Breast implant removal is a surgical procedure for taking out the silicone or saline implant in the breast. People request this surgery for several reasons:
- The breast implant replacement because the implant is only helpful between 10 to 15 years.
- Complications from the breast implants like an auto immune response to the implant, tissue hardening or death, severe pain, shifting implants, and calcium build-up
- The patient may no longer want implants because of their breast appearance after surgery or desire to remain natural.
- Preference to have a breast lift instead of an implant after the procedure
Regardless of the reason, breast implant removal surgery is always possible.
Who is Eligible for a Breast Implant Removal?
A Person with Health Concerns
There are health concerns that require immediate breast implant removal surgery. They include
- Leaking on the breast implant
- Hard lumps forming around the implant
- Breast appearance changes due to age, pregnancy, breastfeeding, or illness
- Breast and pain or discomfort relating to the implant
- Implant shifts or movements
A Person with Changed Cosmetic Goals
Breast augmentation has been on trend for a long time. Sometimes, trends may not be a patient’s interest anymore. They may have another goal or popular look they are chasing. Thus, they are allowed to change their mind and get implant removal surgery.
A Breast Implant Removal Procedure
The Preoperative Stage
The patient schedules an appointment with the cosmetic surgeon to discuss the reason behind the breast implant removal surgery. During the visit, the surgeon will examine the patient’s breast, evaluate their health status, and provide recommendations based on the outcome.
If the surgeon gives a green light, the patient receives preoperative directions like when to stay away from food and drinks, bathing before surgery, appropriate attire for before and after surgery, and how a breast implant removal occurs.
Operating Stage
The operation begins with general anesthesia provided by the anesthesiologist. The patient will be asleep throughout the operation period. Pain and nausea medication get administered during and after the anesthesia.
Once the patient is under general anesthesia, the nurse cleans the surgical site, the area where the implant rests, with antibacterial soap or cleansers to prevent infection. The surgeon then makes an incision at the surgical site to access the implant. The site decision also factors in scar tissue formation.
The surgeon then removes the implant and tissue capsule. At this point, the procedure is patient-specific. The surgeon proceeds according to the patient’s condition and needs. After all procedure completion, the surgeon closes the incision site using sutures or incision glue.
Recovery After a Breast Implant Removal Surgery
After the anesthesia wears off, the patient gets wheeled to the recovery room for monitoring. During the breast implant removal recovery, a nurse observes the surgical site, patient’s vitals, pain severity, and potential complications. The surgeon will decide when the patient is safe to leave the facility and continue recuperating at home.
The surgeon advises on expectations during recovery, how to bathe, dress, and relieve pain, and when to seek medical advice and resume work. Typical effects of the surgery include pain, swelling, and discomfort. It will be uncomfortable to move the upper body. However, pain intensity decreases as the days progress.
FAQs
Does Insurance Cover Breast Implant Removal?
Insurance coverage for implant removal depends on the reason for the initial breast implant surgery and the removal procedure. If the implant surgery occurs after a mastectomy and the surgeon believes removing them is a medical necessity, the insurer is legally obligated to cover the implant removal surgery. However, insurance may not cover the patient if the removal procedure is for cosmetic purposes.
Can Someone Get an Implant Removal and an Uplift Procedure?
Although breast implant removal is a stand-alone procedure, it is possible to get an uplift after a removal. Many patients prefer getting an uplift after an implant removal procedure to prevent breast sagging. The uplift makes the breast tighter, increases their elevation, and makes them youthful.
How Long is Recovery From a Breast Implant Removal?
Proper care post-surgery is essential for a quick surgery. Most patients should be able to resume everyday living after 6 to 8 weeks. Patients are required to rest and avoid strenuous activities like driving or lifting to enable the body to heal during the recovery period. Tenderness and soreness persist up to week six.
What to Wear After a Breast Implant Removal?
Wear comfortable and loose clothing that is easy to put on and remove. Tight attires may cause discomfort at the surgery site. Loose t-shirts are ideal for the upper body and pajamas for the bottom. The shirts provide room for arm movement and do not interfere with circulation. The surgeon may recommend a medical bra for nighttime, depending on the patient’s breast size for comfort and splintage.
What Happens to the Breast After Implant Removal?
The breasts may return to their natural shape and size after surgery. However, some patients get saggy, drooping, or misshapen breasts. A breast lift can rectify these anomalies. The surgeon removes extra skin, reshapes the breast tissue, and repositions the nipple and areola for aesthetically pleasing and youthful breasts.
Can Breast Implants Be Removed While Pregnant?
Pregnant women cannot go under general anesthesia because it may compromise their health and the baby. Local anesthesia is possible to remove small silicone implants. The surgeon can deflate saline implants after pregnancy. duysnews
