Are you someone who has had a breast implant? Or are you someone who is thinking about it? Maybe a friend of yours has had this surgery. However, just like having a breast implant, sometimes it also has to be removed. We call this Breast Implant Removal. Maybe you are reading this article with a little fear, curiosity, or even a little trepidation. It is very normal. Today, we will talk about everything, without hiding anything, in a simple way that you can understand.
Simply put, what is breast implant removal?
This is as the name suggests. Breast Implant Removal is a surgical procedure to remove breast implants from your body. During this surgery, the doctor may also remove scar tissue that has formed around the implant or, if the implant has leaked, even the silicone that has leaked.
Some people have this surgery to remove the old implant and replace it with a new one. There are others who decide they no longer need the implant and have it removed completely. There are also times when this surgery is necessary due to complications that arise from the implant.
Why would someone decide to remove breast implants?
Many people think that a breast implant is something that lasts a lifetime. But that's not true. Plastic surgeons usually recommend that the implant be removed or replaced every 10 to 15 years . However, if you don't have any complications, your doctor may not recommend removing it.
Apart from that, many people are tempted to have this surgery for several other reasons. Especially, if the appearance of the breasts has changed since the time of breast augmentation. The reasons that affect this appearance change are:
- Aging: The skin's natural elasticity decreases with age.
- Pregnancy and breastfeeding: During these times, hormonal changes in the body and changes in the breasts can greatly affect their appearance.
- Weight changes: Sudden weight gain or loss can also affect the shape of the breasts.
What are the situations when surgery is necessary?
In some cases, breast implant removal or replacement becomes medically necessary. The main and most common reason for this is a condition called capsular contracture .
Simply put, there is a thin covering of scar tissue that naturally forms around the implant. This is normal. But sometimes this covering thickens, tightens, and starts to squeeze the implant. That's what we call Capsular Contracture. This can cause severe pain, discomfort, and a change in the shape of the breast.
In addition to this main reason, the following conditions may also cause the implant to be removed.
| Condition | A simple explanation |
|---|---|
| BIA-ALCL | This is a very rare cancer called Breast Implant-Associated Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma . It occurs in the scar tissue around the implant. It has been found to be particularly associated with textured implants. It is important to talk to your doctor to find out if you have one of these implants. |
| Calcium deposition | Calcium deposits may form around the appendix, causing it to become hard. |
| Leakage of the intestine | The silicone or saline fluid in the implant begins to leak into the body. |
| The movement of the intestine | The implant moves from where it should be, shifting to the side, and the shape of the breast becomes unnatural. |
How should I prepare before surgery?
Once you decide to have surgery, your doctor will give you a clear set of instructions on how to prepare for it. The main ones are:
- Be mindful of the medications you are currently taking: You may need to change the medications you are currently taking or start a new medication.
- Avoiding medications that increase bleeding: Some medications, such as anti-inflammatory drugs, and some herbal supplements, may increase the risk of bleeding, so you may be asked to stop taking them shortly before surgery.
- Avoid smoking: If you are a smoker, you will need to stop completely for a period of time before and after surgery, as smoking greatly interferes with the healing process.
This surgery is usually done as an outpatient surgery. This means that you can go home the same day. Therefore, it is essential to arrange in advance for someone to take you home after the surgery.
What happens during the surgery?
Before the surgery begins, an anesthesiologist will give you anesthesia. This will ensure that you do not feel any pain during the surgery. There are two methods used for this:
- IV Sedation: This will make you feel relaxed and sleepy.
- General Anesthesia: This puts you completely asleep.
During the surgery, your surgeon will follow these steps:
1. Making an incision: A small incision is made around the dark skin around the nipple (areola) or along the inframammary fold of the breast.
2. Removal of the graft: The graft and surrounding scar tissue are carefully removed through the incision.
3. Inserting a new implant (if necessary): If you are replacing the old one with a new implant, it will be inserted at this time.
4. Stitching the incision: Finally, the incision is closed using stitches, special tapes, or skin adhesives.
What to expect after surgery?
After the surgery, you will be given some instructions to follow during your recovery.
- How to keep cuts clean.
- How to limit activities (especially things like heavy lifting and strenuous exercise).
- Types of medications to take (such as painkillers, antibiotics).
- The day I have to come see the doctor again.
For a few weeks, you will be asked to wear a special support bra or compression garment to help reduce swelling. Sometimes, small tubes called drains may be placed under the skin. These drains help drain any excess fluid or blood that may be accumulating inside. These tubes are usually removed after a few days.
What are the advantages of having this surgery?
You can get several benefits from implant removal surgery.
- Clearer Mammograms: Silicone or saline implants can sometimes make it difficult to see breast tissue clearly during a mammogram. Once the implants are removed, these scans become clearer.
- Pain relief: If you have pain due to capsular contracture, you will experience significant relief from that pain almost immediately after the implant is removed. Additionally, neck or back pain caused by a large implant may also be reduced.
- No risk of rupture: If the scar tissue becomes too tight, the implant can rupture. Once the implant is removed, that risk is completely eliminated.
What are the risks and complications of the surgery?
Most people undergo this surgery without any major complications. However, as with any surgery, there are some risks. The most common risk with this surgery is dissatisfaction with the appearance of the breasts after surgery.
Apart from that, other complications that may occur are listed in the table below.
| Risk/Complication | Description |
|---|---|
| Bleeding | Excessive bleeding during or after surgery. |
| Asymmetry | Incompatibility between the shape or size of the two breasts. |
| Seroma | Accumulation of body fluid in the empty space where the appendix was. |
| Infection | Infection of the cut or inside the body. |
| Sagging skin | The skin that was pulled due to the implant, sagging after the implant is removed. |
| Change in sensation in the nipples | Decreased or complete loss of sensation in the extremities. |
| Scarring | Scars remain at the incision sites. |
How long does it take to heal?
During the first two weeks after surgery, you will need to avoid activities such as driving. During the recovery period, you should avoid strenuous work and heavy lifting altogether. Most people will experience some pain or tenderness in the wound for about six weeks . This is normal.
Be very careful about these features!
If you experience any of the symptoms below after surgery, you should call your doctor immediately.
- Chest pain
- Having a cold and getting a fever
- Persistent vomiting
- If the pain increases day by day instead of decreasing
- Difficulty breathing (Dyspnea)
Will the breasts sag after the implant is removed?
This is a problem that many people have. Yes, there is a possibility for it. Think about it, when you inflate a balloon, it inflates, and when you let off some air, the rubber stretches, right? That's how it is. When you have an implant, your skin stretches to accommodate it. After the implant is removed, that stretched skin can cause your breasts to sag or droop, or to look shapeless.
But don't worry, there is a solution for this too. Many people undergo a breast lift (or mastopexy) at the same time as their implant removal surgery.
In this procedure, the surgeon also removes sagging skin and reshapes the breast tissue. If necessary, the areola and surrounding dark skin (nipple and areola) can also be repositioned. The result is a pair of breasts that look firmer and lifted. If you have concerns about this, talk to your doctor about Breast Lift surgery before having your implants removed.
Take-Home Message
- Breast implants are not meant to last a lifetime. It is usually recommended to have them removed or replaced after 10-15 years.
- Implants may also need to be removed for medical reasons, such as pain, deformity, or implant leakage.
- If you are concerned about sagging breasts after surgery, you can have a breast lift (Mastopexy) at the same time.
- As with any surgery, there are risks involved, so before making a decision, discuss everything thoroughly with your doctor and ask any questions you may have.
- If you experience any unusual symptoms (such as chest pain, fever, difficulty breathing) after surgery, seek medical advice immediately.
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