Restoring Your Health with Breast Implant Removal in Los Angeles
Breast implant failure or rupture can cause significant physical and emotional concerns, often requiring prompt surgical intervention. When a saline or silicone breast implant fails, the implant shell may weaken, rupture, or leak—leading to deflation in saline implants or silent rupture in silicone implants. Symptoms may include breast asymmetry, discomfort, capsular contracture, or changes in breast contour. Dr. Karamanoukian is a plastic surgeon and specialist in breast implant removal and implant revision in patients being treated for breast implant problems such as capsular contracture, rupture, silicone migration, Breast Implant Ilness, and dissatisfaction with implant asymmetry or displacement.
At Kare Plastic Surgery in Santa Monica, Dr. Raffy Karamanoukian specializes in breast implant removal for patients experiencing rupture, implant-related complications, or those choosing to remove implants electively. With dual board certification in plastic surgery and extensive experience in breast revision surgery, Dr. Karamanoukian utilizes advanced techniques to ensure safe and effective implant removal, including en bloc capsulectomy when indicated.
Each breast implant removal case is personalized. Diagnostic imaging, including ultrasound or MRI, may be used to assess implant integrity before surgery. During the procedure, ruptured or leaking implants are carefully removed along with surrounding scar tissue to minimize inflammation and risk of silicone migration.
Dr. Karamanoukian’s meticulous approach prioritizes patient safety, natural aesthetic outcomes, and comprehensive aftercare. Whether due to rupture, discomfort, or personal choice, breast implant removal restores peace of mind and empowers patients to feel confident in their bodies again.
Silicone Rupture May Lead to Health Problems
Free silicone rupture occurs when a silicone breast implant shell tears and silicone gel extends beyond the implant capsule into surrounding breast tissue. Unlike a contained rupture, free silicone may migrate outside the scar capsule, sometimes leading to inflammation, firmness, swelling, or changes in breast shape. In some cases, patients may notice discomfort or enlarged lymph nodes.
Evaluation typically includes imaging such as MRI or ultrasound to confirm the diagnosis. Treatment often involves surgical removal of the implant and any free silicone, frequently combined with capsulectomy. Prompt evaluation by an experienced plastic surgeon is essential to ensure safe management and protect long-term breast health.
Breast Implant Removal
If you suspect that your breast implant is ruptured, there are several initial steps you can take to have the implants evaluated to determine the likelihood of implant failure. Most breast implant manufacturers have extended warranties that may cover the cost of implant replacement if there is a documented rupture of an implant or breakdown of the outer implant shell.
Implant rupture can occur immediately after a breast implant surgery, or many years later as a result of capsular contracture or failure of the breast implant shell. Documentation with a breast examination followed by diagnostic ultrasound or MRI can further delineate the likelihood of rupture.
Dr. Raffy Karamanoukian is a board certified plastic surgeon and an expert in the management of breast implant complications. If a rupture is suspected, a decision to replace or remove the breast implants may be warranted. Replacement of a ruptured breast implant is a low-risk procedure and can be combined with a breast lift or breast enhancement procedure.
Capsulectomy During Breast Explant Surgery
Capsulectomy is a specialized surgical procedure performed during breast implant removal to address the scar tissue capsule that naturally forms around an implant. In some patients, this capsule can become thickened, hardened, or contracted, leading to discomfort, distortion, or concerns about inflammation. Removing both the implant and the surrounding capsule at the same time ensures a more complete and precise surgical outcome.
Dr. Karamanoukian is highly experienced in performing simultaneous explantation and capsulectomy with meticulous attention to detail. His advanced surgical expertise allows for careful removal of scar tissue while preserving healthy surrounding structures. This comprehensive approach supports optimal healing, improved comfort, and a more natural chest contour following implant removal.
By combining technical precision with individualized care, Dr. Karamanoukian helps patients achieve safe, thorough implant removal with thoughtfully performed capsulectomy tailored to their specific needs and goals.
What does Breast Implant Removal Include?
Patients who are seeking complete breast implant removal often complain of problems with their implants, many of which have longterm health complications including breast implant illness and autoimmune reaction. Dr. Karamanoukian is a specialist in breast implant removal; as he has developed clinical algorithms to not only remove the breast implant device, but to surgically remove problematic capsular tissue and reconstruct the breast. The decision to remove the implants involves a careful discussion of reconstructive options to restore breast integrity with soft tissue, fat, breast lift, or replacement implant.
Breast Implant Removal and Replacement with Motiva Implants: Beverly Hills | Los Angeles
If you have had recurrent breast implant problems and want to have your breast implants completely removed, there are longterm options that can give you stress-free peace of mind. However, removal of breast implants may necessitate other forms of reconstruction or breast enhancement such as a reconstructive breast lift, fat transfer, or nipple repositioning. In some cases, patients will opt for a replacement of a breast implant and current data may necessitate placement of a novel and technologically-innovative breast implant known as Motiva. Data has shown lower rates of capsular contracture with Motiva implants when compared to published data.
Motiva breast implants are an advanced option for breast implant replacement in patients who have experienced capsular contracture. Capsular contracture occurs when scar tissue tightens around an implant, causing firmness, distortion, or discomfort. Motiva implants are designed with SmoothSilk® technology, a nanosmooth surface that reduces inflammation and limits bacterial adhesion—two key factors linked to capsular contracture.
Unlike traditional textured implants, Motiva’s surface promotes healthier tissue integration while avoiding the risks associated with aggressive texturing. These implants are also filled with advanced cohesive gel for a more natural feel and improved implant stability. Many Motiva implants include Q Inside Safety Technology™, a microtransponder that allows non-invasive implant identification, enhancing long-term patient safety.
For patients seeking safer breast implant replacement after capsular contracture, Motiva implants offer innovation, durability, and biocompatibility. Their design prioritizes reduced complication rates, natural aesthetics, and long-term peace of mind. Dr. Raffy Karamanoukian is a breast implant removal and replacement specialist in Beverly Hills and Santa Monica and can discuss these wide-spread options for your particular case.