Breast augmentation surgery has been one of the most common cosmetic procedures for years. While largely a very safe and satisfying procedure, secondary surgery is an important consideration for women with implants for various reasons. Breast implants are not lifetime devices and therefore replacement surgery is also common for indications such as implant failure and unsatisfactory internal scar tissue formation (capsular contracture). While most women that have had a good experience with their implants opt for replacement if the need arises, there has also been a growing number of women recently opting for removal only. There are a multitude of reasons why one may choose this option. Here is what you need to know about breast implant replacement and removal surgery.
What Is Breast Implant Replacement?
Breast implant replacement surgery involves removal of the implants, possibly as well as some or all of the typical internal scar tissue or capsule, then replacement with new implants to address issues such as implant failure or rupture or for painful capsular contracture. All women with breast implants should be aware of the inevitability of a secondary surgery at some time hopefully not until many years (15 or more) after their initial surgery. Other reasons women may seek secondary surgery include pregnancy, weight fluctuation and stretching of tissues leading to unsatisfactory appearance for which internal or external breast lifting and implant replacement can restore a more pleasing appearance.
Who Should Consider Implant Removal?
Removal of breast implants without replacement is an option for women that are simply no longer interested in having implants again for various reasons as simple as feeling “oversized” and with aging not wishing to be large breasted anymore or more complex as with health issues that they ascribe to their implants. For some women, they may have had implant complications that do not wish to experience any more such as include rupture of the implant or contracture. For others they may be experiencing a variety of systemic symptoms (Breast Implant Associated Illness) that they wish to address and feel that implant removal is their best option to feel better. A very rare condition BIA-ALCL (Breast Implant Associated Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma) has been described specifically with a certain type of textured silicone implants and fortunately is typically treatable with proper surgical treatment including implant removal and removal of the scar capsule.
What Happens During Replacement or Removal Surgery?
Breast implant replacement or removal surgery is typically an outpatient procedure similar to the initial implant placement. The procedure usually takes more than the initial surgery depending on the specifics. With replacement either the existing scars are used if skin removal and lifting is indicated there may be additional incisions. With removal only, the breast size decreases and the breast is reshaped to achieve as optimal an appearance as possible
What Is The Recovery Process Like?
While the recovery from implant replacement or removal surgery varies from patient to patient, the recovery following the surgery can be similar to the initial breast augmentation surgery. Most women can return to work in 3-5 days with only minimal early discomfort. Avoidance of heavy lifting or vigorous exercise for a few weeks is typical. If you are considering breast implant replacement or removal surgery it is important to seek out an experienced board certified plastic surgeon to help sort out all of your options and to help you through the entire process to the most optimal outcome.
