Breast implant removal - the do's and the dont's
Breast augmentation surgery is the most popular cosmetic procedure in the United Kingdom and also in the world. Although that means more and more women choose to enhance their chest every year, it also attracts an increased activity in breast implant removal. In this article, we will take a closer look at why women choose to remove their implants, the pros & cons of this procedure and what to expect after a breast implant removal surgery. Let’s dive in!
First of all, what is Breast Implant Removal?
As the name suggests, a breast implant removal surgery’s main goal is to remove breast implants and deal with any other scar tissue your body produces around the implant (the breast capsule).
Why women choose to remove their breast implants
We asked Doctor Rozina Ali, a highly trained and experienced plastic surgeon in London, to share with us the most common reasons women who undergo breast augmentation through implants wish to have them removed:
Different cosmetic goals – As people age, as life stages change, as hormonal changes occur (pregnancy, illness, menopause) the breasts themselves change, so any implants may need removal or replacement to keep up with the changes.
In fact, the primary warning Rozina gives to anyone asking for breast implants is that IMPLANTS ARE NOT A LIFETIME DEVICE. More often than not, implants remain intact and static, Patient changes (weight gain-loss, ageing) and needs/wants and lifestyle changes are the main determinants of implant removal, breast reshaping and volume changes.
Discomfort is the most common reason for removal - this condition is usually caused by the scar tissue around the implants, which hardens in time, causing discomfort or even pain, but also can change the implants’ appearance. This is known as capsular contracture.
Breast implant leakage or rupture - these are uncommon but include implant rupture, folding or deflation.
Patient choice. Especially if patients attribute feelings of tiredness, restlessness, hair loss, headaches or photosensitivity to their implants. Although no causal factors or connections have been proven and symptoms may remain after implant removal, it is a reason for some women to request their implants be removed.
The decision of removing your implants - Pros and Cons
Removing your implants is not an easy decision, but the following list of pros and cons of breast implant removal can help you decide:
Breast Implant Removal Pros:
Boost your self-confidence - if you’re not happy with the way your body looks right now or you feel the implants just don’t fit the image you have about yourself anymore, an implant removal will improve self-image!
Short recovery time - most report experiencing minimal discomfort after the surgery.
No more replacing the implants or worrying about future surgical needs.
No more discomfort or inconvenience associated with too-large breasts (where breasts have grown after implant surgery). large breasts often come with back, neck and shoulder pain
Breast Implant Removal Cons:
The shape and size of your natural breast may have changed - you may experience sagging, loss of elasticity or excess skin. This mainly depends on the size of your implant, the length of time you had them and whether you lost/gain weight since your breast augmentation surgery.
Loss of confidence - there is always a possibility that when you see yourself for the first time in a mirror after the implant removal surgery, you won’t like what you see
The cost - breast implant removal surgery is not covered by any insurance.
The need for uplift surgery, skin reduction or tightening or alternative breast volume enhancement procedures such as fat transfer.
Change your mind, want breast implants again.
When you are considering breast implant removal, you should first consult with a trusted plastic surgeon - be honest about the reasons you want the implants removed and share your expectations. This way, your surgeon can provide recommendations based on your desired result - some examples are removing your implants and performing a breast lift (mastopexy), breast augmentation using fat transfer or replacing the implants with smaller or shaped ones, or simply repositioning and replacing your implants. During your consultation, you should also talk about your health status, future plans, concerns, and recovery time.
Learn more on how to find a plastic surgeon you can trust.
What will your breasts look like after implant removal?
Your breasts will not necessarily look similar to how they did before your augmentation surgery - this depends on how large were your implants, the quality of the breast tissue that remains and body changes while having implants (whether or not you have had children, if you’ve gained or lost weight). Immediately after surgery, you can expect mild swelling, some bruising and deflated tissues. The implant is removed via the same scar it was inserted so there should be no additional scars, just a fresh one. A compression garment is recommended.
Breast implant removal is often the best solution for women dealing with implant complications or simply no longer wishing to have an implant enhanced chest. If you’re considering this procedure, make sure you weigh all the pros and cons but also ask for a trustworthy plastic surgeon’s recommendation, in order to receive the best possible solution that meets your aesthetic goals.