Breast Implant Removal and Replacement in Chicago and Vernon Hills, IL

How it Works

The Consultation

At RL Center for Cosmetic Surgery & Medspa, each initial patient consultation is different. Depending on your needs, desired treatments, areas of concern, and simply who you are as a patient, we will schedule you with an actual treatment provider to discuss your goals, budget, and more. During this appointment, we will go through before & after photos, your medical history, and any questions you might have. Only then can we make a recommendation for which procedures or treatments may be right for you and why. We will be sure to educate you on how the treatments work, including what to expect during and afterward.

We charge $100 for surgical consultations that last about 40 minutes. At the end of your consultation, you will leave our office in Vernon Hills with a thorough, personalized treatment plan. And when you’re ready, we’ll schedule your surgery for a day and time that works for your schedule.

The Procedure

A breast implant exchange can often be performed under local anesthesia. This surgery involves injection of a local anesthetic into the incision to be made (often at the fold of the breast) and then removal of the previously placed implant. The type and size of the replacement implant is determined by the patient in conjunction with our recommendations. There is a rare association of previously placed textured surfaced implants with a cancer called Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma (ALCL). Some patients would like to have these textured implants replaced with smooth surfaced implants. At the RL Center for Cosmetic Surgery and Medspa, we are experienced in these issues and can help guide patients through these decisions.

A breast implant removal can be performed under local anesthesia if the capsule of the implant (which is the scar tissue that normally forms around the implant) is left in place. If the implant and capsule are removed together, this is referred to as an en bloc removal, and is typically performed under sedation or a general anesthesia. In either case after an implant is permanently removed, a breast lift/mastopexy may be recommended to reshape the breast, reposition the nipple/areola, and excise excess skin (especially once the implant is removed). Patients with symptoms of Breast Implant Illness (BIL) often prefer an en bloc removal of the implant and capsule to remove all implant material and any scar tissue that formed around the implant. There is evidence that some patients who experience BIL symptoms experience resolution or improvement of their symptoms after removal of the implants/capsule.

In patients with capsular contracture, the capsule around the implant has become abnormally thick and may result in changes in the feel (feels firmer), shape (implant appears higher) and sensation (soreness or pain) of the breast. For patients who want to retain breast implants, this surgery involves a capsulectomy (removal of the thickened capsule) and then replacement of the implant. A site change of the implant to above or below the pectoralis major muscle can be considered as well.

The Recovery

Although the healing process can vary, recovery from breast implant removal or replacement typically takes several weeks. It is normal to have some pain, discomfort, and swelling shortly after your surgery.

For the first one to two weeks after surgery, you will need to avoid some of your usual activities, such as driving. During recovery, you will need to limit strenuous activity and heavy lifting. Many people have tenderness or soreness for up to six weeks.