Breast implant removal surgery
Author: Mateen Arrain
Breast implants are not meant to be permanent. In fact, it is estimated that one in four women who get breast implants will eventually need to have them removed.
What is breast implant removal surgery?
Breast implant removal surgery is a procedure to remove one or both breast implants. It may also be called explant surgery. Breast implants are not lifetime devices. You may need to have additional surgeries over time to maintain your appearance. The risks of explant surgery include infection, bleeding, and a reaction to the anesthesia. You may also have a reaction to the implant material itself.
What Does a Breast Implant Removal Procedure Involve?
The surgery will be performed under general anesthesia. This means that you will be asleep during the surgery. The surgeon will make an incision in your breast and remove the implant. They will then close the incision with stitches. You may have drains placed under your skin to help drain any excess fluid. You may need to stay in the hospital overnight for this procedure.
What happens after breast implant removal?
The recovery time after breast implant removal is usually 1-2 weeks. You will likely have some pain and swelling during this time. You will need to take it easy and not do any strenuous activity for at least 4-6 weeks after surgery. Your surgeon will give you specific instructions on how to care for your incisions and when you can return to your normal activities.
You will be asked to wear a compression bra day and night for the first 2 weeks. Most women experience some degree of discomfort and soreness after explant surgery. To help reduce swelling and support your breasts as they heal, your surgeon will likely recommend that you wear a compression bra. You should plan to wear the bra day and night for at least two weeks, taking it off only to shower or bathe.
The compression helps to shrink your breast tissue back into place and prevents the formation of a seroma, which is a build-up of fluid that can occur after surgery. Wearing the bra will also help you to feel more comfortable as your breasts heal. After two weeks, you can gradually start to reduce the amount of time you wear the bra each day.
What are the risks of breast implant removal?
Complications can include infection, bleeding, and formation of scar tissue. In some cases, the surrounding tissue may be damaged, resulting in the need for a mastectomy. As a result, women considering breast implant removal should discuss the risks with their surgeon and weigh them against the potential benefits. Only then can they make an informed decision about whether or not to proceed.
Breast implant removal cost
The cost of breast implant removal surgery varies depending on a number of factors, including the location of the procedure, the type of implants used, and the experience of the surgeon. In general, however, patients can expect to pay anywhere from $3,000 to $5,000 for the surgery. Many insurance companies will not cover the cost of breast implant removal, so it is important to check with your provider before scheduling the procedure. Additionally, some surgeons may offer financing options to help make the surgery more affordable. Ultimately, the best way to determine the cost of breast implant removal is to consult with a board-certified plastic surgeon.
Why is breast implant removal done?
There are several reasons why this may be necessary. Complications from the surgery, such as infection or capsular contracture or breast implant illness may occur. In some cases, the implants may rupture or leak, causing pain or other complications. Another significant reason is that the materials of the implants wear and tear over time and therefore they may need replacement with age.
What happens to your body and breast appearance when the breast implant is removed?
In some cases, the breast structure may return to its normal shape. However, this is not always the case. Many women experience some degree of sagging after implant removal due to the stretching of the skin and the natural aging process. Ultimately, each woman’s experience is unique, and there is no guarantee that breasts will return to their original state after implant removal.
Should you remove old breast implants?
Breast implants are not designed to last forever. Most manufacturers provide a 10-15 year warranty for their implants, and after that time it is recommended that they be exchanged or removed. The reason for this is that the body will eventually break down the implant, causing it to leak. In addition, the surrounding tissue will also change over time, which can cause the implants to become misshapen.
Will I need a lift after breast implant removal?
If you’ve had implants for many years, it’s likely that your skin has stretched and your breasts have lost some of their shape. In this case, a breast uplift may be required to restore a perkier, more youthful look.
On the other hand, if you’ve only had your implants for a short time after having explant surgery, it is normal for breasts to appear flatter and deflated. This is because the implants that were previously in place are no longer there. The skin will likely appear slightly caved in as well. However, this is only temporary and the breasts will eventually “fluff up.” This usually takes three to six months. During this time, massaging the breasts can help to speed up the process.
What happens to the capsule after explant?
After a breast implant is removed, the capsule that remains must also be removed. The capsule is a fibrous sac that surrounds the breast implant. It is made up of breast tissue and collagen, and it helps to support the implant. Capsules can contract and harden over time, which can cause pain and deformity. Explant surgery involves removing both the implant and the capsule. The surgeon will make an incision around the areola or under the breast crease. Then, the capsule will be carefully removed from around the implant. Finally, the breast implant will be taken out through the same incision.
