Breast augmentation surgery is a very common plastic surgery procedure. Despite its popularity, there are situations when you may need or want your implants removed. Breast implant removal surgery involves taking out or replacing the existing implants. As with any surgery, it’s important to understand what’s involved and any potential risks. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at why breast implant removal surgery may be needed, and the risks, costs, and considerations of the procedure.
When to consider breast implant removal
Although breast implants don’t expire, they have a limited life span. One of the most common reasons that breast implants may need to be removed or replaced is because scar tissue can harden around the implants. It can cause pain and discomfort, and also change the implants’ appearance. This is known as capsular contracture.
What does the procedure involve?
A plastic surgeon typically performs breast implant removal surgery at a surgery center, hospital, or other operating room facilities. You’ll have a consultation with your plastic surgeon ahead of time to discuss the reason you want the implants replaced or removed, and the desired goals of the surgery. Your surgeon will ask you about any medical conditions you may have, previous surgeries, and medications you’re taking.
What will my breasts look like after the explanation?
Obviously, your breasts will be smaller. But, depending on how long you’ve had your implants, how large the implants were compared to your natural breast size, whether or not you have had children, and other factors, your breasts may look similar to—or very different from—how they did before your augmentation. Remember, having breast implants doesn’t freeze the aging process or prevent other tissue changes; whether augmented or not, breasts change over time.
Immediately after surgery, you can expect some post-operative swelling, bruising, and soreness, just as you did after breast augmentation. You may feel pleased—or perhaps concerned—with the less-full appearance of your breasts, but in any case, you’ll need to be patient in assessing your results as swelling subsides and the skin gradually contracts to some degree. If, after healing, you find the skin has stretched to the point that you feel dissatisfied with your appearance, you may consider having a breast lift to correct the issue.
Lastly, note that explanation scars will be present, although they should fade over time. To speed incision healing time and minimize the appearance of scarring, be sure to follow all of your surgeon’s post-op instructions to the letter.
