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Breast Explant Surgery

Breast implant removal surgery is common for women who are not satisfied with the results of a previous surgery. That can be due to their appearance, or simply due to the implant coming to the end of its term, and wanting it removed. Often, breast implant removals are paired with an implant revision to change the original implant to a preferred size and shape. At UK Aesthetic, we offer breast implant removals in Manchester to patients across the entire UK.

Why Choose UK Aesthetics For Implant Removal

Our resident surgeons are BAAPS-registered and accredited with a combined experience of over a century. Performing breast removal surgeries in Manchester, the team at the UK Aesthetic provides meticulous results in state-of-the-art facilities. Patients can expect an exceptional experience at The Alexandria Hospital, with 24/7 care and support. See our meet the team page for more insight into each of our surgeons’ certified experience.

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What Is a Breast Explant?

A breast explant, also referred to as breast implant removal surgery is the process by which implants are removed due to patients’ preferences or needs. Breast implants may be removed due to elective reasons such as lifestyle changes, or possibly due to medical reasons such as scar tissue hardening around the implant or an implant rupture.

The average lifespan of a breast implant tends to be 10 years, hence why women opt for breast implant removals around this time. Breast implant removal can be performed in addition to other procedures, for example, patients may wish to correct the lift of their breasts following the implant removal and therefore will opt for a breast lift. Or, as opposed to an implant, patients may use breast fat grafting to maintain a level of volume in the breast.

The decision to remove breast implants is a personal one. Each patient has their own reason, and it is up to an accredited surgeon to provide the safest treatment plan for breast implant removals.

What Should You Expect During Your Consultation?

During your consultation for breast implant removal in Manchester, you will have the opportunity to discuss your surgery expectations with us. From here we’ll be able to determine the best course of treatment that’s right for you and your expectations. You’re also welcome to ask any questions you may have regarding the breast explant surgery. You must be honest about your medical history with us at this time so we’re able to curate a bespoke treatment and surgery plan tailored to you.

How Should I Prepare For Breast Explant Surgery?

For your breast implant removal in Manchester, some preparations should be made to ensure the safest surgery possible.

Avoid smoking six weeks before the implant removal surgery so your vessels aren’t prone to blood clotting and your recovery time is easier.
Avoid taking aspirin 7-10 days before surgery to ensure it does not interfere with the effectiveness of the anaesthetic.
Avoid herbal supplements or anti-inflammatory drugs to ensure the anaesthetic can work to the best of its ability and your body can work better in naturally recovering.
Arranging for a close relative or friend to pick you up shortly after your surgery would be advised as it can prevent any sudden complications.
Shortly after breast explant surgery, you may find it difficult to manoeuvre and go about your daily tasks. We would recommend having someone to support you during this time to ensure no damage occurs to the healing area. Taking one to two weeks off work can also aid your breast implant removal recovery.

What Happens During Breast Implant Removal Surgery?

You should expect the breast explant surgery to last one to two hours, depending on the complexity. It will be performed under general anaesthesia to help you feel comfortable throughout the surgical process.

The procedure involves an incision being made, preferably in the same place where your implants were put in. Using the same incision location will reduce the risk of additional scarring, and also offer the opportunity to remove any excess scar tissue that was left from the original treatment. Your original incision would have been in one of the following areas, and will therefore be used for the breast implant removal:

Inframammary fold (crease beneath the breast)
Periareolar (around the nipple)
Transaxillary (armpit)

In some cases, breast implant removal surgery can be combined with a breast lift to reshape the breasts. This can prevent your breasts from looking flat after surgery and provide a more desirable, natural result.

What to Expect After Breast Explant Surgery?

It’s expected to experience some swelling, bruising and general discomfort immediately after the breast implant removal. Patients can reduce the discomfort of these side effects by taking painkillers, paired with having plenty of rest. Wearing supportive garments is also recommended to aid the recovery of your breast implant removal surgery.

It’s also recommended that you:

Avoid strenuous exercise and heavy lifting. Once you feel comfortable doing so, you can engage in low-intensity exercise such as walking.
Keep the wounds dry and wear loose clothing so they’re given plenty of space to heal. During the early stages of your recovery, it will sometimes be best practice to wear supportive garments
Avoiding drinking alcohol during recovery is also recommended. Alcohol thins the blood which can result in excessive bleeding and swelling.
The following week after the breast explant surgery, you’ll be seen in the dressings clinic to check that your recovery is going as smoothly as possible. Overall, you should expect your breast implant removal recovery to take up to 6 weeks, but this can differ depending on your circumstances.

Following breast implant removal surgery, it is common for the final form of the breasts to take at least a few months. You can contact our accredited team at any point in your implant removal recovery period should any concerns or questions arise.

Risks And Complications of Breast Implant Removal

At UK Aesthetics, we have decades of experience in breast explant surgery and although complications are extremely rare, it’s still important to be aware of any risks involved with the surgery. Possible complications include the following :

Infection
Bleeding
Hematoma
Skin loss
Seroma

All possible outcomes will be discussed during your breast implant removal consultation, including what course of action will be taken in the unlikely instance that they occur and how we can help to rectify them.

Below are some common breast implant removal questions that our patients tend to ask before their surgery or during their consultation.

RealSelf Patient Reviews of Gary L. Ross, MBChB, FRCS

Below are some common breast implant removal questions that our patients tend to ask before their surgery or during their consultation.

FAQs

Who Qualifies For Breast Implant Removal Surgery?

Patients who qualify for breast implant removals in Manchester are typically those in good health, who desire the implant to be removed due to its lifespan ending, and those who wish for a different aesthetic look. It is especially important for patients who are experiencing negative side effects due to their breast implants. Abnormal side effects would include calcium buildup around the implant and abnormal moving or shifting of the implant. During a consultation for implant removal surgery, the surgeon will be able to determine where you qualify for the surgery depending on your circumstances.

How Soon After A Breast Augmentation Can I Remove The Implant?

In the unfortunate event of being unsatisfied with your breast implant surgery, it is important not to rush for the breast implant to be removed. If you have concerns regarding the aesthetic appearance, it is important to note that the final look of your breasts following the surgery can take up to six months as they ‘drop and fluff’ into their healed form. We would recommend speaking with your surgeon regarding your concerns before committing to a breast implant removal, as the dramatic change can leave patients feeling unsettled until they see the final results.

How Would The Scars After Breast Implant Removal Look?

The scarring following your implant removal surgery in Manchester will be minimal. This is because your surgeon will follow the same incision area that was used for the original implant. The scarring will eventually fade and whiten over time. It is possible to avoid scarring that is not aesthetically pleasing by avoiding direct sun exposure to the healing area for a few months following the treatment, and also by using medically recommended creams. Always consult with your trusted surgeon as to what they recommend before doing your research.

How Much Does Explant Surgery Cost?

Breast explant surgery is an extremely personal treatment that does not have a one-size-fits-all approach. For guidance on the cost of breast implant removal surgery, please contact our team at UK Aesthetic and they will be happy to provide you with the relevant information.

What Do Breasts Look Like After Implant Removal?

We have some breast implant removal before and after examples. See our implant removal case-study page, or during your consultation, we will be happy to share more examples that perhaps are more suited to your unique treatment plan.