Breast augmentation with implants is one of the most common cosmetic surgeries, with the number of surgeries performed rising nearly every year. As a natural result of this increase, more women are discussing breast implant removal. There are many reasons that women consider breast implant removal including body changes, lifestyle changes, aesthetic concerns, rupture, and more.
At eSSe Plastic Surgery in Ft. Lauderdale, FL, we are here to support your decision to have your breast implants removed. We will guide you through the process of whether you are interested in having your implants replaced or removed and we will discuss whether additional procedures are recommended to restore your breast shape after removal. A consultation with us is always the best place to start.
Common Reasons for Breast Implant Removal
Implant Exchange
One of the most common reasons for breast implant removal is a desire to have the implants exchanged. Some patients may want to exchange their implants for prosthetics that are a different shape, size, material, or profile. They may also want to change the position of the implants to over or under the muscle for aesthetic or practical reasons.
Body Changes
Some women may want to remove or exchange their breast implants after body changes such as weight gain, pregnancy, breastfeeding, or aging. If you no longer like the way your breast implants look after body changes, we can help you select new implants or remove them.
Lifestyle Changes
Some lifestyle changes can make breast implants less convenient. Some women may wish to have their implants removed if they are getting in the way of their athletic pursuits or causing discomfort after similar lifestyle changes. Other individuals may find that their preferences and concerns have changed as they have gotten older and they no longer want their implants.
Presence of Breast Cancer
While breast implant removal isn’t always necessary after a diagnosis of breast cancer, it may be indicated in certain situations. If you have been diagnosed with breast cancer, you can discuss the necessity of breast implant removal with your doctor.
Signs of Breast Implant Problems
Deflated Breast Implant
Depending on what type of breast implant you have, a rupture may be more or less noticeable. Saline implants will show a rupture right away because the implant will deflate. If you notice one of your breasts suddenly deflate, you will need to make an appointment to have the implant removed or replaced.
Signs of Rupture on MRI
If you have silicone implants, it is recommended to have an MRI routinely to check for silent rupture. If your MRI shows a rupture in one of your implants, you will need to have implant removal surgery.
Rippling or Wrinkling
If you notice rippling or wrinkling on the skin from your implant, this can affect the aesthetics of your breast implants. Having your breast implants repositioned or changing the material of your implant can resolve wrinkles.
Breast Asymmetry
Body changes can cause your breasts to change size. If you have noticed that one breast is larger than the other and you already have implants, your implants can be exchanged, adjusted, or removed to improve breast symmetry.
Pain in Breast Implant
If you are experiencing pain in your breast implant, there could be a variety of reasons including pinched nerves or scar tissue. Breast implant removal is sometimes indicated in these situations.
Signs of Capsular Contracture
While your body will naturally form soft scar tissue around the breast implant after insertion, in rare cases it can cause capsular contracture. A hard capsule of scar tissue around the implant can cause the shape of the implant to distort, making the shape of the breasts look unnatural. Implants can be removed or the capsular contracture can be corrected.
How Does a Breast Implant Removal Work?
Depending on the type of breast implant removal that you and your doctor decide on, your surgery may look a little different. Some breast implant removals are straightforward and will simply involve an incision, removal of the old implant, and incision closure. However, certain circumstances may require additional procedures including:
- Insertion of New Implant: If you want to exchange your implant for a different shape, size, or material, the new implants will be inserted and positioned after the removal of the old implant.
- Removal of Scar Tissue: If hard tissue has caused breasts and implants to become hard or misshapen, the implant will be removed along with the scar tissue capsule.
- Removal of Ruptured Silicone Implant: If a silicone implant has ruptured, it will take more time during the surgery to remove the ruptured silicone from the surrounding tissues.
- Reshaping or Lifting the Breast: If the breasts appear misshapen or deflated after breast implant removal, a breast lift can be performed to give the breast a better shape.
What to Expect After Breast Implant Removal Procedure
Breast Implant Removal Scars
Typically, the same incision is used to remove implants as it is to insert them, so you likely won’t have to worry about having any additional scars. However, if you opt for a breast lift in addition to your breast implant removal procedure, you may have new scars.
Breast Implant Removal Recovery
Breast implant removal recovery will be similar to your recovery after your breast augmentation. You will need to wear a compression garment and a special bra and you can plan to spend the first week in recovery. After two or three weeks, you can return to most normal activities.
Consultations for Breast Implant Removal
If you are interested in having your breast implants removed, you can schedule a consultation with us. At eSSe Plastic Surgery, we can help you achieve the right aesthetic whether that means replacing your implant with something else or removing it altogether. Call or fill out an online form today to set up an appointment in Ft. Lauderdale, FL.
