Breast Implant Removal
If you’re feeling unsatisfied with your previous breast implants or understand that they will be coming towards the end of their term, breast explant surgery can be a viable option for you to have them surgically removed. This tends to be more commonly known as breast implant removal surgery or breast implant removal.
What Is Breast Implant Removal?
Typically, the lifespan of a breast implant tends to be around 15 years, so after this time you may consider having them removed and breast explant surgery can help to achieve this.
An alternative adequate reason is that you may simply decide that you no longer wish to have them and opt to take out the implants before their expiry date which can be removed safely during breast implant removal.
During breast explant surgery, the implants are surgically removed. Alternatively, a breast implant replacement surgery can be performed if you wish your implants to be replaced which can help to match your desired results depending on what they are.
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What Should You Expect During Your Consultation?
During your first breast implant removal consultation, 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 about the breast explant surgery. It’s important that you’re honest about your medical history with us at this time so we’re able to meet your needs as much as possible.
How Should I Prepare For Breast Explant Surgery?
The steps below are important to follow so they can prevent any complications with your surgery.
- Avoid smoking six weeks prior to the breast implant removal so your vessels aren’t prone to blood clotting and your recovery time is easier.
- Avoiding aspirin will make sure that it does not interfere with the effectiveness of the anaesthetic.
- Avoiding herbal supplements or anti-inflammatory drugs can 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 you can help this by avoiding putting too much strain on the surgical area. Taking one to two weeks off work can also aid your breast implant removal recovery.
What Happens During Breast Implant Removal?
You should expect the breast explant surgery to last one-two hours and it will be performed under general anaesthesia to help you feel comfortable throughout the surgical process. The procedure involves an incision being made in the same place where your implants were put in and this will be beneficial in avoiding creating new scars. Once the implant is removed, the area is then closed safely with stitches to conceal the scars and provide a better aesthetic look.
In some cases, breast implant removal surgery can be combined with a breast lift to reshape the breasts which can prevent your breasts from looking flat after surgery and provide them with a more aesthetically pleasing 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 but we can tackle this by offering pain that will help to reduce your discomfort and calmly ease the pain. Wearing a special supportive bra or garment can also aid your recovery which you will wake up wearing.
It’s also recommended that you:
- To reduce discomfort and enable smooth recovery, avoid any strenuous activity or exercise
- Keep the wounds dry and wear loose clothing so they’re given plenty of space to heal
- Increase the chances of a simple recovery by avoiding driving to prevent complications from occurring
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 personal circumstances.
Depending on your personal circumstances, you should expect your breast implant removal recovery to take up to 6 weeks and you can reassure this further as long as you follow the guidance that’s provided to you.
It’s worth keeping in mind that it can take several months for your breasts to begin to settle and show their natural shape.
Risks And Complications of A Breast Implant Removal
At UK Aesthetics, we have plenty 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.
Some risks of a breast implant removal include infection, bleeding, hematoma, skin loss and seroma but 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.
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Below are some common breast implant removal questions that our patients tend to ask before their surgery or during their consultation.
