Breast implants are an option for increasing the appearance of the breast by changing their shape, size, and projection. Breast implants can last from 10 to more than 20 years after which they may need to be removed or replaced. Breast implants are generally also recommended to be removed in people who have the symptoms of Breast Implant Illness, and those people who may need to have their implants removed due to BIA-ALCL (Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma) a rare form of cancer associated with textured implants.
Breast implant removal and lift may be the procedure for you if you are looking to get your breast implants removed while retaining the increased shape of your breasts.
Implant Removal and Lift – How Combined Procedures Are Performed
Explant surgery is a surgical procedure to remove breast implants following the development of implant-related complications or when the implants have run their due course.
Following the removal of small breast implants, particularly in younger women, the skin may adjust to the volume changes and return to their original shape. However, in some women, due to age-related loss of skin elasticity, or larger sized breast implants this may not happen, and the skin around the breast may be loose.
A breast lift is a cosmetic surgical procedure to lift and shape the breast to correct breast ptosis. It can help with removing excess loose skin around the breasts, which may be present following implant removal surgery.
These two surgical procedures can be effectively be combined for results related to implant removal, especially in women with poor skin elasticity and women requiring removal of large implants.
Mastopexy can be performed with implant removal surgery in one combined procedure. Also, you can wait and see if the tissues around the breast naturally return to their original state, and then 3-6 months after the removal surgery, you can have breast lift surgery if required.
Benefits of Implant Removal and Lift
The benefits of this procedure include, but are not limited to:
- Tightening of the breast tissue after removal.
- Increase in the projection of the breast after implant removal.
- Reducing the deflated appearance of the breast following implant removal.
- Counteraction of age-related skin laxity.
- Improved shape and increased appearance around the breast area, which may help you gain the cosmetic results you prefer.
Discussing your risks and benefits of the surgery in your consultation session with Dr Doyle will help you assess if the combined surgery is the correct fit for you.
Who Is a Good Candidate for Breast Implant Removal?
You may be a good candidate for breast implant removal and lift surgery if you:
- Would like to have your implants removed, but still want larger breasts.
- Are displeased with the appearence following implant placement, or have developed complications following the placeme,nt and want to get them removed.
- Want to prevent breast ptosis after implant removal.
- Have damaged implants.
- Suffer from BIA-ALCL or Breast Implant Illness (BII)
- Are in good physical and mental health.
- Have realistic expectations about your surgery.
- Are willing to stop smoking before and after the surgery.
Breast Implant Removal and Lift Recovery
It’s normal to experience some degree of bruising or swelling after the procedure. The swelling gradually subsides over the following weeks. Wearing a compression bra over your breasts helps to minimise bruising and swelling, following the surgery and promotes quicker healing. Compression garments should be worn for six weeks following your procedure.
You will be able to resume normal office work after approximately 1 – 2 weeks following your surgery. Avoid engaging in any strenuous physical activity for at least 3 – 4 weeks after the procedure. Lifting heavy weights or stretching is strongly not recommended. Avoid smoking as it interferes with the wound healing process. Intake of fibre or protein-rich diets and fresh vegetables can also help to speed up recovery following your surgery.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Are the Complications Associated with Implant Removal and Lift?
Complications with the procedure include:
- Excessive bleeding
- Infection at the incision site
- Poor and excessive scarring
- Temporary or permanent loss of sensation around the breast and nipple
- Breast shape irregularities
- Breast asymmetry
- Fat necrosis
- Hematoma and seroma formation.
- Potential partial or total loss of nipple and areola.
- Deep vein thrombosis
What Do Breasts Look Like after Implant Removal?
Following breast implant insertion, the skin around the breast gets stretched to accommodate the increase in breast volume. When these implants are removed, the breast decreases in size, and the extra skin surrounding the implant, which was kept in position by the implant, may become loose.
However, whether your breast will have excess skin following implant removal is dependent on the elastic property of your skin. As in women with good skin quality, the skin will adapt to adjust to the volume change.
Some people choose implant replacement after removal, while others may choose only a breast lift or none.
Will My Insurance Cover a Combined Breast Implant Removal and Lift?
As the procedure is done mostly for cosmetic purposes to improve the appearance of the breast, your insurance will most likely not cover the procedure, and you will be expected to bear the expenses of the procedure in full. Your insurance may cover you in part for implant removal if your breast implants have ruptured or you have a severe capsular contraction. It is uncommon for there to be item numbers for your breast lift. This will be determined in your initial consultation, and health insurance will generally only pay some of the cost of your surgery if it attracts a Medicare rebate.
Book a Consultation
Book a consultation with our experienced Gold Coast and Brisbane specialist plastic surgeon, Dr Mark Doyle, to discuss the procedure in detail and decide if you would like to undergo breast implant removal combined with a breast lift.
About Dr Mark Doyle FRACS (Plas) – Queensland Plastic Surgeon
Servicing patients in Gold Coast, Brisbane, Sunshine Coast, Cairns and New South Wales NSW – Northern Rivers, Byron Bay, Ballina, Lismore and more.
Dr Mark Doyle is a fully qualified Specialist Plastic Surgeon with over 30 years of experience performing breast, body, face and nose surgery. He has completed all required training and only carries out approved surgical practices. There are NO undertrained doctors or cosmetic doctors acting as surgeons at Gold Coast Plastic Surgery.
