Breast implant removal, also called explant surgery, involves surgically removing breast implants. Patients may choose to have their implants removed for a variety of reasons, including changes in aesthetic preferences, concerns about their implants, or changes in how their breasts feel or look over time. Awake breast implant removal in Los Angeles is performed using local anesthesia only and may support a faster, smoother recovery while reducing exposure to the risks associated with general anesthesia.
For patients considering breast implant removal, Dr. Kenneth Kim evaluates the condition of the implants, surrounding capsule and breast tissue, along with each patient’s symptoms, concerns, and aesthetic goals. Based on this evaluation, he develops an individualized surgical plan for implant removal. Dr. Kim has extensive experience performing awake surgeries, including more than 10,000 procedures using local anesthesia only, and focuses on providing a comfortable experience throughout the process.
Who is a Candidate for Awake Breast Implant Removal?
Identifying whether you are a good candidate for awake breast implant removal in Los Angeles is an important first step. Candidates for this procedure include those who experience:
- Breast pain, discomfort, or a persistent feeling of heaviness
- Capsular contracture, where the scar tissue capsule surrounding the breast implant tightens or hardens
- Breast implant rupture or leakage
- Implant malposition, displacement, or unwanted changes in breast shape
- A desire to remove breast implants without replacement
- Systemic symptoms sometimes referred to as breast implant illness (BII)
Candidacy for awake breast implant removal is determined individually during a consultation based on your medical history, breast anatomy, implant-related concerns, and the extent of surgery required.
Why Choose Local Anesthesia for Breast Implant Removal?
Breast implant removal can be performed efficiently and safely under local anesthesia without general anesthesia or IV sedation (also known as twilight or conscious sedation). For an explant in which only the breast implant is removed, Dr. Kim can often complete the procedure in around 10 minutes. When removal of the surrounding scar tissue or breast implant capsule is also needed, the procedure is more involved and may take approximately 1 to 1.5 hours. Both procedures for awake breast implant removal in Los Angeles can be performed under local anesthesia.
Because patients are not placed under general anesthesia or IV sedation, there is no period of waking from general anesthesia after surgery. Dr. Kim’s awake explant patients can get up and walk on their own after the procedure and typically experience significantly less downtime and a smoother recovery. Drains are not required following his awake breast implant removal procedures.
Awake breast implant removal under local anesthesia reduces exposure to the anesthetic and physiologic effects of general anesthesia.
Consider Awake Breast Implant Removal in Los Angeles
For patients considering breast implant removal, understanding the surgical approach and what to expect from recovery can help inform the decision. Awake breast implant removal in Los Angeles uses local anesthesia only, allowing Dr. Kim to focus on removing the implants while minimizing exposure to the risks associated with general anesthesia.
If you are interested in learning more, contact us to schedule a confidential consultation. A consultation provides an opportunity to discuss your concerns, evaluate your implants and surrounding breast tissue, and develop a surgical plan based on your individual needs and goals.