Physician referral

I would ask your gynecologist. Every woman who has had a breast implant or trouble with breast implants has seen a gynecologist. Gynecologists also usually have need to refer to plastic surgeons for breast issues and good doctors usually refer to other good doctors. If you do not find success there, try the American Society of Plastic Surgeons and ask for a referral to a board-certified plastic surgeon in your area. Good luck.

Once you have checked the credentials of the doctor (board certified in plastic surgery, hospital affiliations, where did they go to school, ASAPS, ASPS, years in practice, experience, etc.), you may want to ask questions during your consultation with the doctor.

A straightforward explantation of a breast implant is a technically easy procedure.

However, will all the scar tissue be removed? Does it all need to be removed? What will the breasts look like afterward? Is a lift required? Will there be sagging skin? A plastic surgeon experienced with breast surgery will be able to anticipate these problems ahead of time. This could prevent the heartache and expense of having to have revision breast surgery when a predictable problem occurs.

You should get reasonable answers from these questions and feel comfortable with your surgeon before proceeding.

You should begin your search by seeking a board-certified plastic surgeon by The American Board of Plastic Surgery. You can find a list of surgeons who specialize in aesthetic plastic surgery, who are board-certified, at surgery.org (the website for The American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery).

Take a look at surgeons' personal websites, check out their credentials and before and after photos, then go in for a consultation and ask many questions. There are many good plastic surgeons out there so find one that you are comfortable with.

Explantation of silicone or saline implants is not technically challenging and should only be done by a plastic and reconstructive surgeon. The key question arises with the remaining breast tissue. Find a surgeon with enough experience and good bedside manner who can discuss the consequences and goals of treatment after explantation.