Deciding on breast implant removal is a difficult decision that should not be underestimated. Maintaining a firm and attractive breast shape without the supporting fillings can be quite difficult, especially with older implants. However, most women who have realistic expectations are aware of the risks and benefits of the breast implant removal and reconstruction procedure, know that there are other alternatives to implants, and decide to have their implants removed, ending up extremely happy. If you, too, are considering breast implant removal, here is everything you need to know the breast implant removal recovery, how the procedure is done, who is eligible to undergo surgery, and various breast implant removal prices.
Why Do Women Choose to Undergo a Breast Implant Removal Surgery?
Many women who choose to have their implants removed have different reasons, and some common causes include:
Implants that Are Simply Too Old
Breast implants can wear out over time and may need to be replaced every 10-15 years to avoid the risks that may arise from this situation. In this case, some women may prefer to have their implants removed instead of replacing them. Most of the women who decide to undergo breast implant removal are usually older, and the appearance of their breasts is no longer important to them. If your breast shape is still very important to you, you should never consider removing your implants and choose to undergo a semi-breast implant removal with a breast lift and replacement instead.
Implants that Are Too Large
Compared to women in their 40s, women in their 20s prefer larger and higher-profile implants. For this reason, it is normal for women to have the implants placed years ago removed years later. In addition, lifestyle changes by taking part in activities such as yoga, surfing, or jogging may lead some women to consider having their implants removed or opt for a breast implant replacement to reduce their breasts.
Sagging of the Implants
Unfortunately, all breasts and breast implants are bound to sag as they age, and some women may consider having their implants removed rather than undergo a breast lift. Many women benefit greatly from a breast lift after having their implants removed because the breasts sag more and more over time without a supportive filling. In such a case, if you have had your implants removed without breast lift surgery to regain your youthful and attractive appearance, it is very important to have realistic expectations regarding the ultimate results.
Deflated Implants
Saline implants, especially those older than 6-7 years, deflate slowly over time or can deflate quite quickly in case of rupture. In such cases, some women prefer to have their implants removed immediately. However, as explained above, you should not undergo breast implant removal just to save time and money because sometimes there may not be a huge financial difference between removing the implants and replacing them.
A Medical Problem with the Implant
If the implants have reached their specified life span (10-15 years for silicone, 6-8 years for saline implants) and still have not been replaced or removed, they may create some problems. The most common problem with old implants is capsular contracture. It is noticed in one or both of the implants, and hardness occurs alongside changes in the shape. Some women with this problem may prefer to have the implant removed instead of correcting the contracture.
Removal of a Breast Implant: How Is It Done?
Whether the patient needs a different size or the symmetry of the implants is broken, the breast implant removal surgeon performs a surgery where the implant is removed or replaced with a new one. A breast implant removal carries some risks, as with any minor or major surgical procedure. Every patient needs to be aware of the risks of breast implant removal before making their final decision.
If the implant was applied to the area in missing breast tissue, then there will be no significant change during removal. However, suppose the prosthesis is placed on a severely devastated chest. In that case, the patient will need to continue to live with the deformed skin and emptied chest after removing the prosthesis, leaving her with considerable effects of a breast implant removal.
Another reason to remove breast implants from the body is the formation of silicones, which is another important factor. Silicone formation is an undesirable complication in which the human body does not accept the prosthetic or implant structure. It is important to realize that this is a very rare problem. First, the treatment of silicone formation begins with the massage process. If the issue is not resolved after the massage, the prosthesis is chosen to be removed. Silicone deformation can occur in one or both of the breasts. It is not possible to determine whether silicone will cause complications in the breast. However, implants used in breast surgery are not likely to cause any health risks or cancer.
If there is no other health problem within the framework of all these explanations, the best option would be to examine the removal of the breast implant in detail with your doctor.
Who Can Undergo a Breast Implant Removal?
Anyone who is not satisfied with the shape and size of their breasts can have this procedure, except for pregnant women or women who have just given birth, which is why it is best to undergo breast implant removal before pregnancy. This procedure, usually performed under general anesthesia and in the operating room, is performed by easily removing the implant from the incision site. However, if the silicone is wrapped under the skin, separating the silicone from the prosthesis or even bursting the silicone apart may be necessary.
The process is performed with incisions from different sites of the breast, depending on its size and condition. Although the armpit area is most preferred, the nipple or the area under the breast can also be an alternative. After the incision, the prosthesis is removed from the pocket-like site.
The duration of removing a breast implant varies from patient to patient, usually ranging from half an hour to one hour. Swelling, bruising and mild pain may occur in the postoperative breast implant removal and replacement recovery period. Painkillers provide much-needed relief during this time. A cold compress can be used to reduce swelling. Within 1-2 days, the patient begins to return to her working schedule and her regular life. Working with experts in the field will positively affect the success of the breast implant removal process.
Frequently Asked Questions About Breast Implant Removal<
Should I have my implants completely removed or reduced?
It is known that the reduction of the implants and a breast lift surgery afterward gives a much better aesthetic result. Removing the implants completely causes more sagging, making it very difficult for your surgeon to reshape your breast and provide it with a natural cleavage and a fresher appearance. This is not something that many women are aware of before making a decision, so if you don’t want to face unexpected results and be disappointed, please review your expectations with your surgeon before the procedure.
Having your implants completely removed without replacing them with a new one and not having any additional supportive aesthetic operations such as lifting will always make your breasts look older, flatter, and saggy. This is a situation that you need to understand and be comfortable with before making this decision.
After the implants are removed, are there any other applications that I need to be aware of?
Performing the breast implant removal with only one incision offers a younger and livelier appearance instead of leaving classical anchor pattern scars as in the traditional breast lift operation. Unfortunately, not everyone is a good candidate for this application, which is why a careful examination is necessary before making a conclusive decision.
How long does it take to heal after the breast implants are removed?
Breast implant removal is a very simple procedure with very little discomfort and minimal rest time. No stitches are needed to be removed after the surgery. Most women can return to almost all normal daily activities within a few days.