Breast Implant Revision & Breast Implant Removal Toowoomba and Gold Coast

There are many reasons women consider breast revision surgery. Some have ongoing problems from a previous implant operation; others find their breasts have changed shape after pregnancy or weight loss, or they simply want a different size or look than they had before.

Patients seek breast revision surgery for many different reasons. Common concerns that revision surgery can correct include:

• Capsular contracture: hardening and tightening of the scar tissue around an implant, causing firmness, distortion or discomfort
• Implant rupture or deflation
• Implant malposition: the implant has shifted too high, too low, or to the side
• Double bubble deformity or bottoming out
• Visible asymmetry between the two breasts
• Rippling or wrinkling visible beneath the skin
• Change in implant size or profile
• Breast ptosis (drooping) following pregnancy, weight fluctuation or ageing
• Removal of implants without replacement (explant surgery)
• Systemic symptoms associated with Breast Implant Illness (BII)

Not every concern listed above requires the same procedure. A/Prof Magnusson will assess your situation during your consultation at his Gold Coast rooms in Southport or his Toowoomba clinic and recommend the most appropriate approach for your individual circumstances.

Yes. A/Prof Magnusson performs both total capsulectomy and en bloc capsulectomy when clinically indicated.

All breast implants are surrounded by a natural scar tissue envelope called a capsule. In most cases this capsule remains soft and causes no problems. When capsular contracture, implant rupture or other complications make removal of the capsule necessary, A/Prof Magnusson is experienced in the full range of capsule removal techniques.

With a total capsulectomy, the surgeon takes out the whole capsule. An en bloc capsulectomy goes a step further: the implant and the capsule are lifted out together as one intact unit, so the capsule is never opened during surgery. We reserve en bloc removal for particular clinical situations, such as when BIA-ALCL is suspected or has been confirmed.

The appropriate technique depends on your individual clinical situation and will be discussed in detail at your consultation at his Gold Coast or Toowoomba consulting rooms.

BIA-ALCL is a rare type of lymphoma (a cancer of the immune system) associated with certain breast implants. It is not a breast cancer but develops in the fluid or scar tissue surrounding the implant.

Most reported cases have occurred in women with textured-surface implants rather than smooth ones. Typically it shows up years after the original implant surgery, often as ongoing swelling around the implant (a late seroma), a lump in the breast, or changes you can see or feel in the overlying skin.

When diagnosed early and confined to the capsule, BIA-ALCL is generally treated successfully with surgical removal of the implant and the entire capsule (en bloc capsulectomy). More advanced cases may require additional treatment.

In Australia, BIA-ALCL is monitored by the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA), which has updated its implant safety guidance over recent years. A/Prof Magnusson keeps to the current clinical guidelines for assessing and managing the condition. If you have textured implants and notice persistent swelling, a change in the shape of the breast, or a new lump, it is worth being reviewed. Please get in touch with our rooms and we will organise an appointment.

Breast Implant Illness (BII) is a patient-reported cluster of systemic symptoms some women attribute to their breast implants. Symptoms can include fatigue, brain fog, joint pain, dry eyes, skin rashes and other effects. It is not currently a formal medical diagnosis, but it is acknowledged as a valid patient concern by the TGA and AHPRA.

A/Prof Magnusson is one of the Australian surgeons actively researching this area. He has published in the journal Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, looking at the reported links between silicone implants and systemic symptoms, and his work adds to the broader body of evidence being built up around BII.

Outcomes after explant surgery are mixed. Some women feel a clear improvement in their symptoms once the implants are removed, while for others the benefit is harder to predict. There is no definitive test that confirms BII, so A/Prof Magnusson takes time to look at your full picture, including symptoms, history and examination findings, before he suggests whether removal is likely to help in your case.

If you believe your symptoms may be related to your breast implants, a consultation with A/Prof Magnusson at his Gold Coast rooms in Southport or his Toowoomba consulting rooms is the appropriate first step.

Yes. Breast revision surgery is frequently combined with other procedures, including breast lift (mastopexy), abdominoplasty (tummy tuck), or arm lift (brachioplasty), where this is appropriate and safe for the individual patient.

Combining procedures can reduce the number of separate operations, a single anaesthetic, and the total recovery period, particularly for patients who have experienced body changes following significant weight loss or pregnancy.

Common combinations include breast revision with a breast lift to address ptosis at the time of implant exchange or removal, and breast revision combined with an abdominoplasty as part of a body contouring programme.

A/Prof Magnusson performs combined procedures at accredited Gold Coast facilities including Pacific Private Day Hospital in Southport, Pindara Private Hospital in Benowa, and Gold Coast Private Hospital in Southport, as well as at St Andrews Hospital in Toowoomba. Whether combining procedures is appropriate for your situation will be assessed at your consultation.

Most women come in for one of a handful of reasons. They have noticed a change in the shape or firmness of the breast, they are getting pain or discomfort, the breasts have become asymmetric, they suspect the implant has shifted, or they have simply changed their mind about the size or look they want.

You may want to consider a consultation if you have noticed:

• A change in the shape, firmness, or size of one or both breasts
• Discomfort, pain, or tenderness around the implant
• Visible asymmetry that has developed or worsened over time
• Suspected implant malposition (the implant feels too high, too low, or has shifted to the side)
• A suspected rupture
• Systemic symptoms you believe may be associated with your implants

It is worth noting that silicone implant ruptures can be silent, meaning they cause no immediate symptoms and can only be detected on imaging such as ultrasound or MRI. Saline implant deflation is usually rapid and visible.

Some patients also seek revision for personal reasons, such as a change in size preference or dissatisfaction with their original results. This is equally valid.

If you are unsure whether your concerns warrant surgery, A/Prof Magnusson's Breast Implant Health Check Clinic is available for patients who would like their implants assessed before deciding on next steps. Consultations are available at his Gold Coast rooms in Southport and his Toowoomba rooms.

If you already have implants and are running into problems with them, are unhappy with how they look or feel, or want them taken out altogether, you are likely a candidate for some kind of revision surgery. Whether it is the right step for you depends on your particular situation, your general health, and the type of procedure that would actually be needed.

You may be a suitable candidate if you:

• Have a confirmed or suspected implant rupture
• Are experiencing capsular contracture causing hardness, pain or distortion
• Have implants that have changed position
• Want to adjust the size of your implants
• Are unhappy with the aesthetic result of your original augmentation
• Are experiencing symptoms you believe may be related to your implants
• Wish to have your implants removed without replacement

As with all surgery, A/Prof Magnusson will consider your general health, medical history, and the nature of your concern before confirming whether surgery is appropriate. Consultations are available at his Gold Coast rooms in Southport (Suite 6, Level 5, 123 Nerang Street) and his Toowoomba clinic.

Yes, Medicare and private health fund assistance is available for some breast implant revision procedures, depending on the clinical reason for the surgery. Cosmetic revision without a medical indication does not attract a Medicare rebate.

Medicare rebates are available for procedures that meet criteria listed on the Medicare Benefits Schedule (MBS). These include the removal of breast implants in medically indicated circumstances such as confirmed rupture, capsular contracture, infection or BIA-ALCL. Relevant MBS item numbers include 45548 (removal as an independent procedure), 45551 (removal with excision of capsule), and 45554 (removal with total capsulectomy), among others. These item numbers are subject to change and eligibility must be confirmed at the time of consultation.

Cosmetic revision surgery performed purely for aesthetic reasons, for example changing implant size without a medical indication, does not attract a Medicare rebate.

Private health insurance may contribute to hospital and anaesthetist fees for eligible procedures, depending on your level of cover and whether waiting periods have been served. It is advisable to contact your health fund before your consultation to understand your entitlements.

A/Prof Magnusson will advise on your Medicare and health fund eligibility during your consultation at his Gold Coast or Toowoomba rooms, once your clinical situation has been assessed.

We are not able to give a single fixed price for revision or implant removal surgery, because every patient's situation is a bit different. What you ultimately pay will depend on how complex the procedure is, whether new implants are being put in, and the hospital and anaesthetist fees that come with the surgery.

Key cost factors include:

• The complexity of the procedure (a straightforward explant will generally cost less than a total en bloc capsulectomy with implant replacement)
• The type and choice of new implants, if replacement is planned
• Whether additional steps are needed, such as pocket adjustment or a combined breast lift
• Hospital or day surgery facility fees
• Anaesthetist fees

A/Prof Magnusson performs breast revision and removal surgery at accredited Gold Coast facilities including Pacific Private Day Hospital in Southport, Pindara Private Hospital in Benowa, and Gold Coast Private Hospital in Southport. Facility and anaesthetist fees are charged separately from the surgeon's fee and will be confirmed once your surgical plan is established.

For procedures with a medical indication, Medicare and private health fund assistance may be available. A/Prof Magnusson will advise on eligibility during your consultation. Please contact our rooms to arrange a consultation at our Gold Coast (Southport) or Toowoomba locations to discuss your individual costs.

Most patients take one to two weeks off work following breast revision surgery, though this depends on the nature of your role and the complexity of the procedure. Strenuous exercise and heavy lifting should be avoided for six weeks, and a compression garment is worn during this period.

Recovery from breast revision surgery varies depending on what is done during the procedure. Light activity can be gradually resumed in the weeks following surgery as healing progresses.

If your procedure involves additional steps, such as a capsulectomy, adjustment of the implant pocket, or a combined breast lift, your recovery may involve greater swelling and a longer period of restricted activity than a straightforward implant exchange.

Full healing, including the final settling of the breast tissue and implants, can take up to 6 to 12 months. A/Prof Magnusson will provide personalised recovery instructions and will schedule follow-up appointments at his Gold Coast or Toowoomba rooms to monitor your progress.

The appearance of your breasts after implant removal depends on individual factors including the size of the implants, how long they were in place, your age, skin quality, and the amount of natural breast tissue you have. For some patients the result is close to their natural pre-augmentation appearance; others may experience some skin laxity or ptosis (drooping).

After removal, the skin and breast tissue will gradually retract. Patients with good skin elasticity and smaller implants tend to achieve a result that is closer to their natural appearance before augmentation. Where skin laxity is a concern, a breast lift (mastopexy) can be considered. This can sometimes be performed at the same time as implant removal, or as a staged procedure at a later date once the tissue has settled.

Fat transfer is another option for patients who wish to retain some breast volume using their own tissue, without the use of new implants.

A/Prof Magnusson will discuss what you can realistically expect following removal during your consultation at his Gold Coast or Toowoomba rooms. For some patients, a staged approach is recommended to allow healing before deciding whether any additional surgery is appropriate.

After any breast augmentation, the body forms a thin layer of scar tissue around the implant, called the capsule. With capsular contracture, that capsule tightens and contracts more than it should. The breast can begin to feel firm, the shape can look distorted, and in more advanced cases it becomes painful. It is the single most common reason women end up needing revision surgery.

All breast implants develop a surrounding capsule as part of the body's natural response to a foreign object. In most cases this capsule remains soft and causes no problems. When capsular contracture develops, the capsule hardens and contracts around the implant.

Capsular contracture is classified on the Baker scale from Grade I (soft, natural appearance and feel) to Grade IV (hard, painful and visibly distorted). Grades III and IV generally require surgical treatment.

Depending on the grade and extent of the contracture, A/Prof Magnusson may recommend:

• A partial capsulectomy (removing part of the capsule)
• A total capsulectomy (removing the entire capsule)
• An en bloc capsulectomy (removing the capsule and implant together as a single unit)

The implants may be removed and replaced at the same time, or removed without replacement, depending on the patient's preference and clinical circumstances. A/Prof Magnusson performs all of these techniques and will advise on the most appropriate approach following a clinical examination at his Gold Coast or Toowoomba consulting rooms.

The appropriate timing depends on the reason for revision. For aesthetic dissatisfaction after augmentation, it is generally recommended to wait at least nine to twelve months to allow full healing and implant settling. For complications such as rupture, significant infection or suspected BIA-ALCL, earlier intervention may be required.

For patients who are unhappy with the aesthetic outcome of their original augmentation, waiting at least nine to twelve months before considering revision allows time for swelling to fully resolve and for the implants to settle into their final position. What can appear as an unsatisfactory result in the early weeks following surgery may improve significantly with time.

For patients experiencing a complication, timing depends on the nature and severity of the problem. Some complications may require earlier or more urgent surgical assessment. Capsular contracture is generally addressed surgically when it is causing significant discomfort, distortion, or has progressed to Grade III or IV on the Baker scale.

A/Prof Magnusson will advise on the most appropriate timing for your situation following a clinical review at his Gold Coast or Toowoomba consulting rooms.

For most women, breast revision surgery does not affect the ability to breastfeed, provided the original augmentation was performed using techniques that did not compromise the milk ducts or areolar tissue.

If your revision involves a straightforward implant exchange using the same incision site and implant position, the impact on breastfeeding is generally minimal. If the procedure involves significant repositioning of the implant or changes to the incision location, A/Prof Magnusson will discuss any potential implications during your consultation.

It is worth noting that breastfeeding difficulties are common in the general population regardless of whether a woman has had breast surgery. If breastfeeding is important to you, raise this as a priority at your consultation so it can be taken into account when planning your procedure.

A/Prof Magnusson is available to discuss your specific situation at his Gold Coast rooms in Southport or his Toowoomba consulting rooms.

Whether imaging is required before breast revision surgery depends on your individual circumstances and the reason you are seeking revision. Not all patients require imaging before their initial consultation. A/Prof Magnusson will advise whether ultrasound, MRI, or other investigations are needed as part of your pre-operative assessment.

Ultrasound is commonly used to assess the integrity of breast implants and the condition of the surrounding capsule. MRI is generally considered the most accurate imaging modality for detecting a silent silicone rupture, where the implant shell has failed but the silicone remains contained within the capsule without obvious external symptoms.

Imaging is most commonly recommended when there is:

• A suspected rupture
• Unexplained fluid around the implant
• Significant or unexplained asymmetry
• Suspected capsular contracture requiring surgical planning
• Possible BIA-ALCL requiring assessment

You can also access A/Prof Magnusson's Breast Implant Health Check Clinic if you would like your implants reviewed before committing to a consultation for revision surgery. This is available at his Gold Coast rooms in Southport and his Toowoomba clinic.