Breast Implant Removal
Breast implant removal, or explanation, is a surgical procedure to remove previously placed breast implants. Women may choose this procedure for medical, aesthetic, or personal reasons.
What is breast implant removal?
Breast implant removal, also known as explantation, is a surgical procedure to remove previously inserted breast implants. There are various reasons why individuals opt for breast implant removal, ranging from health concerns and complications to personal preferences and lifestyle changes. In this article, we will delve into the reasons for removal, the procedure itself, and important considerations for surgical intervention.
Reasons for Breast Implant Removal
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Complications:
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Over time, breast implants tend to form scar tissue around them (capsular contracture). Depending on the degree of contracture, the implants can become hard, misshapen and painful. Implants can also rupture and become displaced (malposition) which may or may not be associated with capsular contracture. These issues may necessitate implant removal to alleviate discomfort or to restore a natural appearance.
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More infrequently implants may be associated with certain types of cancers, like BIA-ALCL and BIA-SCC (Breast implant associated lymphoma or squamous cell carcinoma)
2.Health Concerns:
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Breast implant illness (BII) describes a collection of symptoms like fatigue and low energy level, joint and muscle pain, brain fog and difficulty concentrating that some women with implants experience. The exact reason for BII is not fully understood but there are theories to suggest that it could be body’s immune system reaction to the foreign material. Some women experience improvement in symptoms after implant removal. The research around BII is still evolving and removing implants does not guarantee symptom resolution.
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3.Desire for Lifestyle Changes:
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Women may choose to remove breast implants due to lifestyle changes, shifting preferences, or changes in body image perception. Some may prefer a more natural look or find that the implants no longer align with their lifestyle.
The Breast Implant Removal Procedure
Consultation and Assessment:
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Before the surgery, you’ll have a consultation to discuss the reasons for removal, options for adjunctive procedures following removal and expectations. The surgeon will evaluate the breasts, skin elasticity, and the condition of the existing implants. You might need additional tests (imaging) like mammogram or ultrasound. It is very important to be clear about your expectations from surgery, both in terms of symptom improvement and desired aesthetic outcome (size/shape of breast).
Procedures and Options:
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Implant removal only with or without capsulectomy – A simple implant removal with no other procedures will lead to loss of volume and sagging of the breast. The severity of these effects will vary, depending on the size of initial implants, residual breast tissue and skin elasticity. Capsulectomy is a surgical procedure that involves the removal of breast implants along with the surrounding scar tissue (capsule) that naturally forms around the implant. The data around removal of capsule is not conclusive and the need for this procedure will be discussed on individual basis.​​
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Implant removal and breast lift (mastopexy) also known as explantation with mastopexy, is a surgical procedure that involves removing breast implants and at the same time performing a breast lift to reshape the natural breast tissue. The procedure aims to restore a youthful shape and lift to breasts that may have sagged as a result of stretching from the implants.
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Implant removal and fat grafting – This procedure involves liposuction which can be tailored to your needs. The fat obtained by liposuction is then injected into the breast to restore part of the lost volume. It is unlikely that all of the volume can be replaced with fat grafting in one session. Fat grafting may be combined with a mastopexy to augment the volume and achieve better cleavage.
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Implant removal and reconstruction with flap (skin and fat from under the breast or back). This can be combined with a reverse abdominoplasty (tummy tuck) or a body lift (back and love handles). If the skin and fat are taken from the back, these will result in additional scars.
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Breast Implant Removal is not a uniform or standard procedure and you should think carefully about your reasons for implant removal and desired outcome. It is very important to have thorough consultation with your surgeon and explore all options to make an informed decision.
