When it comes to breast augmentation, many women go into the procedure with specific expectations, hoping to enhance their breast size and shape. However, over time, some women find that their breast implants no longer meet their expectations or suit their evolving lifestyle. If you’re one of those women, breast explant surgery may be a good solution.
In this blog from Prive Plastics, we’ll explore the reasons why women choose breast explant surgery, what to expect during the procedure, and how your options for breast restoration can help you achieve the results you desire.
When Your Results Don’t Match Your Expectations: Common Reasons for Breast Implant Removal
The decision to have breast augmentation often stems from a desire to improve the size and shape of the breasts. However, sometimes the results don’t align with the vision that you had in mind. If you’re not satisfied with your breast implants, you’re not alone. Many women choose to remove their implants for a variety of reasons, which can be both cosmetic and medical.
Unhappy with Breast Appearance
Sometimes, breast implants don’t turn out as expected. Whether you feel that the size is too large, too small, or simply not the right fit for your body, dissatisfaction with breast appearance is one of the most common reasons for opting for breast explant surgery. Additionally, as you age or experience weight fluctuations, the appearance of the implants may change, causing them to no longer look as they did initially.
Lifestyle Changes
While larger breasts may have been ideal for you at one stage of life, they may not fit your lifestyle as you age. For instance, some women find that the added volume interferes with their fitness routines, or the size of their breasts becomes uncomfortable or contributes to back pain over time. If your breasts no longer align with your lifestyle or cause discomfort, breast explant surgery can offer relief.
Too Much of a Commitment
Breast implants are designed to last for many years, but they do come with a commitment. Regular checkups and, at times, replacements, are part of maintaining implants. Some women find this commitment to be more than they bargained for. If you’re looking for a change that requires less maintenance, explant surgery may be the right choice for you.
When Breast Implant Removal Is Necessary or Recommended
While cosmetic reasons are a significant factor in breast explant surgery, there are also medical conditions that may require implant removal. For some women, implants may contribute to complications that affect both their health and the appearance of their breasts.
Capsular Contracture
When you get breast implants, your body forms a natural fibrous capsule around the implant to protect it. However, in some cases, this capsule can tighten, causing the implant to feel firm or hard and distorting the breast’s shape. This condition, known as capsular contracture, can lead to discomfort and a change in breast shape, making breast explant surgery necessary to remove the implants and the surrounding scar tissue.
Implant Rupture
Whether you have silicone or saline implants, there is always a risk of rupture. In the case of a saline implant, the implant will deflate, and the body will naturally absorb the saline solution. A silicone implant rupture, however, may not be immediately noticeable, which is why regular screenings (such as MRIs) are recommended. If a rupture occurs, it’s important to consult with your surgeon to discuss whether explant surgery is necessary.
Breast Cancer
Although implants are not a cause of breast cancer, they can complicate the diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer. The presence of implants may interfere with mammogram readings, making it harder for doctors to detect breast tissue changes. If breast cancer is detected, implant removal may be recommended as part of the treatment process to ensure proper breast tissue removal and facilitate effective cancer treatment.
Autoimmune Reactions or Breast Implant Illness
Some women experience an autoimmune response to breast implants, a condition known as breast implant illness (BII). BII encompasses a range of symptoms, including joint and muscle pain, fatigue, headaches, cognitive issues, and more. While BII is not yet fully understood, if symptoms arise, explant surgery may be necessary to alleviate the symptoms and improve overall health.
What Can You Expect from Breast Explant Surgery?
Breast explant surgery is typically performed under anesthesia, ensuring that you’re comfortable throughout the procedure. The process generally involves making incisions around the original surgical site to remove the implants and any surrounding scar tissue. Here’s what to expect:
Procedure: Your surgeon will carefully remove the implants and, in many cases, the fibrous capsule around them. This helps ensure that any scar tissue contributing to discomfort or shape distortion is also addressed. If you choose to combine the explant surgery with a breast lift, the surgeon will also remove excess skin and reposition the remaining breast tissue for a more youthful appearance.
Recovery: After the surgery, you will be given specific aftercare instructions to ensure proper healing. This includes wearing a compression garment to reduce swelling and support the healing tissue. Swelling and discomfort are common in the first few days, but pain can usually be managed with prescribed medications. Most patients can return to normal daily activities within a few days, although it’s important to avoid strenuous activity during the initial healing phase.
Options After Breast Implant Removal
Explant surgery doesn’t mean you have to live with an appearance you’re not happy with. Many women choose to combine explant surgery with other procedures to achieve their desired look. Here are some options:
Breast Lift
If you’re unhappy with sagging after implant removal, a breast lift can help. This procedure lifts and reshapes the breasts, providing a more youthful contour. It’s a popular choice for those who want a natural, rejuvenated look after explant surgery.
Breast Augmentation with Smaller Implants
For some, the goal is simply to downsize the implants to a more natural size. If you’ve decided you want implants again after removal but prefer a smaller size, breast augmentation with smaller implants can help create a balanced and youthful appearance.
Fat Transfer
Another option after explant surgery is fat transfer, where fat is liposuctioned from another area of the body and then injected into the breasts. This can add volume and shape, providing a natural look without the use of implants.
Look and Feel Your Best with Prive Plastics in Boca Raton
Breast explant surgery is a personal decision that can help women regain comfort, confidence, and a look that better aligns with their current lifestyle and preferences. Whether you’re looking to correct a previous breast enhancement, alleviate discomfort, or simply explore a new chapter, Prive Plastics is here to support you and restore balance and confidence.
If you’re considering breast explant surgery or have concerns about your current implants, it’s important to consult with a skilled, board-certified surgeon, such as Dr. Wu, to guide you through the options and create a treatment plan that meets your goals. With the right approach, you can achieve the refreshed, rejuvenated appearance you desire while feeling confident and comfortable in your body once again.
If you wonder if you are a good candidate for any of our surgical services, start with a TeleHealth consultation. After your personalized consultation for surgical services, you can look forward to treatment in a state-of-the-art office in Boca Raton. For customized treatment plans for your face and body, call Prive Plastic Surgery today at 561-717-3181.
