Breast Implant Removal
Located in Kirkland, WA to serve the Eastside Seattle area
What Exactly is Breast Implant Removal?
Breast implant removal, also known as explantation, is a procedure that removes previously placed implants from breast augmentation or reconstruction.
What Should I Know About Breast Implant Removal?
Reasons for Breast Implant Removal
There are multiple reasons why this procedure has become more popular over the last several years. Firstly, aesthetic preferences change. Some patients with a history of breast augmentation no longer are satisfied with their increased volume or shape. This can be related to personal choice, lifestyle changes, or anatomical changes after pregnancy or breastfeeding.
Additionally, there may have been a complication related to the breast implant. Examples are capsular contracture, leak/rupture, or in rare cases, infection. Women may choose to have the implants removed rather than replaced, particularly if they do not want to worry about monitoring for these complications moving forward. Finally, there are medical reasons for pursuing breast implant removal. Devices with a textured shell have been associated with a very rare form of lymphoma (Breast Implant-Associated Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma, or BIA-ALCL). Patients may also have non-specific, generalized symptoms (under the umbrella of a term called Breast Implant Illness, or BII) that motivate them to seek implant removal.
The Appropriate Procedures
If you want to continue having the breast volume that an implant provides, but are interested in adjusting the shape, position, or symmetry of the breasts, breast implant revision may be recommended. In considering breast implant removal, patients frequently are candidates for a simultaneous breast lift (mastopexy). This is because as the breast skin stretches with both age and the presence of an implant, the absence of the implant can reveal ptosis (sagging) of the breast tissue. Performing a breast lift can optimize the nipple position and reshape your native breast.
Treatment of the Implant Capsule
Depending on the indication for implant removal and degree of scar tissue around the implant (capsular contracture), the implant capsule can be treated in several ways. If the scarring is minimal, the capsule may simply be left in place after the implant is removed via a capsulotomy, which is a single cut through the capsule. A partial capsulectomy removes a portion of the capsule – this may be recommended because if the tissue is adherent to the chest wall, excising this can have greater risk than benefit. A total capsulectomy removes the entire capsule, along with the implant. This is the most invasive approach, and although there are some indications, it carries a higher complication rate.
Surgical Details
Breast implant removal is usually performed under general anesthesia and takes one to two hours. The procedure can be longer if a breast lift (mastopexy) is needed. Dr. Remington will make an incision, typically using the same scar in which the implant was placed. The implant, any free silicone, and surrounding scar tissue will be removed, if indicated. Absorbable sutures (which do not need to be removed) are used to close the incisions.
Consultation Process and Recovery
When you meet with Dr. Remington, your medical history will be reviewed and a physical examination will be performed. It is important to understand your goals to determine a customized treatment plan, which may be more involved than simply removing the implants. In some cases, placement of a temporary, surgical drain may be recommended. The initial recovery is between one and two weeks. During this period you will have a surgical compression bra to decrease swelling. Heavy lifting and strenuous activity will be limited for approximately one month.