Most people think of the scale in only one direction when it comes to cosmetic surgery. However, plastic surgery can help people feel better about their bodies and even have a measurable uptick in their self-esteem and quality of life.
But going under the knife can be a nightmare for many people, especially those with a history of body image issues or trauma. Implant removal doesn’t come up much in our discussions about cosmetic procedures, mainly because most plastic surgeons don’t advertise surgical removal as an option when you choose to get implants.
But it does happen, and if you’re considering getting breast implants removed, there are some essential things you need to know about what might be coming down the road after your initial surgery.
What Is Breast Implant Removal?
Breast implant removal is a surgical procedure designed to remove the implant, implant capsule, and surrounding breast tissue to expose the implant shell. Breast augmentation is one of the most commonly performed cosmetic plastic surgery procedures.
It involves placing silicone gel-filled or saline breast implants under the breast tissue, not the muscle. It is a surgical procedure designed to remove the breast implant, implant capsule, and surrounding breast tissue to expose the implant shell.
It is a relatively uncommon procedure used only in specific situations.
Medically necessary breast implant removal?
Breast implants can break down over time, leak, or be damaged by an injury or infection. In these cases, you’ll need to remove them to replace them with a new set of implants or undergo a different procedure.
If you have an infection or autoimmune disease, the implant may need to be removed for treatment. And in the case of an injury, the implant may need to be removed to prevent further damage.
These are all pretty rare circumstances:
Complications associated with Implants:
Possible issues include rupture, leakage, and implant deflation. If an implant ruptures, it must be removed or replaced immediately to prevent silicone or saline from seeping into the body and potentially harming patients.
Capsular Contracture:
Boob jobs can cause capsular contracture, which occurs when scar tissue forms around an implant and contracts around it. That causes pain and discomfort and creates a hard mass beneath the skin.
In addition, capsular contracture is often accompanied by inflammation and fluid build-up around an implant. The only way to treat capsular contracture is by removing the implant, allowing your body’s natural healing processes to resume without interference from foreign materials.
Breast Implant Illness (BII):
Women often attribute their breast implants to fatigue, joint pain, and brain fog. Although this illness has yet to be officially recognized by medical science as an official medical diagnosis, many opt to remove their implants to alleviate symptoms.
Breast Implant-Associated-Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma (BIA-ALCL):
Breast Implant-Associated Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma is an extremely rare non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma that typically forms around textured implants. If diagnosed, both implants and surrounding tissue must be removed.
Calcification:
Calcium deposits may form around an implant, leading to pain or hardening of its surrounding bone structure. These calcium deposits should also be extracted as an implant replacement procedure.
Necrosis:
Necrosis refers to the death of tissue surrounding an implant due to complications caused by surgery, radiation therapy, or trauma. Should necrosis develop, implant removal may become necessary.
Read Also: Breast Augmentation Vs. Breast Lift: Full Guide and 2023 Price
Is explant surgery dangerous?
Breast implant removal or explant surgery is generally safe, although any procedure carries risks, including potential infection, bleeding, scarring, and changes in breast sensation. Also possible are anesthetic reactions or adverse side effects from surgery.
Your breasts may look different following surgery; additional procedures may be necessary for cosmetic reasons or complications that arise as a result.
Emotional responses to surgery may arise; having a detailed conversation with your surgeon will allow for the proper understanding of all potential risks and outcomes.
Procedure Details
Explant surgery is a procedure that involves:
What Happens Before The Surgery?
Before you remove breast implants, you’ll need to have them put in. That is where the process differs from breast augmentation. While breast implants are placed below the breast tissue as part of breast augmentation, they are placed above the muscle during breast implant removal.
You’ll meet with a surgeon before the procedure to discuss the condition of your implants and the best course of action for removing them. You’ll likely also meet with a surgeon or doctor beforehand, who will conduct any necessary testing.
What Happens During explant surgery?
Explant surgery is, as you might imagine, pretty invasive. It requires general anesthesia, and surgeons often cut the breast to access the implants before removing them.
They’ll first remove the implant capsule before removing the implant itself. They will work to remove everything from the surrounding breast tissue.
During the procedure, surgeons will likely use ultrasound to ensure they’re working with clear images so they don’t make any mistakes. Once everything is removed, you’ll be stitched up and sent your way.
What Happens After explant surgery?
After explant surgery, you’ll notice your breasts are smaller. That is not necessarily bad, and many people who remove their breast implants find they’re happier with the smaller size.
Breast implants can be a significant part of many people’s bodies; they’re large, noticeable, and essential to your identity. In some people, they represent empowerment, beauty, and their true selves.
For others, they represent something completely different.
For many people, removing breast implants is a way to regain control of their bodies and health. It’s a way to move forward from past trauma, bad relationships, and bad decisions. It’s a way to let go of something that no longer serves you and embrace yourself as you are.
After breast implant removal, side effects?
Breast implant removal surgery, commonly called explant surgery, is generally considered safe. However, as with any surgical procedure, potential risks and side effects should be considered before proceeding. These may include:
Changes to Breast Appearance:
Once implants have been removed, your breasts may appear smaller, deflated, or saggy depending on size, length of use, pregnancy, or significant weight changes.
Scar Tissue:
Surgery will leave scars that should fade over time but will never completely disappear.
Numbness:
Women may experience changes to nipple or breast sensation that may be temporary or permanent.
Pain and Discomfort:
As with any surgical procedure, some pain or discomfort is expected following surgery; this should gradually diminish over time.
Swelling and Bruising:
Swelling and bruising can occur after surgery and should gradually improve as recovery proceeds.
Infection:
While infection risks are low, it is still important to watch for signs of infection, such as redness, warmth, increasing pain, or discharge at the surgical site.
Need for Additional Surgery:
Women may require or want additional surgery following implant removal, such as breast lift surgery, to address any sagging or deflatedness caused by having their implants removed.
Emotional Changes:
After extracting their implants, some women may experience emotional upheaval and regret.
Breast Implant Removal Recovery?
Breast implant removal surgery typically takes two to four hours, and you can expect to spend the rest of the day in the surgical facility, followed by a few days of recovery at home.
You’ll need to follow the doctor’s post-procedure instructions carefully. However, most people report feeling back to normal within a week. However, you may experience some swelling and discomfort for a few weeks after the procedure and probably see some scarring on the breasts.
Still, otherwise, you shouldn’t notice too much difference between the original surgery and the removal.
Does breast implant removal cost Turkey?
The average cost of breast implant removal surgery in Turkey is $2,400. That is a broad range, and the final cost may differ based on the city and clinic you choose for the procedure and your health insurance coverage. That price is based on your preferred facility, the procedure’s doctor, your desired breast lift amount (if applicable), and other factors. Remember that the cost of removal surgery doesn’t include the price of a new set of implants if you choose to go in that direction.
Your insurance coverage and out-of-pocket expenses will also vary depending on your plan and specific situation.
Breast implant removal costs in The U.S.?
The cost of breast implant removal surgery in the U.S. ranges between $3,000 and $6,000. That includes the surgeon’s fees, the facility fees, anesthesia, and other associated costs incurred throughout the process.
But remember that these numbers don’t represent the full implant removal cost. For example, suppose you currently have saline (salty) implants. In that case, insurance will cover the removal cost but not the price of new implants.
However, if you choose silicone implants at that time, you’ll be responsible for the full cost of the new implants.
In some cases, depending on your specific situation, you can appeal for help covering the implant costs.
breast implant removal with lift
Breast implant removal with lift (also called explantation with mastopexy) is a procedure in which breast implants are extracted, followed by lifting breast tissue for improved shape and position of breasts. Often performed simultaneously in one procedure, its exact method may depend on individual circumstances.
Here are a few key points about this procedure:
Who Can Benefit?
This procedure is ideal for women seeking to remove their implants but are concerned about them sagging or losing shape after explantation. Breast sagging often occurs post-implant removal due to skin stretching out to accommodate them, creating further breast sagginess.
What Does the Procedure Involve?
The surgery includes two main steps: implant removal and lift. Excess skin will be removed during lifting, with any remaining breast tissue reshaped into its more youthful forms. Your nipple and areola may also be moved upwards for added youthfulness.
Recovery:
Recovery following combined implant removal and lift surgery may take longer than implant removal alone. Most patients can return to work and light activities within two or three weeks, while full recovery and resumption of strenuous activities typically take 4-6 weeks.
Results:
Individual circumstances will dictate results; for instance, the size and type of implants extracted will influence results, as will skin elasticity and size of natural breasts. A knowledgeable surgeon should strive to achieve a discreet and proportionate aesthetic that complements each patient’s body structure and size.
Aesthetic Options After Breast Implant Removal
While the best option for you will depend on your specific situation and desired outcome, you may want to consider some of the following procedures after explant surgery:
Implant Exchange
If you aim to maintain your breast size after removing your implants, an implant exchange may be an option. That procedure involves replacing your existing implants with smaller ones.
That may be a good option if you’ve experienced capsular contracture, a painful side effect of breast implants that can cause the surrounding tissue to become thick and tight.
An implant exchange may help reduce the risk of capsular contracture.
Breast Lift With Implants
A breast lift with implants is a hybrid procedure that combines a breast lift with breast augmentation simultaneously.
That may be a good option if your breasts are too small after removing your implants. However, remember that that is major surgery and has a recovery time compared to a breast lift alone.
An Anchor Breast Lift
An anchor breast lift is a special variation of a breast lift that uses a very tight incision. That procedure is typically used when you have a high risk of your breasts dropping again after a regular breast lift.
A breast lift with implants is a significant surgery with a recovery time compared to a breast lift alone. An anchor lift, while more invasive and with more recovery time, has been shown to have a higher success rate.
Breast Reduction
If your breasts are too large after removing your implants, you may consider a breast reduction.
That procedure involves removing excess tissue and skin from your breasts to return them to a standard size, possibly reducing breast pain.
Read Also: breast lift with reduction.
Conclusion
Breast implants can be beneficial in some situations, but they’re not suitable for everyone. However, if you feel like you need breast implants and can handle the risks and complications associated with them, then, by all means, go for it.
Don’t feel bad about your decision if you’re uncomfortable with implants or think they might not be your best option. You don’t have to have breast implants to be beautiful, worthwhile, or confident.
While they may not be the best choice for everyone, they can be an excellent option for some people. So if you’ve decided that implants are right for you, remember to research and choose the right surgeon.
Contact Us Today
Lastly, you need to know more about this procedure or have more questions about other procedures. In that case, we offer a free consultation on WhatsApp or Fill out The Form Here.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Are The Advantages?
There are a few advantages to having your breast implants removed. That is something that almost anyone can do, regardless of their health. However, there are a few circumstances in which you should not have your implants removed.
If you’ve had breast implants for less than ten years and have no signs of infection, disease, or other complications, you may be able to remove them by cutting them out.
If you’ve had breast implants for over ten years, ruptured, or have a severe health condition, you’ll need surgery to remove them. However, there are also advantages to waiting to have your breast implants removed until you’ve had children.
Breastfeeding is not easy with implants, so removing them beforehand is often recommended.
Will My Breasts Sag After Implant Removal?
Breast implant removal is not the same as a breast lift, so you shouldn’t expect to see the same results as you would if you had breast lift surgery alone. However, studies show that most people don’t experience sagging after breast implant removal.
Sagging is often caused by the weakening of Cooper’s ligaments over time. However, these ligaments are not affected by the removal of the implants. The degree to which your breasts sag after removal depends on your current shape and size.
If your breasts are already droopy, they’re more likely to sag further after the implants are gone. On the other hand, you likely won’t notice much difference if your breasts are still relatively perky.
Does insurance cover explant surgery?
Health insurance coverage for breast implant removal surgery will depend on several factors, including your plan, reason for surgery, and where you reside.
Medically Necessary Removal: When surgery to extract a breast implant is considered medically necessary – for instance, due to complications like rupture, severe capsular contracture, or persistent infection that hasn’t responded to treatment – then insurance may cover its removal. Another example could include Breast Implant-Associated Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma (BIA-ALCL), a rare type of lymphoma linked with specific breast implants.
Cosmetic Implant Removal: When seeking to have implants removed for personal or aesthetic reasons rather than medical indications, insurance policies typically do not cover this procedure.
Insurance Policies and Plans: Each health insurance plan comes with unique terms and conditions, so you must consult your provider to understand exactly what coverage exists within their plan.
Local Laws and Regulations: Laws or regulations may play a part in coverage for explant surgery in certain regions; for instance, some U.S. states have required insurance companies to cover explant surgery under certain circumstances.
What do breasts look like after implant removal?
The appearance of breasts after implant removal can vary greatly depending on several factors:
- Natural Breast Tissue: If you had larger natural breasts before augmentation, they might still maintain some shape and size after implant removal.
- Skin Elasticity: This determines how well your breasts bounce back after the implants are removed. Age, genetics, and the length of time you had the implants can all affect elasticity.
- Implant Size and Duration: Larger implants or those that have been in place for a longer time may cause more skin stretching. If the skin doesn’t shrink back adequately after removal, the breasts may appear deflated or saggy.
- Capsular Contracture: If you have a severe form of this condition, your breasts might appear smaller or differently shaped after implant removal, especially if part of your natural breast tissue had to be removed along with the scar tissue.
- Additional Procedures: If a breast lift (mastopexy) is performed at the time of implant removal, it can help to reshape the breast tissue and lift the nipples and areolas, creating a more youthful appearance.
- Post-Operative Changes: Immediately after surgery, the breasts can look flat and limp due to swelling. Over time (usually a few months), the breast shape will improve as the swelling subsides and the skin and tissues heal and adjust.
About the author
Binsy brings over 13 years of expertise to the HayatMed Clinic Blog. With a passion for healthcare communication, she has crafted insightful articles that demystify complex medical topics, empowering readers to make informed decisions about their well-being.
Her wealth of experience ensures that each blog post is a reliable source of knowledge, fostering a deeper understanding of health and medical advancements.
This article was Medically reviewed by Dr. Duran Çekiç
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