Breast explant surgery, also known as breast implant removal surgery, is a procedure performed to remove implants placed during the breast augmentation procedure.

There are various reasons why patients seek explant surgery, ranging from complications like torn or leaky implants. Some patients might simply want the implants removed because they do not like the look.

In any case, implants are not meant to be permanent, and they would need removal during the person's lifetime. Another common reason for explant surgery is breast implant illness (BII).

Whatever may be the reason, if you are considering breast explant surgery, you will need to prepare properly to ensure prompt recovery with few complications. We provide you with a few tips for preparation before you undergo removal surgery under breast explant surgeons in Los Angeles.

1 – Schedule A Medical Consultation

Similar to any other surgical procedure, you might need a consultation before you get surgery for breast implant removal. This will ensure that you are healthy enough to undergo the procedure and help the doctors decide your treatment plan if you are opting to reposition or replace your implants.

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During your consultation with breast explant surgeons in Los Angeles, you will be subject to a physical exam and get a routine blood test to determine your health status and level to undergo anesthesia, surgery, and recovery. They will also enquire about your lifestyle, and you might be advised to make changes, like quitting smoking or losing weight.

2 – Prepare for Some Post-Surgery Downtime

For a patient to fully recover from a breast implant surgery is around six to eight weeks. However, some patients get back to work after two weeks. It would help if you prepared for downtime almost immediately after the surgery as there will be significant difficulty in performing everyday activities. It would be advisable to stock up on groceries, medications, and other necessary household items like toilet paper and towels.

You might want to arrange things in your house so that everything is at reachable height, as you may not be able to reach up to access items kept on the topmost shelf after surgery in the beginning.

3 - Adjust Your Medications

For your initial consultation with the breast explant surgeons in Los Angeles, you should take your full list of medications, including any over-the-counter medicines. The doctor might advise you to stop taking certain medications or temporarily reduce the dosage of some.

4 – Discuss with Your Insurance Provider

Cosmetic surgery isn't covered under health insurance. However, there are exceptions. It could surprise you that there are cases where insurance covers explant surgery fully or in part.

Reconstructive breast surgery performed after cancer treatment is covered by most insurance companies. If your explant surgery is being done to maintain results after cancer treatment, the insurance will probably cover it as well.

Some health insurance companies might also consider coverage for explant surgery if it is reasoned to be medically necessary due to complications like ruptures, capsular contracture, fat necrosis, etc. Policies vary according to the provider, and some companies may not provide any coverage for the removal of breast implants.

Provide thorough documentation, including a detailed letter from your doctor or surgeon. It may help increase the chances of your policy getting coverage for your surgery.

Final Words

Explant surgery is a complicated procedure, so it makes sense to prepare well in advance. Follow the tips outlined above to make the surgery go smoothly.