Breast Implant Removal
According to the American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery:
235,000 women had breast augmentation surgery in 2003;
More than 40,000 (1 every 6) had breast implant removal surgeries.
This procedure, known as explantation, can be done to decrease the size or to make room for new implants.
Reasons for Breast Implant Removal
The three most common reasons for breast implant removal are:
• Change of size and shape;
• Implant leakage or rupture; and
• Capsular contracture.
Sometimes, breast implant removal is necessary to treat problems that occur with the implants.
Possible problems with implants
• Deflation or rupture
• Shifting
• Wrinkling
• Sagging
• Asymmetry
Problems due to the body's reaction to the implants
• Bleeding
• Infection
• Diagnosis of breast cancer
• Formation of scar tissue that tightens around the implant (capsular contracture)
• Necrosis, or the formation of dead tissue around the implant, which may prevent wound healing
• Calcium deposits
The procedure
Breast implant removal is done under either general anesthesia or local anesthesia combined with sedation.
The procedure usually takes 30 minutes to an hour and takes place in an outpatient surgical center.
The surgeon removes the implant by either:
• Operating through an incision under the breast; or
• Incision through the nipple.
If the implant is made of saline, doctors may choose to deflate it first to facilitate removal.
Average costs
Breast implant removal usually costs between $1,000 and $4,000.
Recovery
Initial recovery from breast implant removal surgery is usually quick, with many patients returning to everyday activity within a few days, and full activity within two to three weeks.
Full recovery often takes a few months. For the first few days after breast implant removal, there may be mild discomfort, swelling and bruising.
Complications
Some uncommon (though possible) complications include:
• Loss of nipple sensation;
• Scarring;
• Bleeding; and
• Loose skin.
Removal of Large Breast Implants
Occasionally, women who opt for removal of large breast implants, especially those that are inserted on top of the muscle and under the breast glands, are left with major cosmetic deformity in their breasts if they opt to not replace the breast implants or have further cosmetic surgery.
Tissue atrophy and chest wall deformity often result from breast implant removal. Breasts may also be smaller than they were before the implants because of hormone changes or weight loss. Sagging may also become more apparent after breast implant removal.
Emotional Effects
Some women suffer from psychological distress after breast implant removal.
It is normal to feel some sadness.
If psychological symptoms last a reasonable amount of time after breast implant removal, the patient should seek professional help.