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Breast Implant Removal Sydney

Many women who get implants find themselves making the decision at a later date to get the implants removed. The reasons for getting implants removed can vary, but may include lifestyle changes, capsular contracture or a breast cancer diagnosis.

Breast Implant Removal Sydney

Most women who have breast implants are very happy with the results of their augmentation. The result can last up to 10 years and will not need a secondary procedure such as a breast implant replacement or removal. Eventually, however, implants will need to be replaced, or a secondary procedure may need to be considered as we now know they are not life long devices.

Who should consider Breast Implant Removal Surgery?

It’s important to remember that every individual is unique and so too are their needs and desired outcomes for cosmetic surgery. If you’re considering a procedure, it’s essential to have a comprehensive consultation with one of our experienced surgeons. They can help you understand whether you’re a suitable candidate and what you can realistically expect from the surgery. The information provided here is meant to help guide you, but it’s not a replacement for professional medical advice. Always organise a consultation for personalised advice.

If you are concerned about the way you look or are thinking about cosmetic surgery for confidence reasons, there are alternatives. Talking to a counsellor or psychologist may help you overcome your concerns about your appearance.

Infection resistance: Opting for breast explant surgery due to infections that are unresponsive to antibiotic treatments.

Tissue necrosis: The procedure is necessary when dead tissue develops around the implant, causing discomfort or aesthetic issues.

Excessive scarring or calcification: Removal may be required due to excessive scar tissue or calcium buildup affecting the shape or comfort of the breast.

BIA-ALCL concerns: The surgery can be considered when there's suspicion or diagnosis of Breast Implant associated Atypical Large Cell Lymphoma (BIA-ALCL).

Implant shifting: Factors like weight loss, weight gain or pregnancy might cause implants to shift, requiring corrective surgery.

Capsular contracture: It may be necessary to address capsular contracture or hardening, which can result in pain and altered shape.

Ruptured or damaged implants: The procedure is needed to replace or remove ruptured, damaged, folded or deflated implants.

Personal choice: Sometimes the surgery is simply a matter of personal choice, such as dissatisfaction with the shape and size of the implants or no longer wanting implants.

What to expect

Consultation

The journey towards breast implant removal begins with an in-depth consultation with our expert surgeon. During this meeting, your reasons for removal, medical history, and current breast structure will be assessed. The surgeon will evaluate the state of your implants and the quality of your breast tissue. This consultation is the ideal opportunity for you to discuss any concerns or ask any questions you might have about the procedure.

Preparation

Once you and the surgeon have agreed on the goals of the surgery, you will receive specific instructions on how to prepare for your breast implant removal. These may include guidelines on diet, advice on smoking and alcohol consumption, instructions about certain medications or supplements, and skincare recommendations.

Surgery

Breast implant removal surgery typically takes between one to three hours and is usually performed under general anesthesia. The procedure involves making incisions, often following the original incision lines. The surgeon then carefully removes the implants and, if necessary, any scar tissue. Depending on the patient’s wishes and clinical indications, a breast lift or fat grafting may be performed at the same time to maintain a natural-looking breast shape.

Recovery

After the surgery, you’ll be monitored in a recovery room for a few hours. Most patients can go home the same day, though sometimes an overnight hospital stay is required. A special supportive bra or compression bandage might be provided to minimize swelling and support the healing tissues.

Swelling, bruising, and mild discomfort are to be expected after breast implant removal, but these symptoms will begin to lessen after a few days. Most patients feel ready to return to non-strenuous daily activities within a week, while more vigorous activities should be avoided for several weeks.

Regular follow-up appointments will be scheduled to monitor your progress and ensure a smooth recovery. The final results of your breast implant removal may take several weeks to fully become apparent as your breasts settle into their new shape.

Considerations Before Cosmetic Surgery

While we aim to provide accurate information about the different surgical procedures available, it’s important to understand that the content provided here serves as a general guide only. The specifics of each surgery, including the procedure detailed above, can and will vary significantly from person to person, depending on their unique circumstances and physical characteristics.

Undergoing cosmetic surgery is a serious decision that requires ample thought, careful consideration, and meticulous planning. It should never be taken lightly or treated trivially, as it can have profound impacts on one’s lifestyle and wellbeing.

Recovery from cosmetic surgery, too, requires time, support, and proper aftercare. We strive to present realistic and transparent information about the recovery process, but individual experiences may vary. It is typical for recovery to involve certain services or requirements, such as the use of compression garments or receiving therapeutic massages. It also often necessitates significant lifestyle changes, which may include a period of absence from employment and temporary restrictions on certain activities.

In light of these considerations, we strongly encourage potential patients to engage in comprehensive discussions with their GP and our surgeons. The goal is to fully understand the implications, requirements, and likely outcomes of any chosen procedure, and to make informed decisions about their health and aesthetics.

For more information on preparing for cosmetic surgery visit health.gov.au/cosmeticsurgery

General risks and complications of surgery include:

Substantial Hemorrhage: This involves severe blood loss from the area that underwent surgery, which may necessitate additional medical interventions.

Susceptibility to Infection: Post-surgery, the risk of infection can rise, potentially requiring either antibiotic treatment or subsequent surgical interventions.

Allergic Responses: Patients may exhibit allergic reactions to medical materials such as sutures, dressings, or antiseptic solutions used during and after the procedure.

Hematoma Formation: This involves the development of a sizable clot of blood beneath the incision site, which may necessitate medical drainage.

Post-Surgical Discomfort: Patients may experience pain, bruising, and swelling in the area surrounding the surgical site.

Scar Development: There's a risk of developing keloids or hypertrophic scars, which are elevated, red, and thickened scars over the healed incisions. Though they can be bothersome and aesthetically displeasing, they don't pose a direct health threat.

Delayed Healing Process: Healing can be sluggish, especially in patients with pre-existing conditions like diabetes or those who smoke.

Anaesthesia Risks: Patients may experience short-term nausea following general anaesthesia, along with other potential risks associated with anaesthesia.

Breast implant removal risks and complications include:

Change in Breast Appearance: The removal of breast implants can cause significant changes to the appearance of the breasts, which may lead to dissatisfaction with the cosmetic outcome.

Sagging or Loose Skin: Depending on the size of the implants and the elasticity of the skin, breast implant removal may result in sagging or loose skin that may require additional surgery to correct.

Altered Breast or Nipple Sensation: Breast implant removal can result in temporary or permanent changes in breast or nipple sensation, including numbness or increased sensitivity.

Capsular Contracture: The removal of an implant can lead to capsular contracture, where the scar tissue that forms around the implant hardens and may need to be surgically removed.

Breasts May Not Return to Pre-Augmentation Size: In some cases, the breasts may not return to their pre-augmentation size after implant removal, leading to dissatisfaction with the final size.

Emotional Impact: The change in body image following breast implant removal can have an emotional impact, leading to feelings of depression or anxiety in some patients.

Need for Additional Surgery: Depending on the patient's desired outcome and the condition of the breasts post-removal, additional surgeries such as a breast lift or revision augmentation may be needed.

Possible Residual Silicone: If the implants were silicone and had ruptured before removal, there may be some residual silicone left in the breast tissue, potentially causing granulomas or silicone migration.

Meet Our Breast Implant Removal Surgeon

Dr Mohammad Mohaghegh

Plastic Surgeon

"For each of my patients, plastic surgery is a life-changing and transformative experience. I’m here to support you on your journey to live a happier, healthier life with a body that’s as beautiful as you feel inside."

How Much Does Breast Implant Removal Cost?

Your personalised quote will be prepared following an in-depth evaluation by our expert surgeon. This includes a thorough assessment of your individual needs, detailed explanation of the procedure, and a tailored approach to best achieve the desired outcomes. The quote considers various elements including surgical supplies, hospital requirements, and the specifics of the surgery itself.

Potential rebates might be available if the procedure is deemed medically necessary by relevant health authorities. Conditions for this include providing evidence supporting the medical necessity of the surgery and a referral from a healthcare professional. Your private health insurance may also provide coverage, so it’s essential to discuss this with your provider.

FAQ

Breast implants might need to be removed due to a variety of reasons including complications such as capsular contracture (hardening of the breast area due to scar tissue), implant rupture, infection, or a condition known as Breast Implant Illness (BII). Some people also choose to have them removed due to personal or aesthetic reasons, or a desire to return to their natural size.

Breast implant removal, also known as explant surgery, usually involves a surgical procedure where the surgeon makes an incision (often following the original incision lines), removes the implant, and then closes the incision. In some cases, a procedure known as capsulectomy may be performed to remove the scar tissue that forms around the implant.

Post-surgical pain varies from person to person. Some discomfort and soreness are common after surgery, but your surgeon can provide you with pain medication to manage this. Most people find that the pain lessens significantly after a few days.

Recovery time can vary depending on individual health and the exact procedure performed. Generally, it may take several weeks to fully recover. Most people can return to work within one to two weeks post-surgery, but strenuous activity and heavy lifting should be avoided for up to six weeks.

The appearance of your breasts post-implant removal will depend on several factors including the size of the original implants, the length of time you had them, and your skin’s elasticity. In some cases, the breasts may appear smaller or have a deflated appearance. You may also experience sagging or excess skin. Some people opt for a breast lift at the same time as implant removal to address these issues.

Breast implant removal can help improve physical health if you were experiencing complications related to the implants. In terms of general health, the impact is typically minimal, but it can have a positive impact on mental and emotional health, particularly if the implants were causing distress or discomfort.

Like any surgical procedure, there are risks associated with breast implant removal. These can include infection, changes in breast sensation, scarring, and complications related to anesthesia. It’s important to discuss these risks with your doctor prior to surgery.

En bloc capsulectomy is a surgical procedure where the breast implant and the surrounding capsule (scar tissue) are removed together as one unit. This procedure is often performed when there is concern about implant rupture or to prevent any potential leakage of the implant contents into the body. However, it’s not always necessary or possible, depending on individual circumstances.

Breast Implant Removal Sydney