Breast Implant Removal in Houston, TX
If you need to have your breast implants removed for some reason, you’ll want to work with an experienced plastic surgeon. Dr. Leo Lapuerta is recognized as the premier surgeon in Southeast Texas and throughout the state. With more than 30 years in the industry, Dr. Lapuerta has developed a unique approach to patient care and plastic surgery. He recognizes the importance of developing a unique treatment plan for each patient. As part of the services provided at his clinic, the Plastic Surgery Institute of Southeast Texas (PSI), Dr. Lapuerta provides information to help patients understand breast implant removal in Houston before they undergo surgery.
Breast implant removal in Houston is an outpatient surgical procedure where the breast implants are removed from the patient. Incisions similar to the ones made when the implants were inserted are required to remove the implants.
Patients may ask for breast implant removal for several reasons. For example, they may not like their current implants and want a smaller or larger size or a different shape. The patient may feel uncomfortable with the implants or want to return to their natural size and shape. Another reason for breast implant removal is replacing them if the implants have reached the end of their lifespan. Implants are designed to last for 10 to 15 years. At that time, they may need to be removed before they rupture.
The implants may be causing the patient discomfort. If they have moved out of place or scar tissue has formed around the implants, it may hinder the patient’s movements and cause pain.
As we go through life, our tastes and preferences will evolve. This is natural — it’s healthy to change and grow. Sometimes this means that a previously made decision doesn’t suit a person’s current life. This is sometimes the case with breast augmentation surgery; some of our patients have enjoyed their results for years before deciding that they’d prefer to go back to their original breast size.
Some breast implant removal candidates express concern over losing the perkiness they’ve become accustomed to with their implants. This can easily be addressed with a breast lift as a simple solution following implant removal. Patients will enjoy the same youthful perkiness they loved having from their implants, but with a more natural appearance.
The implant removal procedure is a fairly straightforward one. First, prospective patients will be asked to visit their nearest clinic location for a consultation to discuss their goals, medical history, and ask any questions in a conversation with Dr. Lapuerta. Together, you will determine a plan for your surgery, and at that point a surgery date can be confirmed.
On the day of their procedure, patients will be given either an intravenous or general anesthetic. Dr. Lapuerta will then make incisions on either the inframammary fold or around the areola — this will depend on the individual patient and their unique anatomy. From there, he will operate before closing the incisions with tape, clips, sutures, or adhesives, depending on the circumstances.
Breast implant removal allows you to return to your natural breast size and shape, creating results that feel authentic and aligned with your current self. It also provides relief from discomfort caused by complications like capsular contracture, implant rupture, or the unwanted weight of implants. For women concerned about implant-related symptoms or aging implants, removal delivers peace of mind and improved confidence in their health.
Additionally, the procedure is highly customizable, with options such as combining implant removal with a breast lift to achieve a more youthful, lifted appearance. Above all, breast implant removal empowers women to feel confident and satisfied with results that reflect their personal goals, lifestyle, and natural beauty.
Breast implant removal can address several aesthetic, medical, and personal concerns, including:
Dr. Lapuerta works closely with each patient to understand their reasons for implant removal and to create a plan that aligns with their health and aesthetic goals.
Though the breast implant removal surgery recovery process is slightly different for everybody, there are common trends — you’ll leave surgery with bandages or dressings at the procedure site, and drains are also sometimes placed. Depending on your recovery, Dr. Lapuerta may also provide post-surgical bras or compression garments to assist in the healing process. Patients will be expected to protect their healing incisions during this time.
As we mentioned, recovery from this procedure will vary greatly depending on the patient’s own circumstances. During a consultation, patients will discuss a recovery plan with Dr. Lapuerta so they know what to expect in the weeks following their surgery. Patients will also be expected to return for follow-up appointments after the surgery is complete.
Though the breast implant removal surgery recovery process is slightly different for everybody, there are common trends — you’ll leave surgery with bandages or dressings at the procedure site, and drains are also sometimes placed. Depending on your recovery, Dr. Lapuerta may also provide post-surgical bras or compression garments to assist in the healing process. Patients will be expected to protect their healing incisions during this time.
As we mentioned, recovery from this procedure will vary greatly depending on the patient’s own circumstances. During a consultation, patients will discuss a recovery plan with Dr. Lapuerta so they know what to expect in the weeks following their surgery. Patients will also be expected to return for follow-up appointments after the surgery is complete.
Though they will be able to resume regular activities well before then, it might be a full year before patients are fully healed and showing results from their breast implant removal surgery.
It is important for patients to note that their post-surgical breasts might not look the same as the ones they had before implants. The shape or volume may be different, and the patient might also notice indentations. This is often due to scar tissue from the initial breast implant surgery.
If you need to have your breast implants removed or replaced, schedule a consultation with Dr. Leo Lapuerta to find out how he can help. With his experience and exceptional track record for patient care, you can feel confident about choosing him as your surgeon. The personalized treatment plan and ongoing support through the recovery process will ease your mind and allow you to heal faster after breast implant removal in Houston. Contact Dr. Lapuerta to learn more about breast implant removal today!
Recovery time
Average Procedure time
Post-op Follow-up
1-2 weeks
1-2 Hours
1-3 days after surgery
The cost of a breast implant removal surgery will depend on a number of factors and is quite variable as a result. However, 2019 stats from the American Society of Plastic Surgeons showed that, on average, patients pay around $2,641 for the procedure — but bear in mind that this does not include potentially-crucial expenses like anesthetics, facility and surgeon fees, prescriptions, garments, or testing.
For a more accurate quote of their individual surgery, patients should schedule a consultation with Dr. Lapuerta.
Many patients choose to have implants removed because they would simply prefer a smaller chest. However, there are a number of medical reasons which drive patients to remove their implants. Some choose this surgery because the scar tissue around their initial implants has hardened and causes discomfort. In other cases, the removal is necessary because the implant has begun to deteriorate — this causes silicone to leak and hardened scar tissue. Finally, it is important to note that surgeons recommend an implant removal or exchange every 10-15 years.
Breast implant removal results will vary. Elements like implant size, as well as condition of remaining breast tissue, will have an effect on final results.
Once the surgeon has removed the implants, the volume of the breasts will be reduced significantly. You may notice “sagging” or a deflated appearance. The skin will be loose and may show extensive wrinkling. Combining breast implant removal with a breast lift can help restore a firm, perky appearance to the breasts.
Breast implants usually last between 10 and 15 years. They can last longer, but they come with an increased risk of rupture if you leave them for more than 15 years. However, you can have them replaced with new implants. Your surgeon will help you decide when to have them removed and replaced.
In rare cases, implant removal patients can experience respiratory or cardiovascular complications following their procedure. In these cases, medical attention is necessary.