If you’re thinking about breast implant surgery (or augmentation mammoplasty), you also need to think about getting them removed in the future.
Breast implant removal, also called explant surgery, is a procedure that involves removing breast implants. There are many things you need to know if you’re considering this surgery, or even if you’re considering breast implant surgery (augmentation mammoplasty) in the first place.
There are many reasons why someone might need, or want, to remove their implants. Let’s explore what you need to know. For further information, contact A/Prof Mark Magnusson in the Gold Coast and Toowoomba.
What is breast explant surgery?
First, let’s look at what the surgery actually involves. Breast explant surgery is a procedure that surgeons perform on patients who have had a breast augmentation mammoplasty in the past. It involves making incisions to remove the implants and, in some cases, to replace them.
If you’re looking into getting explant surgery, you’ll need to have a discussion with a surgeon about what exactly that will look like for you. In some cases, the surgeon will simply remove the implants and close the incisions. In other cases, the surgeon may have to remove the surrounding capsule of scar tissue. Also, some patients might decide to get their old implants replaced with new ones.
Who gets breast implant removal?
Typically, patients are women who have had breast augmentation surgery in the past and wish to remove their implants. But bear in mind that a need for implant removal doesn’t always mean something has gone wrong. Many things may motivate a patient to get their implants removed, whether a change in lifestyle or aesthetic goals. Also, breast implants don’t last forever, which means, in any case, you’ll need to have them removed eventually.
- Implants no longer suit the patient’s preferences
- The patient desires to increase or decrease their implant size
- Old implants need to be replaced (typically after at least 10 years)
On the other hand, you might need to get your implants replaced due to a complication that has occurred from the past surgery. For example, you might experience:
- Capsular contracture
- Implant leak or rupture
- Implant rotation or shifting
- Breast implant illness
- Post-surgical bleeding or infection
- Poor results from your original surgery
- Other complications
Patients who choose an underqualified surgeon for their first breast augmentation are typically at a higher risk for the above issues. However, things can go wrong in any surgery. It’s important to know the risks before getting your initial breast augmentation mammoplasty to begin with.
Choosing a surgeon
If you suspect that you’re a candidate for breast explant surgery, the first step is to decide on a surgeon. This might be the same surgeon as the one who performed your initial surgery. However, if you were unhappy with your previous surgery experience, you may decide to search for a different surgeon.
When choosing a surgeon for your explant surgery, it’s important to keep some things in mind. You should look for a surgeon who is properly qualified and:
- Board-certified (look for ASPS, ASAPS, and FRACS)
- Experienced in performing breast explant surgeries
- Discusses the risks and potential complications with you
- Takes your concerns seriously and answers your questions
Preparing for your consultation
A consultation is when you meet with a surgeon to discuss whether you’re a good fit for surgery and how to proceed. It not only gives you the chance to get to know your surgeon and ask questions, but it also allows the surgeon to understand your needs and begin planning the procedure.
This means you should come to the consultation with a vision in mind of why you’re seeking surgery and what you hope to achieve. Think about your reasons for wanting explant surgery, and make sure to thoroughly discuss this with your surgeon.
The surgery process
The surgical process might differ between patients due to their different circumstances. Depending on your needs, your procedure might include:
- Explant only (removal of implants)
- Removal of implant with mastopexy (breast lift)
- Replacement of old implants with new implants
- Capsule removal (capsulectomy)
- Removal of implant and substitute with fat grafting
The surgeon will develop your surgical plan in the consultation process. The surgery itself will involve an anaesthetic and incision techniques to help reduce scarring. Afterwards, you can expect to have similar scars as the ones from your previous surgery, although they may differ slightly.
For more information on the different options for this procedure, visit our main procedure page for breast explant or replacement surgery.
What to do during recovery
One of the important things to consider is what you’ll need to do during recovery. Aftercare is very important in this process, as it will help you reduce risks and aid you in achieving your desired outcomes.
Recovery from explant surgery will include following instructions such as:
- Ensure you have the required support, such as someone to drive you home from surgery and help you with daily chores in the initial recovery phase
- Get lots of rest, and begin to perform light movements such as walking when you are able
- Take care of your incisions by following wound-care instructions
- Keep your incisions clean, dry, and out of the sun
- Avoid blood-thinning medications, alcohol consumption, and smoking during recovery
- Sleep on your back, and avoid putting pressure on your breasts
- Wear a compression garment to help support the new shape of your breasts
- Avoid strenuous activities and exercise for six weeks or until advised
- Follow up with your surgeon about any issues or concerns
Reasons to choose A/Prof Mark Magnusson for breast implant removal in Gold Coast & Toowoomba
Getting a revision breast surgery such as explant surgery requires a lot of thought and preparation. To help you through the process and get the most from your procedure, it’s important to carefully consider your choice of surgeon. A/Prof Mark Magnusson takes care to discuss all aspects of surgery with his patients before proceeding. Informed by his years in the industry, he can guide you in making a decision that works for you and your goals. You are welcome to contact reception in our Gold Coast and Toowoomba clinics.