Making the decision to remove your breast implants is not an easy one. There are many reasons why you may consider having your implants removed, and no matter what they may be, it is essential that you are well-informed before committing to the procedure.
At The New Birkdale Clinic, we believe that it is important for you to do your due diligence and properly research the procedure that you are thinking of.
If you are considering having breast implant removal, read this blog to find out more about the procedure.
Why Might Someone Get Breast Implant Removal?
There are a lot of reasons why you may decide to get breast implant removal. For example, you may simply decide that you no longer like the appearance of your implants anymore, or they may be causing you discomfort or pain.
Another reason why someone may have their breast implants removed is because their implant is coming to the end of its lifespan. There comes a point where implants need to be replaced, but this can differ depending on the type of implant it is, as silicone and saline implants have some big structural differences.
Here is a further explanation concerning some of the reasons why you may wish to get your breast implants removed.
Capsular Contracture
Capsular contracture is a condition where scar tissues that form around a breast implant harden and tighten in an abnormal way, making the breast feel unusually firm, painful and even distorted.
The cause of capsular contracture is unknown, but it can be incredibly painful when it occurs.
Rupture or Leakage
There are a number of reasons why a breast implant may rupture or leak. For example, it could happen due to the natural ageing of the implant or through physical trauma.
Ruptures and leakages can also be caused by an error made by the surgeon who inserted the implants initially, which only emphasises the importance of making sure that you are only working with surgeons with years of experience and proof of their credentials.
Change in Preferences
As time passes, we all change, and we may not like the same things that we did five or ten years ago. For example, though you may have liked the breast implants you selected years ago, you may no longer enjoy their size or shape.
Concern over long-term health effects
At The New Birkdale Clinic, we believe in full transparency, which is why we inform all of our patients of the potential long-term health effects that implants can cause.
If you have implants, there is the risk of the development of a rare type of lymphoma called Breast Implant-Associated Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma, which is a cancer that can develop around the breast implants.
Though there is no guarantee that you will develop this condition, that is a risk that you are exposed to, and many people like to mitigate this risk by having the implants removed.
What to Expect From the Breast Implant Removal Procedure
Most breast implant removal procedures are performed under general anaesthesia, so you will be asleep for the duration of the procedure.
The surgeon will access the implants using the incision site that was previously made from your breast augmentation to minimise scarring. Once the incision is made, they will then remove the implants and any surrounding scar tissue.
The surgery time can differ depending on the size of the implants and the pacing of the surgeon. You should expect the surgery to be complete in 1.5-3 hours, but this can be longer if you require any additional procedures.
Is Further Surgery Required?
Further surgery may be required after breast implant surgery, especially if there is any scar tissue around the implant.
A capsulectomy is a procedure in which the scar tissue that forms around the breast implant is removed. This tissue development is generally not too severe or noticeable, but in some cases, it can be incredibly painful and require removal.
Some people may also choose to have their implants replaced, be that with bigger or even smaller implants. It is generally recommended that you do not get smaller implants unless you are willing to undergo further procedures to tighten the skin.
The Recovery Process of Breast Implant Removal
Now that you know more about the procedure itself, we will go into more detail concerning the side effects of breast implant removal surgery and what to expect from the recovery process.
Immediate Recovery
Within the first 48 hours of the procedure, you will typically be kept under observation and you will be bandaged up. In some cases, you may also require small drainage tubes to prevent the build-up of fluid.
It is completely normal to experience discomfort, swelling and tenderness in the chest area after the procedure. In these instances, you will be prescribed pain medication to manage this.
It is important to get plenty of rest during this stage of the procedure, and it is generally recommended that when you go home, you are accompanied by a friend or family member.
Short-Term Recovery
In the first 1-2 weeks after the procedure, you will likely have a lot of bruising and swelling in the area. This is really common and can be aided with the support of a compression garment or surgical bra. This can reduce the swelling substantially.
At New Birkdale Clinic, we will arrange a follow-up appointment within a week of the procedure to monitor your healing and remove any drains that may have been used.
At this stage, it is essential to keep the wound dry and clean in order to prevent infection.
Long-Term Recovery
Most patients have fully recovered from the procedure within 8 weeks, but this can vary depending on the person, as some people heal faster than others. Diet can also play a key role in how quickly you heal.
By this point, the swelling should have subsided and the breasts should be settling into their natural position.
At this point, you may also presume physical exercise without worry of injuring yourself.
What Do Breasts Look Like After Implants Are Removed?
A lot of people worry about their chest appearing flat after breast implant removal, which is why a lot of people feel so resistant to undergoing the surgery. It is true that your breasts will appear significantly less full after the surgery, and they may even slag slightly.
If you are not happy with how your breasts look after the implants are removed, you can choose to undergo a mastopexy or breast lift, where the breasts will be reshaped.
A fat transfer may also be used to add volume back to the breast after the implants have been removed.
The Emotional and Psychological Impact of Implant Removal
Like any procedure, you can expect a breast implant removal procedure to have an emotional impact. A lot of people may initially feel relief, especially if they have experienced discomfort caused by their implants.
However, adjusting to their new body image can take some patients a while. If you have had your implants for some time now, it can be difficult to get used to how you look without them, so it is definitely something that you have to slowly overcome.
Don’t be too concerned if you experience emotions such as anxiety or regret, as these feelings can stem from hormonal changes caused by the surgery, but please contact our patient care team if you’re concerned.
Potential Risks and Complications of Breast Implant Removal
Though relatively safe, implant removal has potential risks and complications. You may encounter some of the following dangers after undergoing implant removal surgery:
- Bleeding
- Infection
- Anesthesia risks
- Deep vein thrombosis
- Cardiac complications.
There is also a risk of aesthetic complications, such as asymmetry or skin discolouration, so be aware of these before having surgery.
Before undergoing the procedure, your surgeon can explain the risks further and guide safe recovery.
The Importance of Picking the Right Surgeon
Now that you know more about what to expect from breast implant removal, we would like to finish off this blog by emphasising the importance of picking the right surgeon.
If you want to undergo implant removal surgery, we recommend contacting The New Birkdale Clinic today to arrange a consultation. We have years of experience performing breast procedures with brilliant results, and we can achieve the results you are looking for.
Picking the right surgeon is about more than just competitive pricing lists; it’s about working with someone with your best interests and the experience to provide you with the results you are looking for.
Book a consultation to find out how we can help you.
FAQS
How can I help breasts fluff after explant surgery?
To promote effective tissue regeneration, it’s important to maintain a balanced diet that includes nutrient-rich foods. Smoking should be avoided, as it can impede the healing process and diminish skin elasticity.
Engaging in moderate exercise can also help tone the breast area. Additionally, considering lymphatic drainage techniques may help reduce swelling and enhance overall tissue health.
How long does it take for breasts to look normal after implant removal?
It can take several weeks or months for the breasts to look normal again, depending on the elasticity of the skin and overall health.
Should I have other surgeries after my implant removal?
Whether or not you should have other surgeries depends entirely on what look you wish to achieve.
If you are worried about sagging, you may wish to undergo a breast lift, or if you would like to have a fuller-looking bust again, you may wish to undergo another breast augmentation.
