Breast implant removal surgery is a choice some people make for various reasons. Whether due to health issues or a personal decision, understanding why people opt for this procedure can help with making an informed choice.
Complications with Existing Implants
Complications can arise with breast implants over time. Some of these complications include:
Lifestyle Changes
Life changes, like pregnancy, weight loss, or entering a new phase in life, can impact how implants look or feel. Many people desire to change size that aligns better with their current lifestyle.
Desire for a More Natural Appearance
Some choose breast implant removal to achieve a more natural appearance. They may no longer wish to have breast augmentation procedures and want to restore their natural breast shape and size.
Health Concerns (e.g., Breast Implant Illness & BIA-ALCL)
Health concerns can motivate some individuals to consider breast implant removal. Breast Implant Illness is a term used for a variety of symptoms like fatigue and pain, potentially linked to implants.
In rare cases, serious conditions such as breast implant associated anaplastic large cell lymphoma (BIA-ALCL) may develop – this is a rare type of non-Hodgkins lymphoma and is only associated with textured implants. It is not breast cancer.
For health these reasons, some opt for explant surgery to address or prevent these issues.
These reasons highlight why some may decide to have their breast implants removed. It’s important for anyone considering this surgical procedure to consult with a medical professional to discuss their needs and expectations.
Breast implant removal surgery is a significant decision. It begins with a thorough consultation. During this initial meeting with dr Dona, you will discuss your goals and concerns. Dr Dona will evaluate your breast shape, breast tissue, and overall health. This step is crucial to tailor the surgical procedure to your needs. Understanding the full scope of breast implant removal procedure, potential risks, and outcomes is essential to make an informed decision.
Importance of a Comprehensive Consultation
A comprehensive consultation is vital for successful breast implant removal surgery. It allows both you and Dr Dona to align on expectations. During this session, discussions will include potential implant complications, implant rupture, or concerns like breast implant illness. DR Dona will provide details on recovery time, including any restrictions on strenuous activities or when you can resume normal activity. Understanding the intricacies of breast implant capsule and scar tissue formation will also be covered. Evaluating private health insurance options and the cost of breast implant procedures is part of this process, ensuring no financial surprises.
Questions to Ask Your Surgeon
When preparing for your consultation, having a list of questions can be beneficial. Consider asking:
These questions ensure you leave the consultation informed and confident in your decision.
As per all surgical procedures, breast implant removal surgery requires careful planning. Ensuring you’re fully prepared will help the process go smoothly and improve recovery. Pre-operative preparation includes several steps: medical assessments, lifestyle adjustments, and coordinating with your surgeon. Each aspect contributes to a successful outcome and can make your experience less stressful.
Medical Assessments
Before the surgery, you will undergo medical assessments. These evaluations help determine your overall health and any potential risks connected to the surgery. Common assessments include:
These assessments help identify any complications like implant rupture or scar tissue formation, ensuring the safest approach for your surgery.
Lifestyle Adjustments
Making certain lifestyle changes before breast implant removal can aid your recovery. Here are some recommended adjustments:
These changes not only help you heal faster but also prepare your body for the surgical procedure.
Coordinating with Dr Dona and his Team
Good communication is vital. This partnership ensures you understand the breast implant removal procedure and what to expect. Consider discussing:
By coordinating these details, you can set realistic expectations and feel more confident about the surgery. This preparation empowers you to make informed decisions, ensuring a smoother journey to recovery.
Breast implant removal surgery is a procedure chosen by many for various reasons. Whether due to implant complications, change in personal preferences, or health concerns like breast implant illness or implant rupture, this surgery can help restore comfort and health. Knowing what to expect can ease your mind and prepare you for the journey ahead.
Anaesthesia
This surgery is performed in a private hospital under general anaesthetic. It is typically performed as a day surgery procedure, which means you can go home the same day as the surgery. The specialist anaesthetic doctor will discuss the anaesthetic and the pain medication which they will provide you to keep you comfortable during your post-operative period.
Duration of the Procedure
The duration of breast implant removal surgery varies. Typically, the procedure takes about one to three hours. The time depends on the complexity of the surgery, such as if a breast lift or capsule removal is required alongside removing the implants.
It is worth noting, that a breast implant removal, without replacement and an associated capsulectomy is technically more difficult than a breast implant insertion surgery.
If an implant is not replaced, then Dr Dona will usually place a plastic tube (drain) in your wound which will stay for at least 24hours. This is to allow any excess fluid and blood to drain out and not accumulate within the space that the implant once occupied.
Breast implant removal surgery involves different methods tailored to individual needs. The choice of technique depends on the reasons for removal and the desired outcome. Here’s a look at the common approaches:
The standard removal procedure involves taking out the implants while leaving the surrounding breast tissue intact. This is often done through an incision along the original breast implant surgery scar or the breast crease. Many patients choose this option if their implants have ruptured or if they are experiencing implant complications, such as breast implant illness. Most patients can resume normal activity within a few weeks. However, recovery time varies and depends on factors such as the condition of the scar tissue and overall health.
In some cases, patients elect to replace their existing implants with new ones. This revision process can be part of the breast implant removal procedure. This option might suit those wanting to change the size or type of their breast implants. The cost of breast implant revision with replacement varies, and private health insurance might cover some expenses related to medical necessity.
For those concerned about breast shape and appearance after removal, combining the implant removal, with or without replacement, with a breast lift can be beneficial.
For those not opting to have the implants replaced, then the loss of volume due to implant removal will result in breast tissue deflation and sagging. For optimal aesthetic outcomes a breast lift may be beneficial.
Also, over time natural breast tissue will sag, and the more you have, the greater the potential sag. Therefore, at the time when you are wanting implants removed, even if they are being replaced, you may also benefit from a breast lift procedure to address your natural breast tissue droop.
Though recovery from breast implant and breast lift surgery can take longer, it provides comprehensive results in one session. Patients should avoid strenuous activities during recovery to allow the tissues to heal properly.
During your implant removal procedure, your natural breast tissue is preserved (unless you are also having a breast lift or reduction at the same time). The implant is removed, and the scar tissue capsule surrounding the implant is also removed. This is referred to as a capsulectomy. If the implant is being replaced, and the capsule is normal in appearance, then there is no clinical need to perform a capsulectomy.
If an implant is not being replaced, then Dr Dona will always perform a capsulectomy, as this will allow the breast tissue to “stick back down” to the chest wall.
Other situations that would warrant a capsulectomy include:
Ideally, if a capsulectomy is being performed the entire capsule is removed – this is referred to as a Total Capsulectomy. However, in some conditions this may not be possible or safe to do so, therefore a partial capsulectomy is performed. This is often the case in implants placed under the muscle where the back wall of the capsule is adhered to the chest wall and ribcage.
Some forms of Total Capsulectomy are referred to as En Bloc Capsulectomy, and is typically reserved for those having treatment for Breast Implant Illness or BIA-ALCL
Breast implant removal surgery is a significant procedure. Understanding the recovery process is key to a smooth healing journey.
Dr Dona and his team will provide you with detailed verbal and written instructions to cover all of your pre and post-operative instructions to ensure a smooth stress free process.
Right after the breast implant removal procedure, you’ll be monitored closely in the hospital recovery room. This is to ensure that your vital signs are stable and there are no immediate complications. It’s normal to experience some swelling and bruising. You will be advised on how to care for your incisions and any drains that may have been placed to reduce fluid buildup.
Discomfort is normal after breast implant removal surgery. Your specialist anaesthetic doctor will prescribe pain medication to help manage this. It’s crucial to follow your verbal and written advice on medication and care routines.
After surgery, you should avoid strenuous activities, including heavy lifting or intense workouts, for four weeks. Light movements and short walks are encouraged to help with circulation but listen to your body. It’s essential to give the body time to heal. Typically, most patients can return to normal activities within 4-6 weeks, but always follow our recommendations for a safe recovery.
These steps will help ensure a smooth recovery and a return to daily activities with minimal complications.
Breast implant removal surgery is a significant decision and involves various risks and complications. It’s essential to have a clear understanding before proceeding. Some people choose this procedure due to implant complications or personal preference. It is vital to discuss with Dr Dona to understand what to expect during and after the surgery.
Explant surgery, like any surgical procedure, involves certain risks.
Whenever someone is having an anaesthetic, no matter what it’s for, then things can potentially go wrong. That is why no surgery should be considered “minor”. Information on the general potential complications can be found on our website. LEARN MORE
Understanding these risks is crucial to make an informed decision.
When considering breast implant removal, think about the long-term effects on your body:
Evaluating these factors ensures you make the best decision for your health and lifestyle.