Breast Implant Removal Surgery

damon thomas

Women who have breast implants can often keep them for many years without needing or desiring a secondary procedure such as a breast implant exchange or removal. If you are still happy with your procedure after ten years, and you are experiencing no issues, no surgery will be necessary. 

However, there are several instances in which a woman may want or need a revision surgery. Breast implants are not designed to last forever, and a revision will be required at some stage to replace the implants. Exchange or removal may be necessary if complications arise. Even if there are no complications, some women decide to exchange or remove their implants due to changing aesthetic preferences or lifestyle.

While women can have a breast implant removal procedure performed by a qualified Specialist Plastic Surgeon, the procedure has much more complexity than an initial breast augmentation surgery, so special care must be taken to select a surgeon who is knowledgable about the procedure and has significant experience performing it.

WHO SHOULD CONSIDER A BREAST IMPLANT REMOVAL PROCEDURE?

There are several instances when a woman may consider having a breast implant removal procedure, either as a procedure by itself or as the first step in the process of a breast revision surgery. Most commonly, a breast implant removal and / or replacement procedure is performed when a woman experiences:

  • dissatisfaction with her original procedure, including implant size
  • the need or wish to replace her implants
  • capsular contracture
  • a deflation or rupture
  • issues with sagging

In any of these cases, a breast implant removal procedure may be a beneficial procedure to remedy a woman’s concerns and an essential precursor to a breast revision surgery.

WHAT MAKES A BREAST IMPLANT REMOVAL PROCEDURE MORE COMPLICATED THAN A BREAST AUGMENTATION?

A breast implant removal surgery and the breast revision surgeries which commonly follow are generally more complex than an initial breast augmentation procedure. The reasons for this are many. Excision of the breast capsule around the existing implant is often required which can be challenging if a capsular contracture is present. A new pocket may need to be created to improve the breast shape. The breast skin may also need to be tightened with a breast lift or mastopexy.

WHAT HAPPENS DURING A BREAST IMPLANT REMOVAL PROCEDURE?

First, Dr Thomas will open the breast pocket, and then he will remove the original implant. At this time, he will look carefully for any issues which may affect a new implant — if one is placed — or which must be addressed so that you are left comfortable with your look after your procedure.

Since Dr Thomas may have to remedy issues specific to your anatomy and the implant which is being removed, no two breast implant removal or breast revision procedures will be identical. If a new implant is desired, Dr Thomas will close the breast pocket using internal, dissolvable stitches to minimise new scarring once the new implant is placed.

If you also have a breast lift performed with your breast implant removal or breast revision procedure, Dr Thomas will begin to perform this procedure after your implants have been removed and any issues dealt with. Since breast lifts may be performed in various ways, the type of lift you will have will be discussed and decided beforehand during your consultation.

WHAT HAPPENS AFTER MY BREAST IMPLANT REMOVAL?

Recovery from a breast implant removal procedure may be more comfortable than recovery from a breast augmentation procedure. While you will experience some pain as you would from having any surgery, pain after breast implant removal is usually well-managed with non-narcotic medications. Keep in mind that many factors go into a patient’s recovery experience, and experiences can vary greatly as a result.

Recovery from breast implant removal may be shorter than recovery from an initial procedure. Some patients can resume work the day after their procedure provided they do not need to perform any heavy lifting. After six weeks, individuals may resume most, if not all, of their normal activities including regular exercise.

RELY ON DR THOMAS FOR A CARING AND QUALIFIED APPROACH TO BREAST IMPLANT REMOVAL

Dr Damon Thomas takes a personalised and consultative approach to patient care that places particular emphasis on your concerns and goals. He translates your needs into a treatment plan designed to deliver compassionate care and long-lasting results.

If you wish to learn more about breast implant removal or breast revision surgery, call Dr Thomas’ office on 03 9034 7738 today. Our friendly staff can set your appointment for an in-person consultation and also answer any questions you may have about breast implant removal.

 


MAKING AN INFORMED DECISION

Our website is intended to provide general information about breast augmentation and should not be used as a substitute for personalised medical advice. It is important to consult with a qualified plastic surgeon to determine if breast augmentation is the right procedure for you. The following considerations should be part of your decision-making process.

Risks

All surgical procedures carry risk. The potential risks and complications associated with breast augmentation include, but are not limited to, bleeding, infection, changes in nipple or breast sensation, implant rupture or leakage, asymmetry, poor scarring and the need for additional surgery. It is important to understand the risks involved and weigh up the benefits and drawbacks of surgery before undergoing breast augmentation.

Recovery

Recovery time after breast augmentation may vary depending on the individual, the extent of the procedure, and the type of implant used. In general, patients should be prepared to experience some discomfort, swelling, and bruising after surgery. Patients must also be prepared to take time off work and other activities (including exercise) and follow Dr Thomas’ post-operative instructions to promote proper healing and minimise the risk of complications.

Results

Individual results may vary depending on a number of factors, including the patient’s natural breast tissue, the size and type of implant used, and the surgical technique employed. It is critical to have realistic expectations about the outcome of breast augmentation and understand that each patient’s outcome will be unique. It is also important to know that breast implants are not lifetime devices and may require replacement in the future.

If you have any questions or concerns about breast augmentation, please do not hesitate to contact us.