Breast Implant Removal

At some point in time you may have been excited to augment your body with breast implants. You may have felt great about your decision and enjoyed your new silhouette, but now you may be exploring the idea of having your implants removed. 

Breast implants are not designed to last a lifetime. From complications such as implant rupture, capsular contracture to health concerns and dissatisfaction, some women may decide to have their implants removed for a plethora of reasons. If you are no longer in love with your implants and are seeking a change, Dr. Robert G. Bonillas is a board-certified plastic surgeon serving Scottsdale, Arizona and its surrounding communities. He will work with you to create the aesthetic you desire! Contact Scottsdale Plastics today to schedule a consultation.

What is a breast implant removal?

Breast implant removal, also called explant surgery, is a procedure where the implants used for breast augmentation are surgically removed from the body. Usually, no other implants are reinserted into the breast pocket. Dr. Bonillas can utilize the scars from your breast augmentation surgery to simply remove the breast implants. However, if you are experiencing complications, a variety of interventions may be necessary, possibly resulting in a longer scar and/or a more extensive procedure. 

Benefits

There are many benefits to undergoing a breast implant removal. Many women who opt for this procedure have reported more confidence, improved quality of life, and a more proportional, natural-looking silhouette. Explant surgery may be right for you if you desire a smaller bust, require more accurate mammogram readings, and/or do not want to keep up with the maintenance of their implants. 

If you want to experience the benefits of breast implant removal for yourself, reach out to Scottsdale Plastics to schedule a consultation with Dr. Bonillas.

Considerations

There are many reasons a woman may decide to have her breast implants removed. Explant surgery can help a woman regain confidence in herself and comfort within her body. If you are looking to have your breast implants removed, you may be experiencing one or several of the following.

Breast Implant Rupture

Breast implants are filled with either saline (sterile saltwater) solution or a type of silicone gel with an outer shell made from silicone. If you experience some type of trauma to the breast, such as a fall or force from an object, it is possible the breast implant could be damaged. During a medical or cosmetic procedure that requires attention on the breasts, the breast implants may experience a tear in the outer shell. A rupture occurs when there is damage done to the implant shell, exposing the contents of the implant to the breast tissue. 

A rupture in a saline implant is immediately noticeable as the affected breast will deflate. The saline solution within the implant is easily absorbed by the body with no adverse effects. This causes the breasts to look asymmetrical, making it apparent that a rupture has occurred. In silicone implants, because of the cohesiveness of the gel used, a rupture is not as apparent. These are commonly referred to as a “silent rupture.” A breast scan, a slight change in appearance, or feeling may alert you to a silent rupture. The implants must be removed/replaced as soon as possible to address any rupture.

Discomfort

Many women who opt for explant surgery report that their implants have caused them physical discomfort. Experiencing neck, back, shoulder, and/or chest pain long after your breast augmentation or after you have lost weight following breast augmentation may indicate that your implants are too large for your body. The discomfort may be caused by the excess weight you are carrying from the breast implants. 

The Age of Your Implants

Breast implants are not lifetime devices. It is commonly recommended that they are removed/replaced every 10-20 years. As the implants age, the risk of rupture increases as the material may deteriorate over time. Also, as technology advances, the lifespan of breast implants on the market may extend. If you are nearing the end of the recommended period, you may decide to not replace your implants and have them removed.

Capsular Contracture

Capsular contracture is the hardening and/tightening of the naturally forming scar tissue (capsule) that develops around the breast implant while in the breast pocket. This scar tissue can contract and squeeze the implant, causing pain, discomfort, and a distorted look to the breast. The only way to correct capsular contracture is to remove the implants and the scar tissue from the breast. The implants may be replaced, if desired. 

Dissatisfaction

You may have been excited and happy to have breast augmentation surgery. But now, you may not be as elated with your enhanced bust. You have the right to change your mind at any time. If you have ripples on your skin or protrusion of the breast implant, or simply do not desire them any longer, breast implant removal is an option for you.

Health Concerns

A very small percentage of women may experience or attribute decline in health because of their breast implants. 

BREAST IMPLANT ILLNESS (BII)

There is a community of women who report an onset of physical symptoms after undergoing breast augmentation, for some, many years later. Breast Implant Illness is not a formal medical diagnosis, but rather, a syndrome of symptoms commonly found in the general public at any given time. Symptoms may include, but are not limited to fatigue, skin rash, depression, anxiety, hair loss, headaches, and hormonal issues. Women experiencing BII self-identify as having the condition. 

Breast implants are FDA-approved medical devices. This means they have been found to be safe and effective for their intended purpose of breast augmentation. Research that has been conducted on breast implants has not found any direct correlations between breast implants and any systemic illness. 

BREAST IMPLANT ASSOCIATED – ANAPLASTIC LARGE CELL LYMPHOMA (BIA-ALCL)

Breast Implant Associated – Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma is an extremely rare condition. It develops most frequently in women who have textured breast implants. BIA-ALCL is not a breast cancer, but rather, a cancer of the immune system. The condition is highly curable when detected and treated early. 

Symptoms of Breast Implant Associated – Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma may include unexplained breast enlargement, hardening of the breast, lumps in the breast or armpit, asymmetry, and fluid build-up in the breast. In BIA-ALCL, fluid accumulates in the space between the breast implant and the naturally occurring scar tissue. 

En Bloc Capsulectomy

Once you are ready to move forward with breast implant removal, it is important to choose a highly skilled and knowledgeable plastic surgeon for the procedure. Dr. Bonillas is available to not only remove your implants, but perform the delicate and precise en bloc capsulectomy. 

An en bloc capsulectomy is the surgical removal of the breast implant from the breast pocket while it is still encased within the scar capsule. Ideally, the breast implant and the capsule are removed in one “package.” By performing this procedure, Dr. Bonillas significantly reduces the risk of contaminating the healthy surrounding breast tissue. 

Dr. Bonillas’ fine attention to detail and impeccable skill will be beneficial to you when it comes to removing your breast implants. An en bloc capsulectomy can aid in correcting capsular contracture, reversing signs of BII, and beginning the journey to recovery from BIA-ALCL. Call (480) 245-6380 now to schedule a consultation with Dr. Bonillas.

Procedure

On the day of your surgery, you will meet with Dr. Bonillas to review your customized treatment plan. He will mark your breasts using a surgical marker, identifying areas of focus, anatomical landmarks, and incision placement. Once you are in the operating room, you will be given the appropriate anesthesia to ensure you remain comfortable throughout the procedure. Dr. Bonillas will then make the necessary incisions and meticulously remove your breast implants, en bloc, as necessary.

Explant Recovery

Many women who have undergone breast implant removal report that recovery is similar, or even easier, than recovery from breast augmentation. After surgery, you can expect to experience some discomfort. This will gradually subside in the following weeks. You may return to work as soon as one week, post-op. Strenuous activity may be resumed after about 6 weeks. 

Results

The results of your explant surgery will be immediately apparent. Your breasts will be smaller, and in some cases, your breasts may look deflated due to the size of your breast implants. Many women report feeling more comfortable in their bodies after having their breast implants removed. 

You can flaunt a more confident you after explant! Fill out this short form to schedule your consultation today!

FAQ

Additional Resources

1. American Society of Plastic Surgeons. (2019). Breast Implant Associated Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma. Retrieved from https://www.plasticsurgery.org/patient-safety/breast-implant-safety/bia-alcl-summary
2. Breastcancer.org. (2020). What is Breast Implant Illness? Retrieved from https://www.breastcancer.org/treatment/surgery/reconstruction/types/implants/special-report/breast-implant-illness