Breast Implant Removal — Oklahoma
Oklahoma has board-certified plastic surgeons who perform breast implant removal. What Oklahoma does not have is a surgeon who has published clinical research on capsule pathology, performs PCR testing on removed tissue, or offers a named, structured surgical recovery protocol.
Dr. Robert Whitfield MD, FACS • Austin, Texas • 2,000+ Explant Procedures
What Oklahoma Surgeons Offer — and What They Don't
| Oklahoma Surgeons | Dr. Robert Whitfield | |
|---|---|---|
| Board-certified plastic surgeon | Yes | Yes |
| Performs breast implant removal | Yes | Yes |
| En bloc capsulectomy | Offered when possible | Primary approach for all symptomatic cases |
| PCR capsule testing | No | Yes — every patient |
| Published capsule pathology research | None | 694 specimens, 29% bacterial contamination — largest in medical literature |
| Named recovery protocol | No | SHARP Method — 3 tiers, physician-designed |
| FDA testimony on breast implant safety | No | Yes |
| Patients from multiple states | No | 40+ states, 15 countries |
The practical question for an Oklahoma patient is: is it worth a short trip to Austin to have surgery with the surgeon who has done this 2,000+ times, published the research, and developed a recovery system around it? For many women, the answer is yes.
Oklahoma to Austin — Travel Overview
Oklahoma City to Austin
~1 hour by air (OKC → AUS) or 5 hours by car via I-35
Tulsa to Austin
~1 hour by air (TUL → AUS) or 6 hours by car via I-44 and I-35
Southwest, American, and United operate regular service from both OKC and TUL to Austin-Bergstrom. Most patients complete their initial consultation remotely.
The Research Difference
In the largest PCR capsule analysis in the medical literature — 694 consecutive specimens collected at this practice — tested using 16S rRNA gene sequencing:
of capsules tested positive for bacterial contamination
distinct bacterial species identified
Contamination was present in capsules that appeared normal on visual inspection. These same specimens, tested by standard culture (the method used by most surgeons), would have returned zero positive results.
Standard culture cannot detect the biofilm-forming bacteria that colonize capsule tissue. PCR detects bacterial DNA directly, regardless of whether organisms are alive, dormant, or in biofilm.
Published: Whitfield R, Tipton CD, Diaz N, Ancira J, Landry KS. Microorganisms. 2024 Sep 4;12(9):1830. View on PubMed →
Frequently Asked Questions
Are there BII specialists in Oklahoma?
Oklahoma City and Tulsa have board-certified plastic surgeons who perform breast implant removal, including en bloc capsulectomy. None have published clinical research on capsule pathology, and none perform PCR molecular testing on removed tissue. For women with breast implant illness who want the most thorough capsule evaluation available, traveling to a specialist is the most complete option.
How far is Austin from Oklahoma City?
Oklahoma City to Austin is approximately 1 hour by direct flight or 5 hours by car on I-35 south. Tulsa to Austin is approximately 1 hour by air or 6 hours by car.
How does the remote consultation work?
The process begins with a discovery call — a structured phone or video consultation with Dr. Whitfield's team. Surgical planning, pre-operative review, and post-operative follow-up can all be completed remotely. In-person consultation is available for patients who prefer it.
What is en bloc capsulectomy and can Oklahoma surgeons perform it?
En bloc capsulectomy removes the implant and its entire surrounding capsule as one intact, sealed unit — the capsule is never opened during surgery. Oklahoma surgeons perform en bloc "when possible," meaning it is not their primary or most-practiced approach. Dr. Whitfield performs en bloc or total capsulectomy as the primary approach for all symptomatic cases, including BII, contracture, and rupture.
What is the SHARP Method?
The SHARP Method (Strategic Holistic Accelerated Recovery Program) is Dr. Whitfield's structured pre- and post-surgical recovery protocol — the only named, tiered, physician-designed program of its kind nationally. It is available in three tiers and accessible to out-of-state patients regardless of where they live.
Does Dr. Whitfield test the capsule after removal?
Yes. Every removed capsule is sent for PCR molecular pathology testing using 16S rRNA gene sequencing. This method identifies bacterial contamination that standard culture testing cannot detect. Patients receive a full pathology report after surgery.
How much does breast implant removal cost?
Cost depends on the procedure, whether simultaneous fat transfer or BodyTite is performed, anesthesia, and facility fees. Financing is available through PatientFi. A precise quote is provided after consultation.
Cities We Serve in Oklahoma
Oklahoma City
1 hr flight to Austin
Tulsa
1 hr flight to Austin
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