When you will need to follow up with Dr. Cambeiro
  • Meds to take for discomfort or pain

Breast Implant Removal Benefits

After your breast implants are removed, the breasts typically do not return to their shape before implants. Due to aging and implant weight, the skin and tissues stretch over time, creating a deflated look when the skin surface cannot properly drape over the remaining tissue. This is not a problem when there is an implant exchange, or Dr. Cambeiro can perform a breast lift to give your breasts a firm, round shape.

If you’re considering breast implant removal, request a consultation with Dr. Cambeiro in Henderson or Las Vegas, or call SurgiSpa at (702) 734-4100.

Breast Implant Removal in Las Vegas and Henderson, NV — FAQs

There are many personal and medical reasons women seek breast implant removal. Some of the most common include:

  • Lifestyle Changes: Priorities shift with time. What once felt like empowerment may no longer fit how you see yourself today.
  • Aesthetic Preferences: Some women want a more natural silhouette, choose to go smaller, or feel their implants are now too large or heavy.
  • Physical Discomfort: Symptoms such as back, neck, or shoulder pain, or general heaviness in the chest may develop over time.
  • Complications: Issues like capsular contracture (hardening around the implant), implant rupture, rippling, or shifting can arise.
  • Breast Implant Illness (BII): Though research is ongoing, some patients experience systemic symptoms they believe are linked to their implants.
  • Aging: As breast tissue changes over time, implants may no longer sit as they once did, and sagging can occur.
  • Desire for Simplicity: For some, it’s simply about being done with maintenance, future surgeries, or routine MRI scans (for silicone implants).

Whatever your reason, Dr. Cambeiro offers options to ensure your results still reflect your beauty and confidence.

Yes! And that’s where a breast lift (mastopexy) comes in. Many women find that their breast tissue lacks volume or sags due to stretched skin after implant removal. Breast lifts can reshape and elevate the breasts, creating a perkier, more proportionate silhouette without implants. It’s a very common choice for patients who want to remove implants but still maintain a firm, youthful appearance.

Absolutely. Many women don’t necessarily want to remove their implants, but they simply want something smaller, lighter, and more in line with their current lifestyle or body shape. In these cases, Dr. Cambeiro can replace your current implants with a smaller size in the same surgery, often combining this with a breast lift to help you achieve optimal results.

This option is perfect if you:

  • Feel your current implants are too large or heavy for your frame
  • Want a softer, subtler look
  • Are experiencing discomfort or sagging from implant weight

Not necessarily. During your consultation, Dr. Cambeiro will guide you through all your options and help you make the most informed choice. If you’re undecided, he can show you simulations, review before-and-after photos, and discuss how your breast tissue is likely to respond after removal.

Sometimes, patients wait a few months after breast implant removal surgery before deciding if they want to proceed with a lift, fat transfer, or re-augmentation. The key is choosing the right option for you on the right timeline for you.

Not exactly. Aging, weight changes, and the presence of implants stretch breast tissue over time. After removal, your breasts may appear deflated, loose, or asymmetrical, especially if you’ve had implants for many years or had larger sizes. A breast lift or implant replacement (or both) can help reshape and restore your appearance. Dr. Cambeiro will tailor the surgical plan to match your goals and anatomy.

That depends on your anatomy, concerns, and aesthetic goals. Here’s a quick overview:

Option

Best for women who…

Removal only

Want a completely natural chest, don’t mind some volume loss or looseness

Removal + Breast Lift

Want perkier breasts without implants or to correct sagging after removal

Implant Exchange

Still want volume, but with a smaller size or different implant type

During your consultation, Dr. Cambeiro will walk you through each option, so you feel confident and empowered in your decision and able to navigate your options with confidence.

You may be a good candidate if:

  • Your implants are causing pain or discomfort
  • You’ve experienced hardening (capsular contracture)
  • Imaging has shown a rupture or leak
  • You’ve noticed changes in breast appearance or weight
  • You’re ready for a different aesthetic
  • Your general health is stable, and you’re a non-smoker
  • You have realistic expectations about the outcome

During your consultation, Dr. Cambeiro will review your medical history, examine your implants, and talk through your personal reasons for considering removal.

Dr. Cambeiro personalizes each procedure based on your anatomy, implant history, and aesthetic goals. Common techniques include:

  • Traditional Removal: The implant is removed, often leaving the capsule intact. This option usually offers a quicker recovery.
  • Capsulectomy (Partial or Total): Both the implant and capsule are removed, ideal for contracture or implant complications.
  • En Bloc Removal: The implant and capsule are removed as one intact unit. While often requested, this is only performed when it’s safe and feasible to do so.

Your safety is the top priority, and Dr. Cambeiro will discuss the best option for your unique needs.

Possibly. After years of implant support and natural skin stretching, many patients find their breasts appear deflated or sagging after removal. A breast lift can reshape and elevate the breasts for a firmer, more youthful contour. During your consultation, Dr. Cambeiro will walk you through your options and whether combining procedures is the right choice for you.

Recovery after breast implant removal varies depending on the technique used and whether additional procedures (like a lift) are performed. In general:

  • You’ll go home the same day
  • Drains may be placed temporarily to reduce fluid buildup
  • A compression garment or surgical bra will be provided
  • Mild swelling and soreness are normal and manageable with prescribed medications
  • Most patients return to non-strenuous activities within a week
  • Full healing takes several weeks, and you’ll receive detailed post-op instructions

Dr. Cambeiro and his team will follow your progress closely to ensure a smooth, safe recovery.

In most cases, Dr. Cambeiro will use your original incision site to minimize new scarring. If your implants were originally placed through the armpit, a new incision under the breast fold may be required. Any new incisions will be placed as discreetly as possible and treated with scar care protocols post-surgery.

Results depend on factors like skin elasticity, implant size, and how long you’ve had them. While some breasts naturally settle into a pleasing shape, others may look deflated or sag without the implant’s volume. If a breast lift is performed at the same time, we can restore shape and firmness. Dr. Cambeiro will show before-and-after photos during your consultation to help you set realistic expectations.

Yes. If you’re unhappy with your current implants but still want the volume they provide, Dr. Cambeiro can remove and replace them during the same surgery. Many patients opt for smaller implants or a different material (saline vs. silicone). Other patients may switch to fat transfer. These options can all be discussed at your consultation. For more information about choosing your implants you can also read our blog. 

Pricing varies based on the complexity of your procedure, the technique used, anesthesia, facility fees, and whether a lift or implant replacement is included. During your consultation, we’ll provide a personalized quote and walk you through financing options if needed.

In some cases, such as rupture, capsular contracture, or medical complications, your health insurance may cover part of the cost. Cosmetic removals, however, are usually not covered. Our office is happy to help you explore your benefits and submit necessary documentation if insurance coverage is applicable.

Dr. Arthur Cambeiro is double board-certified, Mayo Clinic-trained, and has been named one of Las Vegas’ Top Doctors 15 years in a row. He combines extensive surgical skill with an honest, patient-focused approach. From your first consultation to your final result, you’ll feel supported, informed, and cared for every step of the way.

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