Will I Feel Better After Breast Implant Removal?

Sometimes patients decide that breast implants aren’t for them, or complications arise that make it impossible to keep them. In this case, breast implant removal can help. This blog discusses the reasons patients remove their implants, what the procedure steps are for breast implant removal, and the different options patients have for replacing or upgrading their implants.

5 Min Read:

Thinking of Removing Your Implants?

Things don’t always work out the way we intend, even when it comes to cosmetic surgery. While most breast augmentation patients love their results, some women aren’t so lucky. There are a variety of reasons why women choose to remove their breast implants, including:

• Breast pain and discomfort
• Breast implant rupture
• Capsular contracture

In addition to these breast augmentation complications, sometimes the body changes in unexpected ways, causing patients to rethink their implants. For instance, unexpected weight gain can cause the breasts to be too large — or larger than the patient wanted — with the combination of fat and implants. Overly large breasts are a common problem women face, as they can cause back, neck, and sleeping problems.

In any case, if your breast implants are causing you pain or emotional distress, removing them may be the answer.

What Are My Breast Implant Removal Options?

Breast implant removal is the general term for the procedure to remove breast implants, but there are many complex surgical options to choose from, depending on your needs. Essentially, breast implant removal is determined by your specific concerns (rupture, capsular contracture, breast implant illness).

Breast implant removal specifically has a few options:

En bloc capsulectomy: “En bloc” means “as a whole,” or complete, and in this case, refers to the surgical technique that removes the breast implants and their encasing of scar tissue, called the breast capsule, as one unit. En bloc capsulectomies are often requested by patients who are concerned that their symptoms are connected to breast implant illness, and thus want to remove the entire breast implant and capsule to ensure the total removal of any silicone or potential bacteria from the implants. There is no scientific evidence that en bloc capsulectomy improves the success rate for breast implant illness resolvement.

Note: En bloc capsulectomies are not guaranteed to be possible for each patient, especially for those who have had implant rupture or whose implants are considerably old. In some cases, it is impossible to remove the implants and their capsules as a single unit; they must be removed in pieces. Often, the condition of the implants and capsules is not fully known until surgery.

Total Capsulectomy: This is the technique for removing the entire implant and breast capsule, although not necessarily in one complete unit.

What Is Breast Implant Illness?

Breast implant illness (BII) is a term that refers to a collection of symptoms in patients with breast implants when there are no abnormal laboratory or physical findings. BII has been considered something of a medical anomaly, as there is no concrete connection yet between breast implants and these symptoms; BII is not classified as a diagnosis. However, when women experience symptoms similar to those of autoimmune diseases, they may be considered symptoms of BII.

Even More Options With Breast Implant Revision

Now, the above options are only one piece of the puzzle, as they deal expressly with removing implants (explantation). But many patients don’t want to simply remove their implants, especially those who have had them for many years. Breast implant revision encompasses multiple options for removing and revising breast implants, including the following:

Breast implant removal and replacement: Some patients wish to upgrade or replace their breast implants, rather than remove them for good. This is ideal for patients who want to downsize, adjust implant material or placement, or replace very old implants. The first step is always the removal of the old implants via explantation, then a subsequent breast augmentation follows.

Breast implant removal and lift: This option is great for women who are experiencing complications with their breast implants and no longer want them, but still want to enhance their breast appearance. Combining a breast removal with a breast lift can restore aging or stretched natural breasts to a higher, more perky position on the chest, enhancing their appearance without the need for implants.

Want to Learn More About Breast Implant Removal in Scottsdale, AZ?

You hold the key to your own wellness, aesthetic improvement, and empowerment. Breast implant revision or removal is a fantastic option for restoring your physical comfort and emotional well-being. Call board-certified plastic surgeon and breast enhancement specialist Dr. Robert J. Spies today at (480) 359-1019 or complete the contact form and request a consultation.