Explant/Removal of breast implants
Duration: 2 hr 30 min
The lifespan of breast implants is roughly 10-15 years.
After years of having had breast implants some women just want to have their implants removed regardless of whether or not the lifespan of their implants has been reached. Times and people change and this sometimes causes people to regret previously made decisions or decide that they have reached a point in their lives where they feel they don’t need implants anymore.
Women can then have their implants removed or exchanged for new ones.
TREATMENT SUMMARY
1 - 2 weeks
Day case
After 1 week
Sleep on back for 1 - 2 weeks
Wear for 8 weeks
6 - 8 weeks
After 1 - 2 weeks
6 weeks
Breast implant removal
Breast augmentation is one of the most popular surgeries to increase and enhance the breasts. However, there comes a time when the breast implants will need to be removed, as even the newer design of silicone implants will not last a lifetime (around 10 to 15 years). There can also be other reasons that someone might wish to remove their breast implants, such as capsular contracture, (where there is some hardening of scar tissue around the breast), a change in body shape or discomfort if the original breast implants were too large. Some people simply feel that they no longer wish to have their implants and have changed views on them. Dr Veerle Rotsaert offers breast removal (explant) surgery for those who need to remove their implants and restore their natural appearance.
There are many reasons why some women want a breast implant removal
- Capsular contracture/pain
- Possible Ruptures/No more fear of Ruptures: Although very low-risk, especially with newer implants, older implants sometimes rip.
- No More Replacements
- The recovery for implant removal is short
- Shopping: Removal of implants can make you loose 1-2 sizes
BEFORE
AFTER
BEFORE
AFTER
Frequently asked questions
Am I suitable for breast implant removal?
What happens during a breast implant removal?
An incision will be made, usually under the breast and the implants will be removed. Depending on your breast size, the positioning of your natural breasts and whether you would still like some volume, you may undergo a breast lift, reduction or even fat transfer, where your own fat is injected in to the breast, to restore some volume naturally. The methods that Dr Rotsaert will be using, can be discussed and decided on in your initial consultations and physical examination.
Will I get scarring with a breast implant removal surgery?
What is the downtime, following a breast implant removal?
When will I see the results?
Additional Information
This is a procedure that can be straightforward and easy but depending on the indication this can just as well be a slightly lengthier and more laborious procedure.
A small percentage of women suffer from painful capsular contracture for which we have to perform a capsulectomy (total or en bloc).
Depending on the amount of breast tissue and sagginess of your natural breast tissue you might have to consider an uplift afterwards. The scarring pattern depends on the amount of sagging.
Having worked in major breast units Dr. Rotsaert will tell you all about certain risks and complications involved with this procedure. This procedure starts with the consultation and proper assessment of your breasts. Dr. Rotsaert, together with her patients, decides on the treatment goals and desired outcome together.
You will have to wear a sports bra for 6 weeks day and night after surgery. You will have to refrain from heavy lifting and exercise for 6 weeks.
Stitches are dissolvable, which means your body digests them so there is no need for them to be removed.
Drains might be used depending on the case.