Breast Implant Removal

What are the common reasons patients elect for Breast Implant Removal?

Patients may decide to have their implants removed for several reasons. Sometimes, as the body changes with time, the implants no longer fit their lifestyle or their body. Some women have issues with their implants like malposition, encapsulation or rupture, and decide to have them removed with or without replacement. With ruptured implants, silicone material that has leaked out of the implant and the capsule also needs to be removed.

Dr. Fichadia also sees patients who feel that their implants are making them sick (breast implant illness), and desire implant removal and capsulectomy (explant surgery) for symptoms such as joint pain, hair loss, fatigue. At present, there is no large-scale scientific evidence that clearly connects breast implants with these symptoms. Some women feel immediately better after the surgery and see sustained symptom relief, some women don’t and some women have temporary relief in their symptoms. Usually, the patients that desire their implants removed for breast implant illness have seen several doctors, and have had multiple tests done for their symptoms. Implant removal and capsulectomy is one further step to try to help with some of these symptoms. The lost volume can be restored with fat grafting in the right patient. Sometimes a breast lift is recommended to reshape the breasts.

You may also choose to remove your implants as a result of changing lifestyles or personal preferences about your appearance. A change in weight may make your implants look out of proportion, and larger implants may become uncomfortable if you have taken up a new physical activity such as running. Dr. Fichadia offers ancillary procedures such as breast fat grafting, and breast lift to reshape the breast after implant removal.

Who is a Candidate?

Anyone who is physically healthy, and understands the changes in size and shape that happen after implant removal is a good candidate for the surgery. In addition, it is important to be able to rest and recover for the first 2 weeks.

Do All Implants Need to Be Removed Eventually?

The FDA reports that about one in five will need to have their breast implants removed after a decade, however, that means that the majority of patients do not experience complications with their implants. Most implants will not leak or rupture, however, it is common for the results of breast augmentation to change due to breastfeeding or the normal effects of aging. In general, the longer the implants have been in place, the higher the likelihood that they can rupture.

What is Recovery Like?

Recovery from breast implant removal depends on the extent of surgery. With a capsulectomy, Dr. Fichadia recommends minimizing strenuous activities for the first 2-3 weeks. Prescribed pain medications may be needed for the first 3-4 days. Dr. Fichadia will give you instructions on pain management and aftercare for your incisions. Some patients have drains in place for 2-3 days. Avoid heavy exercise as you heal.  Most patients can expect to take about a week away from work to rest.

Dr. Fichadia can remove breast implants no matter your reason for seeking the procedure. Contact our Portland office to schedule a consultation.