Breast Implant Removal

Breast Implant Removal

Breast Implant Removal used to be done predominantly for woman who had problems with capsular contracture or dissatisfaction with the size of their implants once they got older. Recently a cancer, BIA-ALCL, has been associated with textured implants, which I do not use. This has led to the suspension of sales of specific textured implants globally. We have also witnessed a rise in the number of woman who are concerned their breast implants may be related to various physical complaints which are now being classified as Breast Implant Illness BII. The combination of these events has led to a significant interest in some woman to remove their implants. Research is being done to determine not only if the implants are contributing to these ailments but also if removal results in their resolution or improvement. There is ongoing research looking at whether removal of the capsule as well as the implant is necessary in individuals with BII in the absence of capsular contracture. To date there is no conclusive study which proves this. Claims that an En bloc capsulectomy are required by anyone at this time are unsubstantiated and can in fact be harmful to woman when removal is attempted.

In cases, where the breast implant has been in place for several years, their removal alone will most likely result in a deflated, relaxed skin envelope. The appearance of the breast after the implant removal is conceptually difficult to understand and requires detailed conversation with your plastic surgeon.

In individuals who have saline implants in place, deflating the implants can be helpful to fully understand how the breast will look without the implant volume. This would only be done prior to a scheduled procedure as the deflated implant would need to be removed promptly. With silicone implants this is not possible but images of women who have undergone the procedure can be shared.

Even if the clients are willing to get the breast implants removed, a proper evaluation of the breast skin will be needed. This is basically done to determine if a breast lift is necessary. A breast lift is required for restoring a more youthful appearance by raising the nipple position and removing the breast tissue resting below the breast fold.

However, this will not restore fullness to the breast above the nipple. As a solution, fat grafting can be done by taking fat from the tummy or thighs and then, transferring it to the upper pole of the breast. This is a wonderful procedure to add a modest volume to the upper pole of the breast.