Why Do Women Get Their Breast Implants Removed?
Posted February 27, 2020 in Breast Implant Removal
3 Min Read
Choosing to have breast augmentation surgery is a huge decision in a person’s life, and one that many women assume will be permanent.
It can be unfortunate to have to remove the breast implants, but breast implants are not manufactured to be lifelong devices.
Breast implant removal or explantation removes breast implants from the body for a variety of reasons.
What Are the Reasons for Breast Implant Removal?
Women may choose to have their breast implants removed for implant complications, changes in aesthetic preference, or medical conditions like breast implant illness (BII) or breast implant-associated anaplastic large-cell lymphoma (BIA-ALCL).
Some of the specific reasons women choose to remove their breast implants include:
- Capsular contracture––A medical condition that occurs when the natural scar tissue capsule thickens and constricts around the implants, causing discomfort
- Implant rupture––A condition that occurs when the shell of the implant weakens from wear and tear, causing it to rupture or deflate
- Bottoming out––A condition that occurs when one or both implants slip below the inframammary crease (fold line below the breasts), resulting in physical discomfort and distorted aesthetics
- To alter physical appearance––A desire to change the size, shape, or placement of your breast implants
What Are the Breast Implant Removal Techniques?
There are two main breast implant removal techniques: en bloc and total capsulectomy.
En Bloc
En bloc is a French word meaning “as a whole” and is performed by removing the implant and capsule in one piece.
This is often the most preferred method of removal because the capsule is removed in its entirety, eliminating the risk of chemicals and bacteria from leaking inside your body during the extraction.
By removing the implant and the capsule together, the breast tissue and muscles relax to their original position for a more natural appearance.
Total Capsulectomy
Total capsulectomy removes the scar tissue that has formed around the implant. Capsulectomy attempts to remove the capsule in one piece, but sometimes this is not possible.
What Happens After My Breast Implants Are Removed?
You have several options for your secondary breast surgery.
You may choose to combine your breast implant removal with a breast lift. Most surgeons prefer to wait three to six months before performing a lift. This allows the tissues to heal and settle. Breast lift surgery addresses sagging by raising the breasts to a higher position on your chest.
You may also choose to remove your implants and replace them with new ones. Implant exchange can correct postoperative complications and, in turn, achieve the breast size and shape you desire.
Fat transfer removes fat from different parts of the body. The fat is processed and injected into the breasts. This can improve the size and shape of the breasts. It may take several sessions to achieve an appropriate contour.
Your options and techniques for breast implant removal will be thoroughly discussed with Dr. Koch at your consultation.
Have More Questions About Implant Removal?
For more information on breast implant removal in Williamsville, New York, call our office at (716) 631-1220 or fill out our online contact form.