This depends on a number of factors and during your consultation, I like to evaluate the following with each patient:
Personal Preferences – one of the most common reasons for explant surgery is the timing in a woman's life. Often in the latter years, some women feel they no longer need breast implants or prefer not to face the prospect of breast implant revision surgery as they age. Some of our patients have stated that they want implant removal surgery while they are still fit and able to recover quickly. Patients preferences may also change over time due to natural changes to the body from things like pregnancy, hormones, and weight fluctuations.
Concerns About Breast Implant Safety – Patients experiencing illness or negative symptoms related to their breast implants is a common reason why some women choose to have their implants removed. Some patients have described a variety of symptoms commonly referred to as Breast implant illness, which may include anxiety, fatigue, and autoimmune issues. Despite these reports, there is currently a lack of clear scientific evidence linking breast implants to the above symptoms at this point in time.
Medical Complications – while breast implants are common, there is a chance of medical complications occurring. For example, ultrasound scans may have confirmed ruptured breast implants. Other medical complications may include:
– ptosis or sagging
-hypertrophy or increased size of natural breast tissue
Whatever the reason for wanting to remove your breast implants, there are a number of options available.
These factors will determine the treatment plan which may involve one or a combination of the following procedures:
For patients where the skin envelope, breast tissue and nipple-areola position and shape are good then I would aim for this less invasive approach to breast implant removal as a first stage. Allow up to 6 months for the skin to shrink or contract back to its original size before considering breast lift surgery.
There are a group of women who have experienced pregnancy and breastfeeding and/or significant weightless patients where the skin envelope, breast tissue and nipple-areola complex is sagging. I often combine breast implant removal and capsulectomy with a breast lift or mastopexy for this group of patients. Breast lift surgery is a procedure to lift and tighten the skin envelope, breast tissue and nipple-areola position. This is done by removing and/or tightening the excess skin along with repositioning the nipple-areola and breast tissue to reshape and improve the breast contour. This is common for patients who choose to remove their implants without replacing them. This can give the breasts a firmer and more rejuvenated appearance. For more information on breast lift procedures see our breast lift page. Some of these women may have developed additional breast tissue after pregnancy and weight gain, hence a breast reduction may also be more suitable for some of these women.
Depending on the severity of the droopiness, a breast lift can also be performed as a stage 2 procedure.
This procedure involves removing the original breast implants and using liposuction to harvest fat from other areas of the body to inject into the breasts to improve contouring. This is also referred to as lipoaugmentation, with fat usually taken from the hips, thighs or abdomen region. This procedure is often preferred by patients seeking a relatively small increase in breast size or improving contouring defects after breast implant removal resulting in a more natural look and shape.
Every patient recovers differently from surgical procedures however in the first few weeks especially, rest and recuperation should be prioritised. As we always say, recovery is just as important as the surgery itself!!
Enquiries
office@arplasticsurgery.com.au
Address
Wesley Medical Centre,
Suite 50 Level 4/40 Chasely St,
Auchenflower QLD 4066
Australia
Parking
Access to the Wesley Hospital carpark is via Lang Parade
Phone (07) 3870 3960
Opening Hours 8:30am - 5pm