HINSDALE, IL
The Krochmal Center for Plastic Surgery

CALL 312.847.1230

SCHEDULE A VISIT

Breast Implant Removal Chicago

Breast Implant Removal

At The Krochmal Center for Plastic Surgery

See Photos
Contact Us
Krochmal Plastic Surgery in Chicago, Hinsdale, IL - Breast Procedures

Dr. Daniel Krochmal Breast Implant Removal Overview

Watch Dr. Daniel Krochmal, MD, FACS review Breast Implant Removal at The Krochmal Center for Plastic Surgery.

See All Surgery Videos

Breast Implant Removal At-A-Glance

  • Cost of Breast Implant Removal: $4,000-$12,000
  • Surgery Length: 1.5-2.5 hours
  • Length of Hospital Stay: None
  • Stitches Removed: None (use dissolving sutures)
  • Return to Work: 1 week
  • Return to Regular Activities: 1 month

Frequently Asked Questions about Breast Implant Removal

Dr. Daniel Krochmal, MD, FACS answers your most common questions about Breast Implant Removal

“Total Capsulectomy” is a technique where the breast implant is removed along with the entire protective scar surrounding the implant (called the “capsule”). The body naturally forms a scar shell around almost every foreign object placed in the body (joint replacements, pacemakers, etc.) to try and “wall it off”, and breast implants are no exception. Normally this capsule is thin, soft, and flimsy. However, sometimes this capsule can be thickened and hardened/calcified, and can contract in such a way where the breast implant is distorted (called a “capsular contracture”). If the capsular contracture becomes significant, then sometimes it’s necessary to remove the capsule along with the breast implant. A Total Capsulectomy is also performed if patients feel their body is reacting to the implants and causing symptoms (referred to as “Breast Implant Illness”, or “BII”). When the entire capsule is removed along with the implant and includes a rim of healthy tissue, this is called “En Bloc” breast implant removal. This scenario is becoming more common with patient concerns regarding Breast Implant-Associated Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma (BIA-ALCL). The term “En Bloc” should be reserved for a formal cancer removal procedure.
The procedure involves making an incision in the breast (many times the incision used to insert the breast implant can be used) and carefully separating the capsule from the rest of the breast tissue to remove the capsule and the breast implant as a single unit (when “En Bloc” removal is done, a healthy rim of tissue surrounding the capsule is also removed, as it’s a formal cancer operation). Some patients are OK with just removing the implant, while others desire to have another breast implant placed (for instance, replacing a textured implant with a smooth implant). Sometimes simply removing a breast implant can leave the breast looking saggy due to the extra skin present, so many patients elect to have a breast lift to create a more pleasing breast shape after the implants are removed.
A good candidate for Total Capsulectomy Breast Implant Removal is a patient with a significant capsular contracture, is concerned about it developing, or a patient who believes they have BII/Breast Implant Illness. It should be noted that at this time there is significant research being conducted into the nature of BII, and which symptoms may improve or not improve with breast implant and capsule removal (for example, if there is actually something else causing the symptoms, then removing the breast implants wouldn’t improve those symptoms the patients are having). If a patient has a formal cancer surrounding the implant (e.g. BIA-ALCL), then a formal En Bloc Breast Implant Removal is performed.

Of course, a patient may just wish to have their implants removed for any reason. If a patient has smooth-walled implants, and isn’t having concerns for BIA-ALCL or BII, then many doctors (including Dr. Krochmal) will simply remove the implant and leave the harmless capsule in place, as removing the capsule is unnecessary and can possibly lead to more surgical complications or breast shape distortion.

Total Capsulectomy Breast Implant Removal recovery is pretty straightforward. You’ll be a bit sore for a few days, but many times patients report the discomfort is less than the initial augmentation procedure when the implants were placed. You’ll get pain medication to help with the discomfort. Most patients are out to dinner the following day, and driving after several days. You can shower the next day, but no soaking in water, heavy lifting, or strenuous activity for 1 month to allow for the tissue on the inside to heal properly. You may have a surgical drain placed to reduce the fluid build-up and swelling, and these are typically removed within 1 week of surgery if they are used. If an En Bloc Breast Implant Removal is performed, the recovery may be a bit more involved due to the more extensive procedure.

If there is concern about your implants or the capsule (for BIA-ALCL), then some of the tissue may be sent to the lab for testing. If the tests come back positive for BIA-ALCL, then your doctor will talk to you about next steps. The good news is that en bloc breast implant removal for BIA-ALCL is curative in the vast majority of cases! You may still be referred to an oncologist as a safety measure. If one breast has BIA-ALCL, many doctors will recommend en bloc breast implant removal on the other breast as well.

 

For Breast Implant Illness (BII), there are no labs to check at this point in time to document success. There is no guarantee that the symptoms patients are experiencing will go away with Breast Implant Removal and removal of the capsule (the whole thing or just part of it).

There is no “best” surgeon for any procedure. This is ESPECIALLY TRUE for en bloc breast implant removal. There are, unfortunately, some surgeons who are preying on the fears of patients and convincing them that en bloc removal is necessary, and that they are “the expert” at doing so. This isn’t the case. If a surgeon has sufficient training to put in a breast implant, they likely have sufficient training to remove them safely and effectively. There is no “special training” to remove the implant “en bloc” that makes one plastic surgeon an “expert” compared to another. But, there are some qualifications and credentials that improve the chance that you will achieve your desired result safely. Make sure your surgeon is a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon. Make sure they operate in a fully accredited facility. If the procedure is not being done in a hospital, make sure they have privileges at a local hospital to do the procedure you are getting done. Make sure they have completed an accredited residency or fellowship program. Read their reviews to get a sense of what other patients have experienced. Check out their before/after pictures to get a sense of their technical and artistic style, and see if they operate on patients that appear similar to you.

 

And most importantly, schedule a consultation with that doctor to see if they are a good “fit” for you. Every doctor has his or her own personality and approach to patient care, so you will want to see if you like that particular approach. Do they inspire confidence and trust? Are they calming and reassuring? Do they take the time to answer your questions? Do they discuss alternative approaches and say why those approaches may or may not work? Do they seem like they will continue to care for you after the procedure?

 

There is no “best En Bloc Breast Implant Removal surgeon”, but there is a “best” surgeon for you. You just may need to consult with several to find the right one. Hopefully Dr. Krochmal is on your “short list” of Chicago and Hinsdale plastic surgeons to interview. We’re happy to help Shape Your Future!

Typically the cost for Breast Implant Removal is between $4,000-$12,000

Removing the breast implant with the capsule causes permanent changes to the breast shape and volume. The breast shape will continue to change with time, just as they would if you didn’t have surgery.

You should get En Bloc Breast Implant Removal if you have a diagnosis of BIA-ALCL, as it is a formal cancer operation. The correct term for most patients wanting their breast implants and capsules removed (in the absence of true cancer) is a “Total Capsulectomy”. Patients should get a Total Capsulectomy if they desire to have their implants removed and have symptoms attributable to the implant/capsule.

Interested in Having Your Implants Removed?

REVIEWS

"I have so many amazing things to say about Dr Krochmal and his peeps! But I'd like to start here, I had the most relaxing amazing facial there in the medspa. They were exceptional! I didnt really know what kind of facial I needed, they customized one for me! My skin has never looked better! They recommended what products I should use and how and when to use them. This was my third visit with them and they'll have me forever ♥️ I highly recommend getting yourself a little pampered over there, it's much needed headed into winter! I recommend the ZO line and a facial with Dr. Krochmal's medspa!"
Kristen D
"Dr. Krochmal is the best plastic surgeon without a doubt.* I had such an amazing experience and I am extremely satisfied with my surgical outcome. Dr. Krochmal really takes his time to understand my needs and concerns, and answers questions in detail. He knows exactly what is best for each patient and their unique situation. His staff is kind and very professional. I couldn't be happier. Thank you so much Dr. Krochmal for changing my life!"
Enkhmaa L*This is the patient's belief. There is no objective ranking for plastic surgeons. We are happy she feels that way, though!
"Dr. Krochmal, Stephanie, and all the staff are fantastic. From the first time I spoke with Dr. Krochmal I knew I had found the right surgeon. He listens to what you want and is very honest about if it is possible and how to get the results you are looking for. He explains every step of what will be done and what to expect for recovery. he gave me results better than I even imagined possible."
Nicole R
“My only regret was not doing my breast augmentation and liposuction sooner. We are so lucky to have a wonderful doctor like him in Chicago!"
Meghan L