Breast implants have a shelf life. At some point, they will likely have to be removed for some reason (albeit a complication or a cosmetic wish). Some implants will rupture, while some women simply do not want implants after their bodies change naturally.
Here are a few surgeries you can opt for if you decide on breast implant removal.
Types of Breast Implant Removal Surgeries
Breast Implant Removal Without Replacement
Some patients would like the breast implant removed without further action. While removing the implant alone works for some women (particularly if they hadn;t had their implants very long), this may lead to breasts that look hollow, deflated, or droopy. This is especially evident if you have had the implants for years.
Breast Implant Removal With Lift
Although the cost of breast implant removal with lift might be higher, it is completely worth it because the surgeon tightens the skin to improve the position and appearance of your breast. Your plastic surgeon will make an incision around the nipple and under the breast to achieve the breast lift effect.
Breast Implant Removal With Scar Tissue Excision (Capsulectomy)
Some patients may opt to get the scar tissue capsule removed at the same time. This scar tissue forms naturally around the implant, and in some cases, can create complications like capsular contracture.
Removing the tissue with a capsulectomy may ensure a softer breast after the surgery. Scar removal is sometimes optional; however, if it is the source of the implant complication, it must be removed.
Breast Implant Removal and Replacement
Some patients prefer to get a fresh pair of breast implants after taking the old pair out. In this case, the patient can choose to have a larger or smaller pair of breast implants installed. You can even choose to get a different kind of breast implant put in.
Benefits of Getting Breast Implant Removal Surgery
If you have second thoughts about taking out your breast implants, here are a few reasons you may finally jump the gun.
- Pain– If you have capsular contracture, removing implants can relieve you of the pain and discomfort instantly. If large breast implants are making your life difficult, then a removal surgery can put an end to the back and neck pain. Think of everything you can do without pain to slow you down.
- Mammograms– Breast implants can make it hard for breast implant patients to get an accurate mammogram. This is because the implant interferes with the X-ray making it hard to distinguish between tissue and implant.
- Reduces the risk of rupture– The long the implants stay in, the more likely they are to burst due to wear and tear. Removing the implants eliminates the risk of implant rupture.
Breast Implant Removal FAQ
Will breast removal surgery leave more scars?
Usually no. Your board-certified plastic surgeon will likely make the new cut where the old scars were, especially if your implants were placed through the inframammary fold (crease beneath the breast). The only difference is that the new incision will likely need to be longer to pull the implant out (and remove the scar tissue capsule). At first, the scars will appear red and swollen, but this should calm down in about four to eight weeks.
What are the risks associated with breast implant removal surgery?
Breast removal surgery is fairly uncomplicated, especially when the patient is not replacing the implants. The chances of developing an infection are significantly lower but not null. You may also experience asymmetry or fluid buildup after a breast implant removal. There is also a small chance that the sensation around the breast tissue may change. Fluid buildup is mitigated by attaching drainage tubes, and a breast lift can fix asymmetry.
Who does breast implant removal surgery?
Breast implant removal surgery is still major surgery and should only be performed by a trained, board-certified plastic surgeon. This is even more so if you want a breast lift after removing the breast implant. Although the surgery is still an outpatient one, it should be done in a sterile environment at a hospital or an accredited medical facility.
What kind of anesthesia is used during a breast implant removal surgery?
General anesthesia will put you to sleep until after the doctor stitches you up.
How long does a breast implant removal surgery take?
The amount of time it takes to finish a surgery depends on the reason why the implant is being removed, if the scar tissue is also being removed and if there is an extra procedure like a breast lift scheduled simultaneously.