Understanding Breast Implant Removal

Breast implant removal, or explant surgery, is a way to take out breast implants and scar tissue around them. People might choose this surgery for many reasons. These include not liking the size or look of their breasts, worries about textured implants and cancer, or signs the implants are old or not working right.

What is Breast Implant Removal?

This surgery is called explant surgery. It removes breast implants and scar tissue. People do it if they’re unhappy with their breasts’ size, shape, or look. Or if they have health issues from the implants.

Reasons for Breast Implant Removal

Women often remove their breast implants for several reasons. These include trouble with daily activities and exercise because of big implants. Others want a more natural look, worry about leaks or ruptures, or have symptoms of breast implant illness. Recently, some have removed implants to avoid a rare cancer linked to certain textured implants.

“Despite the growing evidence of breast implant-associated illness, there is reluctance among some healthcare providers to acknowledge it as a potential complication of breast augmentation.”

Changes in appearance due to age, pregnancy, or breastfeeding can also make some women want to remove their implants. They aim to get back their desired breast look.

Breast Implant Removal: The Procedure

Breast implant removal, or explant surgery, aims to take out breast implants and scar tissue. It’s done under general anesthesia or sedation to keep the patient comfortable and safe.

Incisions

The surgeon cuts along the breast crease or around the areola to reach the implants and scar tissue. These cuts reduce scars and keep the breasts looking natural.

Removal of Implants and Scar Tissue

After making the cuts, the surgeon removes the breast implants. They also take that out if there’s a lot of scar tissue or capsules. The aim is to fully remove all implant-related stuff, making the breasts healthy again.

The implant removal procedure can take 30 to 90 minutes per breast, depending on the complexity of the case and the amount of scar tissue. After the implants and scar tissue are removed, the cuts are closed with sutures or adhesives to help heal.

Patients might feel some bruising, swelling, and discomfort during recovery, which lasts 3 to 7 days. With good care and follow-up, most people can go back to their normal life in 4 to 6 weeks after what happens during explant surgery.

Risks and Benefits of Breast Implant Removal

Removing breast implants is often needed but comes with its own set of concerns. Patients must think about the risks of breast implant removal. These risks include bleeding, infection, changes in breast shape or size, and not being happy with the look. But, for many, the benefits of breast implant removal can be more important.

One big benefit is relief from symptoms of breast implant illness. Some women feel tired and have muscle aches, joint pain, headaches, hair loss, rashes, or skin irritation after getting implants. This could be due to an immune reaction to the silicone. Taking out the implants can ease these symptoms.

Removing implants can also make breasts look better for those unhappy with their appearance. It can give peace of mind to those worried about the safety of their implants. This is especially true with recent FDA updates on the risks and problems with breast implants.

Deciding to remove breast implants is a personal choice. It’s key for patients to talk openly with their surgeons about the risks of breast implant removal and the benefits of breast implant removal. This way, they can make a choice that fits their own needs and goals.

Breast Implant Removal Recovery

Recovering from breast implant removal surgery, or “explant” surgery, takes time. You’ll experience swelling, bruising, and discomfort in the first weeks. Taking time off work is often needed for healing. The breasts will slowly settle into their new shape over several months.

Post-Surgery Expectations

After the surgery, you’ll see swelling and bruising around the surgery site. You might feel pain and sensitivity in your chest as your body gets used to not having implants. It’s important to follow your surgeon’s instructions closely for a smooth recovery.

Healing and Recovery Timeline

The time it takes to recover from breast implant removal varies. Most women can go back to work in a week. However, jobs that require heavy lifting or a lot of upper-body work may need more time.

Don’t lift heavy objects over 10 pounds for at least six weeks. Avoid activities like contact sports, tennis, jogging, or weightlifting for two months after surgery.

Physical therapy is often suggested after four weeks to help with healing and chest sensitivity. You’ll need to see your surgeon for check-ups and to have your stitches removed. It’s also important to adjust emotionally and seek support from loved ones or professionals.

Eating fish, fruits, vegetables, and lean meats during recovery can help. Wearing compression garments and following your surgeon’s drainage instructions are key to a good recovery.

Breast Implant Removal

As breast implants get older, they can face problems that lead to removal. Signs that implants might need to come out include hardening of the breast or capsular contracture. Also, if the implant moves or changes shape, or if it deflates or ruptures, removal is needed.

Some women decide to remove their implants due to “breast implant illness.” They may experience fatigue, chronic pain, rash, and brain fog after getting implants. The exact cause of this illness is still being studied, but some think bacterial contamination might be involved.

“The risk of breast implant illness and other side effects of breast implant surgery is low when the procedure is performed by a qualified professional,” explains Dr. Adel Quttainah, a plastic and reconstructive surgeon who performs numerous breast implant removal procedures each year.

If you’re worried about your implants or notice any problems, talk to a skilled plastic surgeon. Deciding to remove or replace implants is a personal choice based on your own needs and feelings.

Conclusion

Breast implant removal is a surgery that helps with many concerns, like looks or health issues like breast implant illness (BII). It’s a personal choice, so talking openly with a plastic surgeon is key. They need to know what you want, what options you have, and what risks or benefits there might be.

This summary shows that removing breast implants is a common surgery. Many people feel better after it. However, some might still not feel so well, even after the surgery. Also, the cost and what insurance covers can change a lot. So, it’s important to know about the costs.

Removing breast implants can really help some people feel better and live better. But, it’s a big decision that needs careful thought and talking with a skilled plastic surgeon. Knowing about breast implant removal can help people make a choice that fits their own needs and likes.