All you need to know about breast implant removal

The latest topic of discussion in one of our informative medical articles is breast implant removal. In this article, highly regarded consultant oncoplastic surgeon, Ms Shweta Aggarwal, discusses the surgery at length, including the main reasons for the removal of breast implants.

What is breast implant removal?

Breast implant removal, also known as explantation, is a surgical procedure to remove previously inserted breast implants. There are various reasons why individuals opt for breast implant removal, ranging from health concerns and complications to personal preferences and lifestyle changes. 

What are the reasons for breast implant removal?

Over time, breast implants tend to form scar tissue around them (capsular contracture). Depending on the degree of contracture, the implants can become hard, misshapen, and painful. Implants can also rupture and become displaced (malposition) which may or may not be associated with capsular contracture. These issues may necessitate implant removal to alleviate discomfort or to restore a natural appearance.

More infrequently, implants may be associated with certain types of cancers, like BIA-ALCL and BIA-SCC (breast-implant-associated lymphoma or squamous cell carcinoma). Breast implant illness (BII) describes a collection of symptoms like fatigue and low energy level, joint and muscle pain, brain fog and difficulty concentrating, that some women with implants experience. The exact reason for BII is not fully understood but there are theories to suggest that it could be body’s immune system reaction to the foreign material.

Some women experience improvement in symptoms after implant removal. The research around BII is still evolving and removing implants does not guarantee symptom resolution. Women may choose to remove breast implants due to lifestyle changes, shifting preferences, or changes in body image perception. Some may prefer a more natural look or find that the implants no longer align with their lifestyle.

How is the breast implant removal procedure performed?

Before the surgery, you’ll have a consultation to discuss the reasons for removal, options for adjunctive procedures following removal and expectations. The surgeon will evaluate the breasts, skin elasticity, and the condition of the existing implants. You might need additional tests (imaging) like mammogram or ultrasound. It is very important to be clear about your expectations from surgery, both in terms of symptom improvement and desired aesthetic outcome (size/shape of breast).

Implant removal only with or without capsulectomy is a simple implant removal with no other procedures will lead to loss of volume and sagging of the breast. The severity of these effects will vary, depending on the size of initial implants, residual breast tissue and skin elasticity. Capsulectomy is a surgical procedure that involves the removal of breast implants along with the surrounding scar tissue (capsule) that naturally forms around the implant. The data around removal of capsule is not conclusive and the need for this procedure will be discussed on individual basis.

Implant removal and breast lift (mastopexy) also known as explantation with mastopexy, is a surgical procedure that involves removing breast implants and at the same time performing a breast lift to reshape the natural breast tissue. The procedure aims to restore a youthful shape and lift to breasts that may have sagged as a result of stretching from the implants.

Implant removal and fat grafting involves liposuction which can be tailored to your needs. The fat obtained by liposuction is then injected into the breast to restore part of the lost volume. Fat grafting may be combined with a mastopexy to augment the volume and achieve better cleavage.

Implant removal and reconstruction with flap (skin and fat from under the breast or back) can be combined with a reverse abdominoplasty (tummy tuck) or a body lift (back and love handles). If the skin and fat are taken from the back, these will result in additional scars.

To schedule in an appointment today with Ms Shweta Aggarwal, simply head on over to her Top Doctors profile.