Breast Implant Removal With Breast Lift

 Breast implant removal with a breast lift or mastopexy surgery is performed for various reasons, including:

1. Desire to remove breast implants: Some individuals may choose to have their breast implants removed due to personal reasons such as dissatisfaction with the size, shape, or appearance of their breasts.

2. Implant complications: There can be complications associated with breast implants, such as capsular contracture (scar tissue formation around the implant), implant rupture, infection, or implant malposition. In such cases, removal of the implants may be necessary.

3. Changes in personal preferences: Over time, a person's aesthetic preferences or lifestyle choices may change, leading them to decide to remove their breast implants and reshape their breasts with a mastopexy.

How to Prepare for Your Consultation

 

To prepare for your consultation with your specialist plastic surgeon, consider the following:

1. Research: Learn about the procedure, potential risks, and expected outcomes. This will help you make informed decisions and ask relevant questions during your consultation.

2. Find previous photos of how your breast looked without implants and start looking at before and after photos of people with similar breasts. This will help you to start visualising what it may look like without breast implants

3. Medical history: Note any relevant medical conditions, previous surgeries, and allergies to medications or materials. Share this information with your surgeon.

4. Expectations: Have a clear idea of your desired outcome. Discuss your expectations with your surgeon to ensure they align with what can be realistically achieved.

5. Questions: Prepare a list of questions to ask your surgeon during the consultation to address any concerns or uncertainties you may have.

General Risks of Surgery

Like any surgical procedure, breast implant removal with breast lift surgery carries general risks, including:

• Bleeding: Excessive bleeding during or after surgery may require additional interventions.

• Infection: Infection can occur at the surgical site, necessitating antibiotic treatment.

• Anesthesia risks: Anesthesia carries its own set of risks, which will be explained to you by the anesthesiologist during your pre-operative assessment.

• Scarring: Incisions made during the procedure will result in scars, which fade over time but may still be visible.

• Changes in sensation: Temporary or permanent changes in nipple or breast sensation may occur.

Specific Risks of Surgery

Specific risks associated with breast implant removal with breast lift surgery may include:

• Loss of breast volume: Removing implants can result in a loss of breast volume. A breast lift can help reshape and lift the breasts, but the final size will be smaller than with implants.

• Poor scarring: Some individuals may have a genetic predisposition to develop abnormal scars, such as hypertrophic or keloid scars.

• Asymmetry: Achieving perfect symmetry may be challenging, and slight differences in breast shape or size may occur after the procedure.

Surgery

Breast implant removal with breast lift is typically performed under general anaesthesia, ensuring you are asleep and pain-free during the operation.  Your specialist plastic surgeon will make incisions to remove the breast implants and excess skin, followed by reshaping and lifting the breast tissue. The specific technique used will depend on your individual case, including the size and position of your implants, as well as the desired outcome.

When undergoing breast implant removal surgery, the management of the capsule, which is the scar tissue that forms around the implant, is an important consideration. The options for capsule management during breast implant removal include:

1. Total Capsulectomy: In this approach, the surgeon removes the entire capsule along with the breast implant. Total capsulectomy is typically recommended in cases where there are concerns about implant rupture, infection, or the presence of a large amount of scar tissue. Removing the entire capsule helps ensure complete removal of any potential pathology or complications.

2. Enbloc Capsulectomy: Enbloc capsulectomy involves removing the implant and the surrounding capsule as a single unit. This technique may used in specific cases of suspected implant rupture or when there is a strong desire to remove the implant and capsule together. Enbloc capsulectomy will require a longer scar for access and may not always be possible if the risk of damaging underlying structures is too high.  

3. Partial Capsulectomy: Partial capsulectomy involves removing a portion of the capsule while leaving some of it in place. This approach is chosen when the capsule is thin, well-formed, and not associated with any complications. Partial capsulectomy may be performed if the capsule is not adherent to surrounding tissues and the patient desires to retain some of their natural capsule.

4. Capsulotomy: Capsulotomy involves making incisions or releasing the capsule to allow for the removal of the implant. This technique is commonly used when the capsule is thin, soft, and not causing any problems. Capsulotomy preserves the majority of the capsule, and it may be performed if the capsule is well-formed and not associated with any complications.

The choice of capsule management technique depends on various factors, including the condition of the capsule, the presence of complications, patient preferences, and the surgeon's judgement. Your specialist plastic surgeon will evaluate your specific case and recommend the most suitable option for you.

It's important to discuss the potential benefits and risks associated with each capsule management technique with your surgeon. They will consider factors such as the integrity of the implant, the presence of any symptoms or complications, and your desired outcome to help you make an informed decision.

Recovery and Aftercare

After the surgery, you will be monitored in a recovery area before discharge.  This can be completed as day surgery or an overnight admission if required. You may experience some discomfort, swelling, and bruising, which can be managed with pain medication and wearing a supportive bra. Follow your surgeon's instructions regarding wound care, physical activity, and follow-up appointments.

Potential Additional Procedures

Depending on your unique situation, additional procedures such as fat grafting or nipple reconstruction may be performed to enhance the final results.

Final Results and Follow-up

It is important to note that the final results of breast implant removal with a breast lift surgery may take 12-18 months to fully manifest. Follow-up appointments with your surgeon will be scheduled to monitor your healing progress and address any concerns.  Remember, every surgical procedure carries some degree of risk, and it is essential to discuss any potential risks or complications with your plastic surgeon. They will provide you with personalised information and guidance based on your specific needs and circumstances.