Breast Implant Removal

What is Breast Implant Removal Surgery?

Breast implant removal (explant surgery) is a cosmetic surgical procedure performed by a board-certified plastic surgeon to remove breast implants, as well as surrounding scar tissue capsule and any other adjunctive procedures needed. Breast implant removal can be used for medical, personal, or reconstructive reasons.

The procedure is done under general or local anesthesia and requires the surgeon to make an incision along the inframammary fold, which is the crease where the lower part of the breast meets the chest wall.

This allows access to the contents of the breast pocket, including any loose skin and/or scar tissue left behind from previous breast augmentation surgery. Saline implants are deflated and removed through this incision while silicone implants are usually cut into several pieces before being removed. Once all of the material has been extracted, the incision is closed with sutures.

The recovery process following explant surgery typically involves wearing a compression garment or bandage for up to one week after surgery to reduce swelling and support your breasts as they heal. Pain medications may also be prescribed to help manage any discomfort associated with healing. It takes about 4-6 weeks for most patients to return to normal activities such as work and exercise following an explant surgery procedure.

Women considering breast implant removal should consult with a board-certified plastic surgeon who will review their medical history, discuss their individual goals and concerns, and create a personalized treatment plan that best suits their needs. The consultation may also include discussion of reconstructive options if desired such as fat grafting or placement of new implants after healing has taken place.

Ultimately, explant surgery provides women with a variety of reasons for seeking out this type of procedure – whether it’s due to medical issues like infection or rupture; personal reasons such as wanting smaller breasts; or due to changes in aesthetic preference over time – it’s important for women considering this surgery to consult with an experienced plastic surgeon who can help them make an informed decision that best suits their unique needs.

What are Capsulectomy and Other Adjunctive Procedures Post Explantation?

Capsulectomy is a surgical procedure in which the breast capsule, or pocket in which women with breast implants are placed, is removed to allow for the explantation of the implant. Adjunctive procedures may be performed alongside capsulectomy during explant surgery to achieve desired results and improve the aesthetic outcome. These additional procedures may involve fat grafting, scar release, and/or tissue replacement depending on patient-specific goals.

Capsulectomy requires heavy lifting and precision from the plastic surgeon in order to safely remove the medical device along with any capsules that have developed around it. The goal of this procedure is to restore natural breasts by removing any scarring or adhesions that can result from an outdated or ill-fitting implant.

By performing a capsulectomy along with other adjunctive procedures such as fat grafting or tissue replacement during explant surgery, cosmetic surgeons can help their patients achieve their desired aesthetic while also improving overall health outcomes by reducing potential risks associated with old implants such as rupture and leakage. Ultimately, these additional procedures serve to ensure a safe and successful explantation of implants while simultaneously providing patients with the optimal results they desire.

Preoperative assessment before undergoing breast implant removal surgery.

Before undergoing a breast implant removal procedure, it is important for patients to undergo a preoperative assessment with their plastic surgeon. This initial consultation will involve taking the patient’s medical history, performing a physical examination, and discussing the common reasons why someone may choose to have their breast implants removed. During this evaluation, the plastic surgeon will be able to determine if any further tests or evaluations are necessary before proceeding with the surgery.

During the initial consultation, the plastic surgeon will need to know about any existing medical conditions that could affect the patient’s health during or after surgery such as diabetes or heart disease. They will also want to know about any previous surgeries that have been performed in relation to breast augmentation or other cosmetic procedures. In addition, they will ask questions about lifestyle habits including smoking and alcohol consumption as these can affect the healing process post-operatively.

The surgical technique used for Breast Implant Removal (Explant Surgery).

The surgical technique used for breast implant removal, also known as explant surgery, typically involves the use of a sterile technique to carefully remove the implant material and any associated scar capsule. The plastic surgeon will make an incision in the breast area and gently dissect away from the chest muscles to gain access to the implant. An important component of this procedure is assessing and preserving any attached lymph nodes if necessary. The implant can then be removed in one piece or in parts depending on its size and shape. If there is a direct correlation between muscle pain and the implant, then the plastic surgeon may elect to cut away some of the chest muscle-attaching tissue from around or near the implant during removal.

Once the implant has been removed, a breast surgeon may perform additional procedures such as capsulectomy or fat grafting to optimize aesthetic results when desired. A capsulectomy involves surgically removing any capsule of scar tissue that has formed around an outdated or ill-fitting implant. Fat grafting is another adjunctive procedure that can help patients regain lost volume in their breasts due to implants being removed, as well as even out any discrepancies between breast size due to differences in existing implants.

Finally, after completing an explant surgery with any necessary adjunctive procedures, patients should follow up with their plastic surgeons for post-operative care instructions as well as regularly scheduled appointments for monitoring purposes.

Candidates for Breast Implant Removal Surgery

Candidates for breast implant removal surgery are typically individuals who have outdated or ill-fitting implants and wish to remove them. The procedure often involves a combination of techniques such as breast explant, capsule removal, fat grafting, and/or a breast lift in order to achieve the desired cosmetic results. It is important that candidates for this type of surgery be assessed by an experienced plastic surgeon prior to the procedure in order to ensure safety as well as optimal outcomes post-operatively. After the surgery is complete, patients should follow up with their plastic surgeons for post-operative care instructions as well as regularly scheduled appointments for monitoring purposes.

Incision Placement & Accessing the Implants

The incision placement and access to the implants during an explant procedure will vary depending on the type of implant used. For silicone implants, the incision is usually made around the edge of the areola, in the natural crease of the breast, or on the chest wall. If a breast reduction is also being performed, additional incisions may be made in order to access and remove excess skin and fat from the area. Once access is achieved, any scar tissue that has formed around or within the implant pocket will be carefully dissected away in order to make removal easier. After all of the old implant material has been removed, any additional adjunctive procedures such as fat grafting or tissue replacement can also be performed at this time in order to add volume and improve aesthetic outcomes if desired. The incisions are then closed with absorbable sutures or skin glue before dressing and bandaging them up for recovery.