Common Reasons for Breast Implant Removal
Breast implants can be removed for several different reasons. Every patient’s reason for having their breast explant surgery is personal. However, some reasons may include:
- Capsular contracture (when scar tissue contracts around the implant)
- Implant rupture or displacement of the implant
- Concerns about breast implant illness (BII)
- The patient will be undergoing breast cancer treatment
- Concerns about breast shape such as drooping or tuberous breasts
- Personal preference – some patients want a change in size, shape or position, or wish to remove their implants
In rare cases, patients wish to correct a serious complication such as infection or breast asymmetry. No matter the reasons for breast implant removal, breast surgeon Dr Andrew Broadhurst in Brisbane uses the best techniques according to the needs of each patient.
Implant Removal with Dr Broadhurst
“I pride myself on the individual care and support I provide each of my patients. From your first consultation, I will work one-on-one with you to tailor a treatment plan to suit your unique body, fit your lifestyle and achieve the enhanced look you’ve been dreaming of.”
Consultation
Your Initial Consultation
Your initial meeting with Dr Andrew Broadhurst will take place over the phone or via FaceTime. Due to the personal nature of breast implant removal, Dr Broadhurst will ask questions about your medical history and past breast surgeries. As well as this, you will need to discuss your reasons for wanting breast explant surgery. Dr Broadhurst will tailor your procedure to your body and the outcome you wish to achieve.
There are different types of breast implant removal, including:
- Implant removal and replacement
- Explant (removal of the implant only)
- Removal with a capsulectomy (removal of thick scar tissue)
- Implant removal with a breast lift
After a breast implant has been placed, scar tissue forms around it, known as the “capsule.” During a breast explant surgery, the breast implant capsule sometimes needs to be removed along with the implant. Whilst it is easy to remove a thick firm capsule, it is much harder to remove a thin capsule. Patients with a thin capsule likely do not need it removed. You can discuss this during your appointment.
Once you have discussed these things, Dr Broadhurst will outline the best treatment plan for your body, as well as what to expect after the surgery and during the recovery stage.
Your Second Consultation
Your second consult will be face to face at one of our Brisbane, Sunshine Coast, Hervey Bay, Bundaberg, or Ballina locations. He will provide ample information about whichever surgery option is right for you. This meeting will take place a few weeks before your surgery to ensure you have a thorough understanding of the process. It will be at no cost to you.
You are welcome to ask any questions or concerns you may have regarding breast implant removal surgery. After this, you should have a clear idea of what to expect from your breast explant surgery, including before and after.
Procedure
What to expect during your procedure?
Breast explant surgery will take about one to two hours to complete. However, this depends on the type of breast implant removal you choose. Many women choose to have their implants removed and not replaced. In some cases, the implant along with the surrounding scar tissue (capsule) will be taken out. Whether you are looking for breast implant removal or replacement, your customised plan will help you achieve the results you desire. Depending on your concerns, this process can help you improve the shape, size, or position of your breasts as well as eliminate issues from your past surgery.
Incision and scarring
Generally, implant removal surgery involves an incision in the breast crease, which will typically only leave a very thin scar. Whilst your breast surgeon will use techniques to reduce scarring, the prominence of your scars will depend on how your body heals. The scar may appear slightly different from the scar after the previous breast procedure.
Breast implant removal without replacement
If you no longer desire your implants, removal can bring your breasts back to their original shape and size. Your breast surgeon makes an incision along or above the breast crease through which the implants are removed. The scar capsule around the implant may be removed through a capsulectomy or en bloc.
Breast explant surgery with a lift and skin tightening
This procedure helps you achieve a natural look. As breast implants cause the breast to stretch, your breast surgeon may also suggest mastopexy at the same time as implant removal. This will include a lift to correct sagging, which will elevate the nipple and areola. It will also reshape your breasts for a more natural shape and lift.
Breast implant removal with replacement
Many women choose to replace their implants due to implant ruptures, leaks, deflation, hardened scar tissue, or other issues. Implants will last about 15 to 20 years, although replacement is often advised after 10 years. This process involves removing the implants, followed by tightening the skin in some cases, and finally insertion of new implants.
Read more information about Implant Removal & Replacement