Top Reasons for Breast Implant Removal Surgery
Breast implant removal surgery is the removal of breast implants either for medical reasons or aesthetic reasons. Patients may want to have their implants removed because of an illness or because they simply want to change the size or shape of their implants.
We’ll discuss more of the specific reasons why patients have their breast implants removed in the following article.
Top Reasons for the Breast Implant Removal Process
Desire for a More Natural Look
As aesthetic preferences change over time, many people choose to return to a more natural breast appearance, opting to have their implants removed.
If you look at breast implant removal before and after photos, you’ll see that many patients appear far more “natural” following surgery. Of course, this always depends on the type of implants (silicone or saline implants, implant size, smooth vs textured implants, etc.) that you initially chose.
Patients may also choose to undergo breast reconstruction by removing their breast implants and scar tissue but replacing their lost volume by getting fat grafting. This is when fat from other parts of the body are injected into the breast tissue to add natural volume.
Implant Lifespan
Breast implants are not lifetime devices. Many individuals opt for removal when their implants reach the end of their lifespan. This helps to avoid complications associated with aging implants.
Simplified Breast Cancer Screening
Implants can sometimes obscure mammogram images, making breast cancer detection more challenging. Removing implants can simplify and improve the accuracy of breast cancer screenings.
Health Concerns
Some individuals may experience complications such as capsular contracture (the formation of a hardened and painful scar tissue capsule), implant rupture, or systemic symptoms linked to Breast Implant Illness (BII), prompting them to remove their implants and restore overall health.
Fortunately, if you are indeed experiencing health concerns while you get your implants out, the breast implant removal recovery period is typically not too challenging. In terms of after breast implant removal side effects, many patients say it’s similar to recovery from initial breast augmentation surgery.
The most common symptoms to be aware of are some related to waking up from general anesthesia (fatigue, nausea) as well as swelling, bruising, and light discomfort. Most patients do very well and do not have severe pain following surgery.
Changes in Body Proportions
Significant weight fluctuations, pregnancy, or aging can alter body proportions, leading individuals to feel that their implants no longer complement their body shape.
Physical Comfort
Some people experience discomfort, back pain, or strain due to the added weight of implants. Removal can alleviate these physical symptoms and improve quality of life.
Maintenance-Free Lifestyle
While there are always breast implant pros and cons, one of the benefits is that you won’t need to continue with ongoing maintenance, including periodic imaging and potential future surgeries. Removing these eliminates related concerns, offering a maintenance-free option.
Personal Choice and Lifestyle Changes
Lifestyle changes, such as increased physical activity or a shift in personal values can also influence the decision to remove breast implants to better align with one’s current lifestyle and self-image.
FAQ: Breast Implant Removal Procedure
How long is breast implant removal surgery?
This depends. The surgery may take anywhere from one to three hours, but it all depends on the details of your procedure. For example, if you simply want to have your breast implants removed, this is going to be a shorter procedure than if you decide to have your breast implants removed and replaced with new ones.
What is the breast implant removal surgery name?
Breast implant removal is often called breast implant explant surgery or just breast explant surgery.
How much is breast implant removal?
If you’re interested in learning more about the cost of breast implant removal, please call today and schedule a consultation appointment with Dr. David Sieber. He will need to examine you and talk to you about what your ultimate goals are before he can give you an accurate quote for surgery.
How long does breast implant removal surgery take to heal?
Most patients heal from breast implant removal surgery in one to two weeks. With that said, this time will vary, depending on if you decide to get a breast lift after breast implant removal or to replace your current implants with new ones.
Is breast implant removal surgery dangerous?
When we remove breast implants due to a medical condition, the surgery itself is actually far less dangerous than if the patient were to continue on with, for example, ruptured silicone implants.
However, it’s also important to remember that any plastic surgery (and any surgery in general) is going to come with certain risks. Your surgeon will discuss these rare but potential risks with you at your consultation appointment.
Schedule an In-Person Consultation Today
Do you think you may need your breast implants removed? This procedure can provide many benefits for patients — whether you choose to get new implants or take a different route with surgery.
Double board certified plastic surgeon Dr. David Sieber and his team can help you make the best decision on breast implant removal surgery. Please contact us today to schedule an in-person consultation appointment with Dr. Sieber. We look forward to your call!