What Happens to the Pocket After Breast Implant Removal?

What Happens to the Pocket After Breast Implant Removal?

Breast implant removal is a significant procedure, whether it's part of a revision surgery or because the patient decides to no longer have implants. One of the most common questions surrounding this surgery is: What happens to the pocket that once held the implant? Understanding this process, especially in the context of drainless breast procedures, can help patients feel more confident about their decision.
 

Understanding the Implant Pocket

When breast implants are placed, a pocket is created in the breast tissue or beneath the muscle to hold the implant securely. Over time, the body forms a capsule of scar tissue around the implant, which helps to stabilize it. When the implant is removed, this pocket and capsule are left behind and will undergo a process of natural healing and remodeling.
 

What Happens to the Pocket After Implant Removal?

Once the implant is removed, the body begins a healing process. The pocket itself will gradually shrink as the surrounding tissues contract. Without the volume of the implant stretching the skin and muscle, the body works to return the area to its pre-implant state. This shrinkage is a gradual process, taking several weeks to months, depending on factors such as the size of the implants and the elasticity of your skin.
 

The capsule of scar tissue that formed around the implant may stay in place or be removed during the surgery, depending on the patient's individual circumstances. If left behind, this capsule will naturally begin to soften and break down over time. In cases where it is removed (a procedure known as a capsulectomy), this can prevent complications like capsular contracture, where the tissue becomes overly tight or hardened.
 

In traditional breast implant removal surgeries, drains are often used to prevent fluid buildup (known as seroma) and help with healing. However, drainless breast procedures eliminate the need for these drains by employing advanced surgical techniques to minimize fluid accumulation. Dr. Scott Harris carefully closes the space that once held the implant, often using layered sutures and special methods to reduce the risk of fluid pockets forming. This helps the tissues adhere to one another naturally, speeding up the healing process and enhancing comfort.
 

The Benefits of Drainless Breast Implant Removal

Dr. Scott Harris specializes in drainless breast procedures, which offer several benefits over traditional methods:
 

• Quicker Recovery: Without the need for post-operative drains, patients often experience a more comfortable and quicker recovery.
   

• Less Scarring: Drainless techniques minimize the need for additional incisions, leading to fewer scars and improved aesthetic outcomes.
   

• Reduced Risk of Infection: Since no drains are left in place, there is less opportunity for bacteria to enter, lowering the risk of infection.
   

• Better Aesthetic Results: With drainless procedures, the tissue can settle more naturally, leading to smoother, more natural contours post-surgery.
   

Schedule Your Consultation with Scott Harris, MD, Today 

The pocket that once held your implant will naturally heal and shrink after removal, and with drainless breast procedures, this process can occur more comfortably and with less risk of complications.
 

If you're considering breast implant removal and are interested in drainless breast procedures, Dr. Scott Harrisis experienced in providing safe, effective, and aesthetically pleasing results. Contact our office in Plano, Texas, by calling (972) 736-9600 to schedule a consultation today.