If you have been unhappy with your breast implants or are unsure if they are right for you, breast implant removal might be the solution. It is also called breast explant surgery, which is all about either removing or remove and replace patient’s implant. Breast implants may also lead to scar tissue or capsular contracture, which causes the skin to tighten and feel hard.

After the surgery, your breasts will likely take several months to return to their natural size and shape, though they may take longer. The surgeon may also perform a breast lift procedure to remove excess skin.

Who May Need Breast Implant Removal?

Although breast implant removal may not be right for everyone, it is an option for many women. The procedure can boost one’s confidence or diminish it. In some cases, the decision to remove an implant might be a result of a cancer diagnosis. Other times, the decision to remove an implant is made for other reasons. For instance, you might not like the way you look in the mirror after the surgery. Sometimes, implants are removed because you feel that your body is wrong or doesn’t look right.

If you’ve had an implant for more than three years, it is possible that you’ve experienced some complication. One of these complications involves the positioning of the implant behind the breast. The implant may be too low or too high or too far apart. Sometimes, it is affected by gravity or capsular contracture. This issue usually requires additional surgery, including internal suturing techniques. Sometimes, you may even need to replace the implant and insert an internal biological mesh to provide additional support.

Another reason why you might need to remove your breast implants is because they’re not long-lasting. They can last for between 10 and 15 years, but you can choose. Breast implant replacement is an option too. It is important to have an MRI scan after breast implant removal if you’re unhappy with your breasts.

The American Society of Plastic Surgeons suggests that implants be replaced every 10 to 15 years. A good rule of thumb is to replace your implant every 10 years or so if your breasts grow out of shape or you simply have a different need.

If you have had a previous breast augmentation or reconstruction, you may want to have your implants removed. This procedure may be covered by your health insurance provider, but there are some risks involved. If you have complications, your plastic surgeon may not recommend breast implant removal. Breast implant removal and lift is another option that combines two procedures and will lift the breast after removing implant to make it looks firmer. You may also wish to have scar tissue removed to restore your breasts.

Another reason to remove your implants is that they cause the soft tissue inside your breasts to be compressed. Your body will gradually move the compressed tissue back to your upper chest. Afterward, your breasts may look flat, but this will not last long. They will naturally fill out again within six to nine months. If you don’t want to wait that long, you can have a breast lift. This procedure is generally done in conjunction with breast implant removal.

Procedure

This procedure involves making an incision around your areola, placing internal sutures, and releasing the capsule. The process is simple, but it may be difficult for some women. This is why it is important to discuss all of your options with your surgeon before choosing a procedure. In addition to breast implant removal, you can also get an implant removal procedure if you are unhappy with the results.

Breast implant removal requires anesthesia. During the procedure, your surgeon will prepare the surgical site and make sure all the necessary equipment is available. The area surrounding your breasts will be cleaned with antibacterial soap to prevent infection.

An incision may be made in three locations: in the crease under your breast, around the areola, or in the armpit. Your plastic surgeon will clean these areas to prevent any infections and ensure your safety.

Recovery

After breast implant removal, you will likely experience some pain and swelling. You may be unable to move your arms after the procedure. You will also need to take a few days off work to recuperate. A few weeks after your surgery, you can resume normal activities. However, do remember that you should not perform strenuous activities for six weeks. Your doctor will provide you with a customized recovery plan based on your specific case. Your recovery time will depend on the procedure you had done.