What is breast implant removal?
Breast implant removal surgery is a surgical procedure intended for patients who have previously undergone breast augmentation mammoplasty and may be unhappy with their implants or are experiencing complications associated with the implants. The procedure aims to correct complications that may have occurred by removing the breast implant and related scar tissue. Whilst some women may choose to have the implants removed and replaced, some patients, whether for medical or personal reasons, decide to remove their implants entirely. It is a personal choice, and the surgery differs for each patient, depending on their health requirements and personal aesthetic goals. For some women, a breast lift – mastopexy may be recommended in combination with removal, as the breast tissue and skin are often stretched and can appear ptotic after removal. Breast fat grafting may also be recommended for patients who do not wish to have implants but still desire an aesthetic look similar to implants.
Why get breast implant removal?
There are several reasons women may wish to remove their implants. Although breast implants have a significant lifespan, breast augmentation mammoplasty patients will need revisional or removal surgery at some stage in the future. The decision to remove your implants is highly personal, and many factors can influence this.
Localised implant issues
Despite how common breast augmentation mammoplasty procedures are, medical complications, such as capsular contracture or implant rupture, can occur. Capsular contracture occurs when the scar tissue tightens around the implant, causing the breasts to harden, with some patients experiencing prolonged pain. Capsular contracture does not always require removal if the patient is not experiencing any adverse symptoms and can be corrected, but every case of contracture is unique. Implant rupture can be caused by trauma or a breakdown in the implant shell’s integrity, causing the implant to leak and the breasts to visibly deflate. The amount of leakage and rupture will determine whether implant removal is urgently required.
Breast cancer
A breast cancer diagnosis may require breast implants to be removed to ensure the effective treatment of cancer. This may happen as part of a mastectomy procedure to remove cancerous breast tissue, but breast reconstruction surgery is an option for patients following treatment and remission of cancer.
Breast implant illness
Many patients have reported experiencing non-specific symptoms attributed to their implants. Patients have described symptoms such as fatigue, cognitive impairment, lethargy, anxiety, brain fogginess, and other health issues and have found that removing their implants has brought relief from these symptoms.
Changes in personal preference
Sometimes breast implant removal surgery is motivated by a patient’s personal preferences. You may wish to not have implants anymore or perhaps seek an alternative implant size for aesthetic reasons. As women age or experience natural changes to their body from pregnancy or weight changes, these factors can affect the look and feel of implants. Therefore, some women may choose to correct or remove their implants entirely. The decision can be based on what feels suitable for you.
Am I a suitable candidate for breast implant removal?
Breast implant removal is available to women who have previously undergone breast augmentation mammoplasty surgery and are experiencing any of the issues or concerns mentioned above. It is recommended that patients are as physically healthy as they can be before undergoing any surgical procedure.
Am I a suitable candidate for breast implant removal?
Breast implant removal is available to women who have previously undergone breast augmentation mammoplasty surgery and are experiencing any of the issues or concerns mentioned above. It is recommended that patients are as physically healthy as they can be before undergoing any surgical procedure.
Consultation with Dr Matt Starr
Before undergoing breast implant removal, an initial consultation with Plastic Surgeon Dr Matt Starr is essential. You will discuss your reasons and concerns for wanting to remove your implants, including your medical history, previous surgeries, and family medical history. If you are experiencing complications such as a rupture, contracture, or illness, you will need to provide medical test results such as ultrasounds, MRI scans, and previous operation records. This is vital information in helping Dr Matt Starr determine the best course of action in removing your implants, as he will analyse the current placement of the implants, the surrounding skin and breast tissue quality, and your type of implants.
We will need to take photos of your breasts to evaluate the extent of concerns needing removal and correction. Rest assured that these images remain strictly confidential and are only shared amongst your medical team for medical purposes. Once Dr Starr has discussed and assessed these factors with you, he will recommend a procedure plan to remove your breast implants and surrounding scar tissue.
The procedure
Breast implant removal surgery is usually performed as a day procedure, taking around two to three hours under general anaesthetic. Several types of removal techniques can be used, depending on the extent of scar tissue and whether a rupture or capsular contracture has occurred. The method will depend on the patient’s preference and the procedure techniques’ suitability for the patient.
Breast implant removal techniques include:
- Partial Capsulectomy
This technique is an option for patients wanting to decrease their breast implant size or if the scar tissue has adhered to the chest wall and involves the partial removal of the scar capsule. - Total capsulectomy
This method involves the removal of the implant followed by the scar capsule. However, suppose the scar tissue has firmly attached to the chest wall. In that case, performing a total capsulectomy may not be safe, as safety is the most critical factor when determining procedural techniques. - En Bloc capsulectomy
En Bloc breast implant removal aims to remove the surrounding scar tissue capsule and the implant together as one piece. This type of removal is often preferred for patients with a ruptured implant or who wish to ensure that the implant and all affected tissue are entirely removed, but it may not be suitable for every patient and highly depends on individual circumstances. This technique also results in longer procedure times and a more extensive incision; therefore, the risk of scarring is higher.
Recovery & aftercare
After your procedure, you will experience swelling, soreness, bruising, and stiffness or tightness, symptoms you would have initially felt with your original breast augmentation mammoplasty surgery. These symptoms may last for several weeks post-surgery. Your breasts will be wrapped in gauze with drain tubes inserted in each breast to help prevent fluid accumulation. Patients may be required to stay in the hospital for a few days until these drains are removed, at which point they will be fitted with a compression garment to help manage swelling and discomfort.
General aftercare instructions for breast implant correction include:
- Take enough time off work – up to two weeks for office workers
- Keep the wound clean and dry for two to three days
- Elevate your head when sleeping for one to two weeks post-surgery
- Light walking after a couple of days is encouraged to prevent blood clotting and other complications
- Do not lift anything heavy for at least one month
- Avoid driving for around two weeks or until pain medication is no longer required
- Wear compression garments for at least six weeks
- Take prescribed medications and creams
What risks or complications are associated with breast implant revision surgery?
No matter what surgery patients undergo, whether medical or cosmetic, there are always risks and complications associated with that procedure, and patients should be aware of this before undergoing any surgery. Risks and complications associated with breast implant removal can include:
- Haematoma
- Infection
- Anaesthesia risks
- Capsular contracture
- Poor scarring
- Poor healing
- Changes in nipple or breast sensation
- Blood clots
- Seromas
- Pain
- Implant leakage or rupture
