Procedure | Surgical
Breast Explant
Breast explant or implant removal is an option for patients who are having problems with their breast implants or anyone who now prefers to be implant-free. The procedure removes the implant, usually along with part or all of the surrounding scar capsule.
It is possible for implants to become infected, rupture, or change position over time, all of which will necessitate the removal of the initial implant.
Breast explant is a method to remove breasts implant to ease their discomfort. For breast reconstruction patients who are removing their implants and desire to have an alternative, natural reconstruction, the implant is removed and the remaining space in the breast pocket is easily filled with the autologous tissue during the same procedure in the vast majority of cases.
In preparing for breast augmentation, you may be asked to:
– Get a blood test
– Take certain medications.
– Stop smoking and alcohol.
– Stop taking recreational drugs, such as cocaine.
– Arrange for someone to drive you to and from surgery and to stay with you for at least the first night following surgery.
Similar to how breast implants are placed, breast implant removal surgery requires an incision to be made along the lower fold of the breast or around the areola. From there, surgeons will remove the implant and, in most cases, the breast capsule as well.
Many patients are able to return to their work in about a week. If you have an office job and aren’t experiencing any problems with your arm mobility, you should be able to get back into your job. If you have a physically demanding job, you may need a little bit more time.
Those with larger implants will have a larger effect on the natural breast than smaller ones. Larger implants will lead to more distortion of the breasts — saggy skin and deflation.
Age also plays a role in how the breasts recover from implant removal. Small breasts in young women may contract back to close to where they were. Older patients have less elastin and collagen in their skin and are less likely to revert back.
While you may expect to return to normal life within a week, avoid the gym and sports for about 6 weeks.
Some patients take to about a year for all the tissues to fully recover. There may be fluctuation in swelling and breast size and shape even after recovery.
Results tend to vary according to individual and depending on factors such as the size of the implants being removed, the quantity and quality of remaining breast tissue, the scar tissues surrounding the implants, and the reason for the removal (i.e leakage).
Reducing stress and healhty food intake can help aid recovery and improve your general health.
Patients can sometimes experience:
Bleeding
Infection
Anesthesia risks
Fluid accumulation
Capsular contracture
Visible implant rippling (the appearance of “waves” or “creases” under the skin)
Implant rupture
Asymmetry
