Exploring Breast Implant Removal: Reasons and Considerations
There are various reasons an individual may decide to undergo breast implant removal surgery. Whether due to health concerns, changes in lifestyle, or implant-related complications, the decision to remove breast implants is unique to each person’s circumstances.
Understanding the reasons behind this choice and the potential factors can help individuals make an informed decision that aligns with their health. Reasons patients may seek breast implant removal surgery include;
- Personal Choice: Some individuals simply decide that they no longer wish to have breast implants.
- Health and Health Concerns: Health-related concerns, such as potential complications associated with breast implants or concerns about long-term effects, can lead individuals to opt for removal.
- Complications such as implant rupture, leakage, shifting, or scar tissue formation may lead to discomfort or other issues, causing some patients to opt for removal.
- Physical Discomfort: Some individuals experience physical discomfort, pain, or sensations after breast augmentation, which they hope to alleviate through removal.
- Lifestyle changes, like desiring a more active routine, sometimes factor into an individual’s decision to undergo this procedure.
- Natural Ageing: As time goes on, some people find that their priorities and perceptions change, prompting them to consider removing implants.
- Changes that can occur as implants get older, such as changes in appearance over time, sometimes lead to consideration of removal.
- Financial factors may play a role in some patients’ decisions to undergo this procedure.
Am I a Good Candidate for Breast Implant Removal Surgery?
Careful thought should go into the decision to undergo this procedure. If you find yourself experiencing any of the following situations, you may be a suitable candidate for breast implant removal surgery;
- Health Concerns: If you’re facing implant-related health issues, such as pain, discomfort, Infections, or complications like scar tissue formation, removal may help address these concerns.
- Preferences: Your preferences may have changed over time, and you would like a different size or look.
- Lifestyle Changes: If your lifestyle or physical activities have shifted, and the presence of breast implants no longer aligns with your activities, you may wish to consider removal.
- Implant Age: If your breast implants are old and you’re considering implant replacement, removal may be an option to consider.
- If an implant has ruptured or deflated, removal is often recommended.
- Pregnancy and Breastfeeding: Life events like pregnancy and breastfeeding can impact breast shape, which may lead some women to consider removal.
- Some patients seek removal if implants are leading to concerns.
- Desire for a Previous Appearance: If you initially opted for breast augmentation but now prefer your previous appearance, removal might be a suitable choice.
A consultation with a qualified plastic surgeon is recommended to determine if this procedure may be suitable for your situation. The surgeon can assess your health, history, and goals to determine if removal may be appropriate.
What Can I Expect During Surgery?
Breast implant removal surgery involves a series of steps to effectively remove breast implants. The steps involved are customised per patient and may include:
Anesthesia
The procedure begins with the administration of general anaesthesia for pain management during the procedure. An anesthesiologist administers and monitors anaesthesia.
Incision Placement
The surgeon will make incisions according to the pre-determined plan. The incision locations depend on factors such as your previous implant placement (subglandular or submuscular) and whether you’re undergoing simultaneous procedures like a breast lift.
Implant Removal
The implants are removed. Any scar tissue or capsules are removed if present.
Capsulectomy (If Needed)
In cases where scar tissue formation or other complications are present, the surgeon may need to remove the capsule to prevent complications and address complications. A capsulectomy removes any scar tissue surrounding implants.
Closing Incisions and Applying Dressings
Incisions are sutured closed once the removal is complete. Dressings are applied over the incisions.
You’ll be monitored in the recovery area until you’re ready to be discharged, usually on the same day of surgery.
Recovery and Follow-Up
Your surgeon will provide you with specific aftercare instructions to support recovery. Follow-ups monitor recovery and address concerns.
Note: This is surgery to remove existing implants and NOT replace them with new ones. Breast implant removal procedures are customised based on individual needs.
Risks and Complications
Breast implant removal surgery, like any surgical procedure, carries potential risks and complications. Your Surgeon will make you aware of these during your consultation. It’s important to be aware of potential challenges, including;
- Infection
- Bleeding
- Scarring
- Changes in Sensation
- Fluid Accumulation
- Seroma
- Hematoma
- Implant Leakage
- Asymmetry
- Breast Tissue Changes
- Capsular Contracture
- Cosmetic Dissatisfaction
- Poor Wound Healing
- Anesthesia Risks
- Blood Clots (Deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism)
Recovery from Breast Implant Removal
The length of your recovery period will depend on the specifics of your procedure as well as other health & lifestyle factors. Its important to not that individual healing and recovery times will vary.
There will be some degree of bruising, swelling and pain/discomfort after surgery, however your surgeon will provide medication to help manage your discomfort and provide further instruction on how to minimise swelling and bruising.
The general rule, however, is that you should allow a minimum of 4-6 weeks for initial recovery following your Breast Implant Removal surgery. Although, scar maturation often takes longer (upwards of a year).
Be sure you wear your garment as instructed and follow the aftercare instructions provided to assist you during your healing and recovery.
Follow your surgeon’s guidance on allowing sufficient healing time. Consult with your surgeon before returning to daily activities such as driving, lifting, and exercising. Follow instructions on wearing any recommended compression garments.
Coco Ruby Plastic Surgery will provide you with after-garments. Recovery can be supported by a collaborative approach and a healthy lifestyle. Follow your surgeon’s instructions and attend recommended follow-up appointments.
Breast Implant Removal Melbourne Costs How much is a Breast Implant Removal (Explant Surgery) Melbourne?
The cost of surgery can be influenced by several factors, such as the specifics of the procedure, the surgeon’s fees, the length of hospital stay, and other related expenses.
For accurate and personalised information regarding the cost of your breast augmentation surgery, speaking to a plastic surgeon can provide personalised cost information. A consultation allows the surgeon to offer a detailed breakdown of the expenses involved and address any specific concerns you may have.
We also provide information on Private Health Insurance and information about a Breast Implant Removal Payment options.
Why Choose Coco Ruby Plastic Surgery?
Choosing a Specialist Plastic Surgeon means you are choosing an accredited recognised plastic surgeon that performs surgery in an accredited hospital. Look for members of FRACS, ASPS, ASAPS or ISAPS as some of the Qualifications of your Plastic Surgeon.
About our Surgeons
It is important to research a Surgeon’s qualifications and experience before deciding on the Surgeon. You can check your surgeons’ credentials at AHPRA. Our Breast Reduction Surgeons, Dr Craig Rubinstein, Dr Broughton Snell and Dr Gary Kode are all experienced, specialist plastic surgeons with current FRACS memberships.
