For women who have had a breast augmentation, they may reach a point where they may want to have their breast implants removed. Sometimes this is caused by physical or medical necessity while more often, the implants simply don’t suit their body anymore. Dr. Ortiz, a leading board-certified plastic surgeon in Raleigh, is sharing the most common reasons for implant removal and whether it’s right for you.
Breast Implant Removal for Cosmetic Reasons
The American Society of Plastic Surgeons recommends that breast implants be removed or replaced every 10 or 15 years. When it’s time to consider the right option, many women will consider the changes their bodies have gone through and how things like age, pregnancy, and weight fluctuations have affected their breasts.
Some women will opt to have the implants removed altogether, though many women choose to replace them with a different size that better suits the changes they’ve gone through. A board-certified plastic surgeon, like Dr. Ortiz, sits down with patients in a consultation to help them determine the best option and what they can expect regardless of what they choose.
Breast Implant Removal for Physical Necessity
While breast augmentation is generally very safe, there are times when having the implants removed is physically necessary. Reasons include:
Capsular Contracture
When an implant is placed within the breast, a capsule of tissue will form around it as the body seeks to isolate the “foreign object.” This scar tissue is part of the healing process and is perfectly normal, and in fact can even help keep implants in place.
In some rare instances, the scar tissue can harden and contract around the implant. Called capsular contracture, this causes the breasts to become misshapen and hard, and it can also cause pain and soreness.
Implant Rupture
If an implant ruptures or leaks, it’s necessary to have the implant removed immediately. While saline implants can be safely reabsorbed by the body, a silicone leak can cause a significant health risk.
Calcium Buildup
Calcium deposits can develop within scar tissue around the implant, and like capsular contracture, cause pain and hardness.
Benefits and Concerns Regarding Explant Surgery
If you are considering elective breast implant removal, consider the benefits and concerns with an explant surgery.
Benefits
- No more shoulder or back pain caused by implants that are too large
- No more pain from scar tissue or capsular contracture.
- You may feel more confident if you’re uncomfortable with the size of your breasts.
- Reduced risk of BIA-ALCL, an extremely rare type of lymphoma that only develops around breast implants.
- Possible reduction in autoimmune symptoms
Concerns
- Sagging and drooping of breast tissue;
- Scarring at the incision site, though your plastic surgeon will use the original incision site when possible.
- Possible loss of sensation in the nipples
- The risk of infection is always a concern with any surgery.
Schedule a Consultation for Breast Implant Removal or Revision Today
Whether you would like a breast implant revision or would prefer an explant surgery, Dr. Ortiz can help you make the right choice regarding your health and confidence. To schedule a consultation, call us at 919-532-2270 or complete our easy-to-use online contact form below.