Options after Breast Implant Removal

02 Nov Options after Breast Implant Removal

Reconstruction after Breast Implant Removal Surgery

You’re not alone if you’re considering removing your breast implants. Women choose to have their implants taken out for various reasons, from personal preference to implant complications. But what are the options after breast implant removal?

Perth Specialist Plastic Surgeon Dr. Robert Owen has many years of experience performing breast procedures, including explant surgery and implant replacement.

Take our quiz, and find out if you are you ready for surgery?

Reasons for Breast Implant Removal

There are many reasons why you might be considering implant removal. One of the main reasons being complications related to the implants themselves. Capsular contracture for example is when the scar tissue around the implant hardens and squeezes the implant, causing pain and distortion of the breast shape. Implant rupture is another potential complication which can cause the implant to leak and change the breast shape. If you’re unsure whether your implant has ruptured, you may find this guide on signs of breast implant rupture helpful in understanding the symptoms and what steps to take next.

You may also be considering implant removal for personal reasons. Maybe you’ve had a lifestyle change and now prefer to return to your pre-implant appearance or maybe you’ve become uncomfortable with the idea of having foreign objects in your body. Some women also experience health concerns such as Breast Implant Illness (BII) which is a term used to describe a range of symptoms that some patients attribute to their implants, including fatigue, joint pain and cognitive issues.

Whatever your reason for breast explantation surgery, you have options and a qualified plastic surgeon can help you through the process.

The Breast Implant Removal Procedure

The surgery for breast implant removal, also known as explantation, involves removing the implants and the surrounding scar tissue (breast implant capsule). The procedure is done under general anaesthetic and takes about 1-2 hours depending on your individual case.

During the surgery, an incision will be made along the same lines as your original breast implant surgery incision, usually in the inframammary fold (the breast crease). Through this incision site, they will remove breast implants and assesses the condition of the surrounding breast tissue. In some cases, they may need to remove the entire capsule (capsulectomy) to eliminate all scar tissue.

As with any surgery, there are risks and complications to be aware of such as bleeding, infection and changes in nipple sensation. But these risks are reduced when you choose an experienced plastic surgeon who uses proper techniques and follows strict protocols during explant surgery.

What Are the Options after Breast Implant Removal?

Once your breast implants are removed you have several options to consider. The right one for you will depend on your age, skin elasticity, desired outcome and overall health.

No further surgery

One option is to have no further surgery after implant removal. This may be suitable if you’re happy with the original look of your breasts and have good skin elasticity. However, keep in mind your breasts may appear deflated, or you may be left with excess skin, especially if you had large implants or have had significant weight fluctuations. Your surgeon will assess your breasts and advise you honestly whether this option will give you the results you want.

Breast lift (mastopexy)

A breast lift, also known as mastopexy, is a surgical procedure that re-shapes and lifts the breasts to change their look. During a breast lift, Dr. Owen removes excess skin and repositions the nipple and areola to a higher position. This procedure may be suitable for women who have significant loose skin or loss of volume after implant removal.

The potential benefits of a breast lift include altered breast shape, increased symmetry and a changed appearance. However, a breast lift does involve additional scarring, usually around the areola, vertically down the breast and sometimes along the inframammary fold.

Recovery from a breast lift

Mastopexy takes several weeks during which time you will need to wear a supportive bra and avoid strenuous activities. Dr. Owen and his team will give you detailed post operative instructions and be available to answer any questions you may have during the recovery period.

Download the Guide to Breast Surgery

Guide To Breast Surgery

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Fat transfer (autologous fat grafting)

Fat transfer, also known as autologous fat grafting, is a procedure where fat is taken from one part of your body (such as the abdomen, hips or thighs) through liposuction, processed and then injected into your breasts to alter their volume and shape. This is an option for women who want a small increase in breast size and want to use their own tissue rather than implants.

The potential advantages of fat transfer include a soft appearance and feel, no risk of implant related complications and the added bonus of removing unwanted fat from other parts of the body. However, you should know that not all of the transferred fat will survive and you may need multiple sessions to get the results you desire. Fat transfer may not be a suitable option if you have low body fat or want a large increase in breast size.

Dr. Owen has a lot of experience in fat transfer techniques and will discuss with you whether this is an option for you and your goals. He will also give you realistic expectations of what can be achieved with this approach. You can read more about how to increase fat survival after fat grafting surgery.

Breast lift and fat transfer

In some cases, Dr. Owen may recommend a breast lift with fat transfer to get optimal results after implant removal. This may be suitable for women who have significant excess skin and loss of volume as the lift shapes the breasts and the fat transfer adds fullness.

By performing these two techniques, Dr. Owen can address multiple concerns in one procedure. This also allows for a more tailored treatment plan as the lift and fat transfer can be customised to your needs and desired outcome.

As with any surgical procedure, a breast lift and fat transfer does involve some downtime and recovery. Dr. Owen and his team will give you detailed instructions on how to look after yourself during this time and be available to answer any questions you may have.

Which Option is the Right one for You

When it comes to deciding on the right option for you after breast implant removal, there are several things to consider. Dr. Owen knows every patient is different and will take the time to assess your individual needs and goals before making a recommendation.

One of the most important things to consider is the elasticity of your skin. If your skin has good elasticity and can retract after implant removal you may not need any further surgery. However, if your skin has been stretched by the implants or you’ve had weight fluctuations a breast lift may be necessary to optimise your results.

Your age is another consideration. Younger patients tend to have good skin and have more options available to them, older patients or those with less elastic skin may need a more comprehensive approach such as breast lift and fat transfer.

Your desired outcome is also a key factor in choosing the right option. If you’re happy with a smaller breast size and just want to remove your implants no further surgery may be the most suitable choice. However, if you want to maintain or increase your breast volume fat transfer or breast lift and fat transfer may be more suitable.

In order to decide which option is right for you, you should book a consultation with Dr. Owen. During this consultation, he will listen to your concerns, assess your breasts and discuss your goals in detail. He will also show you before and after photos of patients who have had similar procedures so you can see what results are possible.

It’s important to have realistic expectations of the outcome of your procedure. Dr. Owen will give you advice on what can be achieved with each option and help you make an informed decision that fits with your goals and priorities.

FAQs after Breast Implant Removal

How long does the breast implant removal procedure take and how long is the recovery?

• The breast implant removal procedure takes 1-2 hours depending on the complexity of the case and if any additional procedures such as a breast lift or fat transfer are being done.
• Recovery time varies depending on the individual and the extent of the surgery but most patients can return to work and other activities within 1-2 weeks. However you should avoid strenuous exercise and heavy lifting for at least 4-6 weeks to allow your body time to heal.
• Dr. Owen and his team will give you detailed post-operative instructions and be available to answer any questions you may have during the recovery period.

Will my insurance cover breast implant removal?

• Insurance coverage for breast implant removal is dependent on your policy and the reason for the procedure. If the removal is medically necessary such as in cases of implant rupture or severe capsular contracture your insurance may cover some or all of the cost.
• If the removal is for cosmetic reasons, then insurance will likely not cover your procedure.  Dr. Owen’s team can help you with the insurance process and find out what your coverage is.

How do I know if I’m a good candidate for fat transfer after implant removal?

• To be a good candidate for fat transfer you should have enough donor fat in other areas of your body such as the abdomen, hips or thighs.
• It’s also important to have realistic expectations about what the procedure can and cannot achieve.
• Dr. Owen will assess your individual needs and goals during your consultation and let you know if fat transfer is a viable option for you.

Do I need to put new implants in after removal or can I leave them out forever?

• The decision to put new implants in or leave them out forever is a personal one and depends on your individual goals and preferences.
• Some women choose to have their implants removed and not replaced while others choose to have a different type of implant or fat transfer.
• Dr. Owen will go through your options with you and help you make an informed decision that fits with your needs.

How much does breast implant removal cost and what financing options are available?

• The cost of breast implant removal varies depending on several factors such as the complexity of the procedure, the surgeon’s experience and the location of the practice.
• On average the cost is between $3,000 to $10,000. However, it depends on if any additional procedures such as a breast lift or fat transfer are being performed.
• Dr Owen’s team can give you a detailed cost estimate during your consultation and discuss financing options such as medical credit cards or payment plans.

Further Reading about Breast Implants

• Read more about Has my Breast Implant Ruptured?
• Read more about What is Capsular Contracture?
• Read more about Different Types of Silicone Breast Implants
• Read more about How Can I Enlarge My Breasts?
• Read more about History of Breast Implants

Medical References for Options after Breast Implant Removal

• Risks and Complications of Breast Implants – FDA
• Breast Implant Explantation and Multilevel Mastopexy Technique
• Long-term effects of breast ageing in patients undergoing explantation: analysis of breast aesthetics from before augmentation to after explantation
• Breast Auto-augmentation (Mastopexy and Lipofilling): An Option for Quitting Breast Implants
• Breast Auto-Augmentation: A Versatile Method of Breast Rehabilitation