Breast Implant Removal

Breast Implant Removal: A Comprehensive Approach to the Surgery, Healing, and Things to Consider

Breast implants sometimes help greatly in boosting one's self-confidence and physical appearance. However, after some time, some of these people decide to get the implant removed. Breast implant removal is a surgical procedure intended to remove breast implants either because of personal reasons, health issues, or implant-associated complications. While removing breast implants is generally a very low-risk, straightforward surgery, it is essential to have a complete understanding of the reasons for removal, the procedure itself, and the recovery process. In this article, we will be discussing everything you need to know about breast implant removal, including its benefits, risks, and considerations that may apply to help you in making an informed decision.

What is Breast Implant Removal?

Explant surgery, or breast implant removal, is a surgical procedure to remove breast implants from the body. It may be done for various reasons related to personal preferences, implant complications, or health-related concerns. Removal can either be performed with or without replacing the implant depending on the patient's goals. It usually consists of an incision, made at the same site as when the implant was originally placed-which is often in the fold of the breast, around the areola, or in the armpit-where implants can be removed safely.

Indications for Breast Implant Removal

There exists a multitude of reasons why one would opt to have their breast implants removed. These reasons vary greatly among individuals, but common contributing factors include:

Personal reasons: Some women may feel that their implants are no longer comfortable for them, or they may feel they don't want large breasts anymore. This is a decision of a personal nature; it can be taken because of changes in lifestyle, body image, or health.

Possible complications associated with implants include capsular contracture, which involves the tightening of scar tissues surrounding the implant, rupture, or leakage after some time, which might induce discomfort or other health problems.

BII or Breast Implant Illness: A number of people complain about various symptoms, including tiredness, pain in the joints, or foggy thinking, which they attribute to their implants. Even though the research into the above symptoms with regard to breast implants is still underway, some patients decide on implant removal as a treatment method for these health complaints.

Changes in Body or Lifestyle: Pregnancy, aging, or weight fluctuations can alter the appearance of the breasts, and some individuals may choose to remove their implants to achieve a more natural look.

A Desire to Get Back to Natural Appearance: For others, removal of implants is about returning to a more natural size or shape of breasts, after living for some years with dissatisfaction either with aesthetic results or changes brought on by the implants.

The Procedure for Removal of Breast Implants

Surgery to remove breast implants is usually performed under general anesthesia, and the length of time for surgery can take anywhere from one to two hours, depending on how complicated it might be or whether further procedures, like a breast lift, are performed in conjunction with the removal. The steps include:

Incision: The surgeon will make an incision in the same area where the initial breast augmentation surgery was performed. Common places of incisions include the fold of the breast, that is inframammory, around the areola, that is periareolar, and the armpit, that is transaxillary.

Implant Removal: The surgeon will remove the implant(s) and a portion of the surrounding capsule. Sometimes, as in capsular contracture cases, the capsule is preferred to be removed along with the implant to avoid its recurrence.

Additional Procedures (Optional): Additional procedures like a breast lift may be carried out simultaneously, if the patient wishes, to correct dropping and /or alteration in the form of the breasts due to removal.

Closure of the Incisions: The surgeon closes the incisions with absorbable sutures following the removal of the implants. Sometimes, drains might be placed to help prevent fluid accumulation.

Recovery and Aftercare

Recovery following removal of the breast implant may vary in individual cases depending on the peculiarities of the surgery performed, but, on the whole, it flows as follows:

Initial Recovery: Generally, during the first several days after the surgical procedure, patients complain of moderate swelling, bruising, and soreness. Pain medications and cold compresses can help reduce discomfort.

Supportive Garment: A supportive bra or a compression garment is usually worn for several weeks following surgery to support the breasts while healing and to minimize swelling.

Rest and Restrictions: Heavy physical activity of any type, such as lifting, exercise, or anything that may put tension on the chest area, should be strictly avoided for at least four to six weeks. Light activities, such as walking, can be resumed after the first few days.

Follow-Up Appointments: Patients will have follow-up visits with their surgeon as scheduled to check on their recovery process and ensure that the breasts are healing well.

Emotional Recovery: It's important to be prepared for potential emotional changes after breast implant removal. Some individuals experience a period of adjustment as they adapt to their new breast appearance, especially if they have had implants for many years.

Benefits of Breast Implant Removal

Breast implant removal offers several potential benefits, depending on the individual’s goals:

Relieve Complications: If the implants are causing complications such as capsular contracture, rupture, and leakage, removal can relieve discomfort or health concerns.

Improved Health: For patients who think the implants are responsible for their systemic symptoms, removing the implants may put them on a road to improved health and well-being.

Return to Natural Appearance: For many, having the implants removed can make them more comfortable and confident because they can go back to a more natural breast size and shape that is more compatible with their lifestyle and body image objectives.

Prevention of Future Problems: If the implants are at or near the end of their life span, usually between 10 and 15 years, their removal might prevent any future complications and avoid the need for replacement implants.

Risks and Considerations

Breast implant removal is generally safe; however, it is important to understand possible risks and complications associated with the procedure.

Scarring: Although the incisions are usually placed in discreet areas, scarring is not entirely avoidable. The degree of scarring might vary depending on the surgical technique and individual healing factors.

Breast Changes: The breasts may appear deflated, sagging, or less firm after the implant removal. In patients with significant breast ptosis, other additional procedures can be suggested, such as a breast lift, to further improve the appearance of the breasts.

Infection: There is an infection risk associated with all surgeries. Close adherence to follow-up care and post-operative instructions will help to minimize this risk.

Changes in Sensation: Some individuals may experience changes in nipple sensitivity or breast sensation after the procedure, though these changes are usually temporary.

Costs of Breast Implant Removal

The cost of breast implant removal can vary widely depending on the complexity of the procedure, the geographic location of the surgery, and whether additional procedures (such as a breast lift) are included. On average, the cost of breast implant removal ranges from $2,000 to $5,000. It is important to consult with a board-certified plastic surgeon to obtain a more accurate estimate based on your specific needs and goals.

Is It Time for Breast Implant Removal?

If you are considering breast implant removal, it is important that you consult a board-certified plastic surgeon who specializes in performing breast surgery. Your surgeon will assess your situation, discuss your goals and expectations with you, and advise you about the best course of action. Whether your reasons for wanting the implants removed are health-related, based on cosmetic issues, or you simply wish to return to a natural appearance, it's a personal decision that should be carefully weighed with options.

Conclusion
Breast implant removal is a safe and effective way of reversing changes that have been brought about by breast augmentation to take care of possible implant complications or simply to return to a more natural-looking breast. Whether motivated by health concerns or a matter of personal preference, removal can considerably affect your quality of life. Breast implant removal, if supported and guided by the right professional surgeon, could make you more comfortable and confident again with your body.