What you need to know about breast implant removal surgery

Are you someone who has breast implants? Maybe you are thinking about having them removed. Or maybe you are hoping to replace the old implant with a new one. Whatever the reason, you may have a lot of questions about this surgery. Don't worry, we will talk about it all very simply and honestly today.

Why exactly do you remove a breast implant?

The first thing to understand is that breast implants are not something you can keep for life. Plastic surgeons usually recommend having them removed or replaced with new ones every 10 to 15 years . However, if you don't have any complications, your doctor may say that it's not necessary.

Some people decide to have their implants removed because the shape of their breasts has changed over time. Come to think of it, our bodies aren't all the same, are they?

• When you get older
• Breastfeeding
• During pregnancy
• When body weight changes

For reasons like these, the appearance of the breasts can change. So, some people don't want to have another implant at that time.

What are the situations when surgery is necessary?

Sometimes, it is medically necessary to remove or replace a breast implant. The main and most common reason for this is capsular contracture . Simply put, the scar tissue that forms around the implant thickens and becomes tight over time. This can cause pain and discomfort. It can also change the appearance of the breasts.

In addition, surgery may be necessary for the following reasons:

• BIA-ALCL: This is a very rare cancer. It develops in the scar tissue around the implant. It has been found to be associated with textured implants in particular. It is important to ask your plastic surgeon if you have one of these implants.
• Calcium deposits: Calcium deposits around the implant can cause it to become hard.
• Leaking implant: The fluid (silicone or saline) inside the implant may leak out.
• The appendix may become dislodged or dislodged from its place.

What should you do before surgery?

Your doctor will give you clear instructions before the surgery. These may include:

• You may be asked to change the medications you are currently taking or start a new medication.
• Medications that increase bleeding (e.g., some painkillers) and some herbal products are advised to be discontinued .
• If you smoke or use other tobacco products, you will need to stop completely a few weeks before surgery.

How is the surgery done?

On the day of surgery, an anesthesiologist will give you pain medication to help you feel less pain. This can be done in two ways:

1. IV Sedation: A drug given into a vein to make you feel relaxed and sleepy.

2. General Anesthesia: You will be put completely to sleep.

During the surgery, your surgeon will follow these steps:

• A small incision is made in the skin around the nipple (areola) or along the fold under the breast (inframammary fold).
• The old implant and the unwanted scar tissue around it are removed.
• If you are getting a new implant, it will be inserted at this time.
• Finally, the incision is closed using stitches, special tapes, or skin adhesives.

What happens after the surgery?

You will receive special instructions to help you recover quickly after surgery. For example:

• How to care for cuts.
• Do good and bad things (Activity restrictions).
• What medications should you take?
• Date of next visit to the doctor.

You may be asked to wear a special support bra or compression garment to reduce swelling for a few weeks. You may also be given small tubes (drains) to drain any excess fluid or blood that collects under the skin. These tubes are usually removed after a few days.

What are the benefits of surgery?

There are several advantages to having this surgery.

• Mammograms: Having an implant can sometimes make it difficult to see the breast tissue clearly. Once the implant is removed, mammograms become more accurate and clear.
• Pain relief: If you have pain due to ``Capsular Contracture``, the pain will go away almost immediately after the implant is removed. Removing large implants can also reduce neck and back pain.
• Elimination of risks: The risk of rupture of the implant is completely eliminated.

Possible risks and complications

Like any surgery, there are some risks. But most people recover without any problems. The main risk is not being satisfied with the appearance of their breasts after surgery.

Other risks and complications are listed in the table below.

How long does it take to recover?

You will need to avoid activities such as driving for the first week or two after surgery. It is best not to lift heavy weights or do strenuous activities for a few weeks. It is normal to feel some pain or discomfort for about six weeks .

Will the breasts sag after the implant is removed?

This is a problem that many people have. Yes, it can happen. Because the implants have stretched your skin. When the implants are removed, the stretched skin can cause the breasts to sag and look misshapen.

Situations when immediate medical advice should be sought

If you develop any of these symptoms after surgery, call your doctor or go to the hospital immediately . If you have serious symptoms, such as chest pain or difficulty breathing, go to the emergency room (ETU) of a hospital immediately.

• Chest pain
• Difficulty breathing (Dyspnea)
• Fever or chills
• Nausea or vomiting
• Persistent increasing pain

Breast Implant, Breast Implant, Breast Implant Removal, Breast Surgery, Plastic Surgery, Capsular Contracture, Mastopexy