If you currently have breast implants, you may be wondering if you may require explant surgery, or breast implant removal at some point. If so, it’s a personal decision influenced by various medical and aesthetic reasons.
Whether due to discomfort, changes in breast tissue, or the desire for a different look, implant removal surgery may be recommended by your doctor.
Below we’ll answer the top 5 questions about breast implant removal to help you understand the procedure, recovery, and options available at Harley Clinic in London.
1. What Are the Reasons and Benefits of Breast Implant Removal?
Common Medical and Personal Reasons for Explant Surgery
Your doctor may recommend breast implant removal if you’re experiencing health-related issues with your original implants. Common medical reasons include complications such as capsular contracture, implant rupture, and implant illness.
For others, aesthetic concerns, such as changes in breast shape or dissatisfaction with old implants from a previous breast augmentation, might prompt removal.
Additionally, personal preference or lifestyle changes may influence the decision to remove old breast implants and return to remove a natural breast appearance.
The Harley Clinic in London provides consultations to discuss your unique reasons, and explore if explant surgery is the right choice for you.
2. What Does the Implant Removal Procedure Involve?
Steps and Techniques Used in Implant Removal Surgery: Capsulectomy, Implant Replacement
During the implant removal procedure, your plastic surgeon will make an incision in each breast and remove the old implant. If necessary, they may also perform a capsulectomy to remove the scar tissue surrounding the implant.
In some cases, a breast lift or additional procedures, like fat transfer, or breast replacement surgery may be suggested to enhance the breast area after removal, restoring volume and shape.
Your plastic surgeon will discuss all the options with you. These include the pros and cons of implant removal, whether further surgery will be necessary, and replacement benefits in the event re-augmentation is desired.
3. How Much Does Breast Implant Removal Cost?
Factors Influencing the Cost of Implant Removal: Skill of the Surgeon and More
The cost of implant removal surgery varies based on several factors. These include complexity of the treatments, the need for additional procedures (like a breast uplift or implant replacement), and the specific technique used.
In London, prices may also reflect the experience and skills of your surgeon. The cost will be discussed during your consultation, allowing you to plan according to your budget and needs.
Keep in mind that costs may be higher if there are medical reasons for implant removal, as this can involve more intricate surgical techniques.
4. What Is the Recovery from Breast Explant Surgery Like?
Steps to Support Recovery After Implant Removal
Recovery from breast implant removal typically involves some bruising, swelling, and discomfort. The initial healing phase lasts about two weeks, during which patients should avoid strenuous exercise and follow the aftercare instructions provided by their surgical team.
Recovery time can also vary depending on factors such as whether additional procedures, like a breast lift or re-augmentation with new implants were performed.
You will need to wear a support bra to aid in healing (just as before), and dissolvable sutures may be used to minimise post-surgery discomfort.
Recovery from breast implant removal generally takes about six weeks, during which symptoms like pain and discomfort will gradually subside.
5. What Are the Potential Risks and Complications?
Possible Complications and How to Mitigate Them
As with any cosmetic procedure, there are potential risks and complications associated with breast implant removal. Common risks include infection, bleeding, damage to surrounding structures, nerve or blood vessel injury, or pain.
Less serious complications may include aesthetic concerns and results, such as a less full appearance or asymmetry. Keep in mind that these plastic surgery issues are extremely rare in the hands of an experienced surgeon.
