Even though the breast augmentation procedure is extremely effective, there may come a point when you would like to have your implants removed.
Those cosmetic devices aren’t designed to last forever, and that means they will need to be replaced or permanently removed at some point. Luckily, the breast implant removal procedure is a fairly straightforward operation that has a very high success rate.
When Is Breast Implant Removal Needed?
There are quite a few reasons why a patient might want to have their implants completely removed following the augmentation procedure. In some cases, patients aren’t happy with the way that their breasts look after the implants are in place. That is especially common with older implants that weren’t correctly sized or positioned. Some of those issues can be addressed by replacing the implants, but a patient might want to remove them entirely.
Another reason why some patients have their implants removed is because of health complications. Breast augmentations are safer than ever, but patients must realize that complications can occur. If you believe that your implants might be causing some health problems, then you must immediately contact a doctor to discuss the breast implant removal procedure.
Implants can also rupture, and the remaining material must be removed as quickly as possible to avoid secondary health problems.
When a saline implant ruptures, the patient will usually notice an immediate change in the size of one of their breasts over the course of a few hours.
With silicone implants, it generally takes the material much longer to leak out, and that means the patient must keep an eye out for other warning signs that one or both implants are ruptured. That includes:
- swelling
- soreness
- sensitivity
- burning sensation in the chest
What Are the Benefits of Breast Implant Removal?
Having old implants removed can actually be very beneficial to a patient. One of the biggest benefits of this procedure is the fact that the patient can avoid potential complications down the road.
- That includes issues such as ruptured implants or ongoing soreness throughout the chest.
- In many cases, removing the implants will make it easier to carry out mammograms and other important procedures as well.
- For other patients, removing the implants is going to boost their confidence and allow them to feel comfortable in their own skin.
Breast Implant Removal Surgery
The breast implant removal surgery is highly personalized, and every case is slightly different. That being said, the procedure typically follows the same few steps:
- After an anesthetic has been administered, a small incision is made along the bottom of each breast just below the areolas.
- The surgeon will then begin the process of removing the implants themselves.
- Once the shell and the rest of the materials have been removed, the surgeon can close the incisions with sutures, skin adhesive, or clips.
A patient might also have a lift carried out immediately following the removal of their implants so that their breasts continue to look toned and well-balanced.
Recovery After Breast Implant Removal
Recovery after breast implant removal is generally much easier than recovering from the initial augmentation. Most people are going to recover from this procedure within a few days, but some patients take up to a week off from work.
During that time, you will be provided painkillers to help with any discomfort you might feel. Once the incisions have begun to heal, a follow-up appointment must be made with the surgeon. During that appointment, the surgeon will be able to give the patient further instructions on when they can resume everyday activities.
Breast Implant Removal Complications
Just as with any other operation, complications can take place after implants are removed. That being said, this procedure has a very high success rate, and complications are usually mild. The most common side effects include:
- discoloration
- swelling
- general discomfort
For most patients, those issues slowly disappear within a few days. Carefully following the surgeon’s post-op instructions will greatly reduce a patient’s risk of lingering health complications. Patients can also minimize their risk of complications by getting plenty of rest, staying hydrated, sticking to a clean diet, and trying to stay as healthy as possible.