Breast implant removal, also known as Explant Surgery is a viable option for women who no longer want their breast implants following breast augmentation surgery. This is a medical procedure to take out silicone or saline breast implants.
You may decide to have breast implant removal for several reasons. You may change your mind and want a different size or shape of breast. In these cases, breast implant removal may be suitable. You can also opt for a different type of breast implant to replace the old breast implant. If you no longer want breast implants or are worried about the potential side effects of textured breast implant-related Breast Implant-Associated Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma (BIA-ALCL), you may be recommended breast implant removal surgery.
Breast Implant Removal Surgery
Target area: Size and shape of the breasts
Time off work: 1 – 2 weeks
Total recovery: 6 weeks
Compression garment: 2 weeks full time wear, 6 weeks in total
Scar position: Along the fold, beneath the breast
When to Consider Breast Explant Surgery
- Dissatisfaction with the original surgery results
- The breast implants have dropped to a lower position
- A rupture in the breast implant
- Loose and excess breast skin, caused by the weight of the implant
- The implants have become displaced causing breast distortion
- Breast Implant Illness (BII)
- Risks of Breast Implant-Associated Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma (BIA-ALCL) associated with Textured Implants
What Is Breast Explant Surgery?
Breast implants are generally not meant to last for a lifetime. Usually, old breast implants may need to be removed after 10 to 15 years.
No matter what type of breast implants you have, saline or silicone, there is still a potential risk for leakage, or even rupture. However, with improvements in surgical techniques and breast implants, the rate of problems caused by ruptured breast implants has declined.
Breast implant removal surgery will generally take 1 hour under general anaesthetic. Breast implant removal surgery patients can generally return to work within 2 to 3 weeks. Strenuous exercise and heavy lifting should be avoided for a minimum of 6 weeks.
Common Reasons for Breast Explant Surgery
There are several reasons patients may wish to have their implants removed. The age of the implants, there may be an issue with the breast implant, they may want larger or smaller breasts or they simply have chosen that they no longer want to have breast implants. There is no wrong reason, it is a personal decision.
Many women are concerned that their natural breasts will have excess skin post-surgery, if they don’t replace their implants, yet at the same time, they don’t want breast implants anymore. Again, this is a personal choice, there are options and this is something that Dr Doyle will discuss with you during a surgery consultation.
Give us a call on 07 55980988 and one of our team members can organise a surgery consultation for you.
Breast Implant Removal Candidate
You may be a suitable candidate for breast implant removal (en-bloc) surgery if you:
- Want to reduce the weight and volume of your breasts
- Suffer from chronic back, neck and shoulder pain as a result of your breast implants
- Are experiencing postural problems
- Are experiencing clothing limitations and discomfort
- Prefer a more organic breast shape
- Your breast implants have dropped and your breasts have excess skin
- Your breast implants have moved position since they were inserted
- You have problems with infection, capsular contracture, asymmetry, displacement or leaking silicone.
Benefits of Implant Removal
Whether you’re dissatisfied with your breast augmentation surgery results or have experienced a problem relating to your breast implants, taking them out may assist with:
- Improve posture and back, neck and shoulder pain relief
- Surgically increase or decrease the shape and size of your existing breast implants
- Participate in sports or activities in which your breast implants limit you from participating in
- Address concerns of breast implant illness or Breast Implant-Associated Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma (BIA-ALCL)
- May attract a Medicare and/or health insurance rebate
Breast Implant Removal Before and After
Disclaimer: All information on the Gold Coast Plastic Surgery website is general in nature and is not intended to be medical advice, nor does it constitute a doctor-patient relationship. Results can vary significantly and depend on individual patient circumstances. Please be aware that the outcomes shown are specific to those patients and may not necessarily reflect the results others may experience. Individual results can vary due to many factors, including genetics, diet, and exercise. All images on this website, unless specified as real patient images, are graphics used for illustrative purposes only. Surgery risks and complications will be covered in detail during a consultation with your surgeon. Book a consult for details regarding your cosmetic surgery procedure.
View All Breast Implant Removal Before and After Images
Breasts after Implants Removed
Following breast implant removal, depending on the reason for removing the breast implants, there are some options that you need to consider before surgery.
Breast Implant Removal and Lift
Breast lift surgery is a procedure for women who choose to remove (and not replace) their breast implants. This surgery can also remove excess skin, which may be a result of skin stretching, due to the breast implants volume. Breast implant removal and lift will assist in avoiding loose skin after breast implant removal surgery.
Breast Implant Replacement
Breast implant replacement surgery may change the breast shape, due to the removal of the scar tissue (capsule) that occurred with your original breast implants.
What is a Breast Capsule and Why Is It Important to Remove It?
The En Bloc Technique
Where possible, Dr Doyle aims to preserve the biological shape of the original breast when performing breast implant removal surgery. The En Bloc technique is generally performed on ruptured implants or in more complex cases.
The ‘En Bloc’ breast surgery technique is used by Specialist Plastic surgeon Dr Mark Doyle in which the breast implant and its surrounding scar tissue (capsule) are removed in one piece. By removing the breast capsule and implant together, the risk of fluid leaking into your breast tissue can be minimised, capsular contracture is an example of this.
Dr Doyle uses the En Bloc technique for full removal of breast implants with their surrounding capsules. This generally ensures that there is minimal to no silicone gel left behind in the body. If this isn’t possible, the implant will first be removed, followed by the capsule.
“My preference is to remove breast implants in an ‘en bloc’ type of procedure where suitable, as it limits the patient’s exposure to the implants and its surface, as well as potential silicone exposure if their implants are ruptured. An en bloc removal of breast implants involves the removal of the implant with all of its capsule intact in one piece. Once the implant and capsule have been removed from the body, it is opened to check on the status of the implant and the capsule. Complete removal of the capsule is also important in those patients who have had textured silicone implants, to minimise the risk of BIA-ALCL – an uncommon lymphoma occurring in the capsule of a textured implant,” – Specialist Plastic Surgeon Dr Mark Doyle
Does Explant Surgery Alleviate Symptoms of Breast Implant Illness?
While relatively uncommon, patients may react to their breast implants and fall ill with a condition known as breast implant illness. Dr Doyle has witnessed this first hand.
“I see a lot of patients with breast implant illness and I am a firm believer that the condition exists. It can be very debilitating. It’s logical that as everybody is different, some patients will react to breast implants differently than others. Compared to the number of implants that have been inserted it is an uncommon condition,” says Dr Doyle.
“All patients of mine who have a procedure that involves breast implantation are fully informed regarding the possibility of this condition occurring.”
“My personal experience is that the majority of patients with this condition have a significant improvement in symptoms when the implants and their capsules are removed,” says Dr Doyle.
Breast Implant Removal Recovery
The recovery time for breast implant removal will vary but you can generally expect to return to work within 2 weeks and return to your normal exercise routine within 6 weeks.
After 1 – 2 weeks post surgery, most of the bruising and tenderness will have subsided and patients will be able to drive and return to work. As with your original breast augmentation surgery though, you need to avoid any vigorous exercise or heavy lifting for a minimum of 6 weeks. Breast explant surgery scars may appear overly noticeable within the first 12 weeks, but the incisions will generally fade after 12 weeks, especially if you follow the post-care instructions precisely. We will also require you to attend a post-operative appointment so that Dr Doyle can monitor your recovery process.
Breast Implant Removal Cost
When contemplating breast implant removal surgery, it’s important to understand the various cost factors that are required. Here’s a comprehensive breakdown of key considerations, beginning with a base cost from $16,750.
Procedure Complexity and Medicare Coverage
The cost of breast implant removal can vary based on the complexity of the procedure. While breast implant removal is often considered an elective procedure, there are cases where it might be medically necessary due to complications or health concerns. Breast implant removal Medicare coverage might be available in certain instances. If you have concerns about potential coverage, consulting with your surgeon and checking with Medicare can provide clarity.
Cost Elements
- Surgeon’s Expertise: The reputation and experience of the plastic surgeon can determine the fees.
- Hospital Fees: These include costs related to the operating room, medical staff, and related services.
- Anesthesia Costs: Expenses related to anesthesia services administered by an anesthetist.
- Implant Removal Type: The method of implant removal, whether straightforward explanation or more complex procedures can influence costs.
- Post-Removal Care Expenses: Consider costs linked to your post-surgery recovery phase, including medications, follow-up appointments, and supportive garments.
To obtain an accurate cost estimate for your breast implant removal surgery, arranging a consultation with Dr Doyle is recommended. During this consultation, your unique case will be assessed, and a personalised cost breakdown will be provided, considering your specific requirements and the procedures involved. Beginning with a base cost from $16,750. Please note, that the final expense can fluctuate based on the factors discussed above.
Breast Implant Removal FAQs
What Do Breasts Look Like After Breast Explant Surgery?
Post breast explant surgery your breasts may look similar to your pre breast augmentation breasts. However, due to the volume of the breast implant, your skin may have stretched and there may be excess and loose skin, therefore you may be recommended an additional procedure, such as a breast lift. Dr Doyle will work with you to create a surgery plan, that aligns with your surgery goals. It is important to remember, that there is no one-size-fits-all approach to breast implant removal surgery, everyone is unique with different anatomy.
Should I Consider Replacing My Breast Implants?
This all depends on your personal reasons for wanting to remove your breast implants. If you’ve been satisfied with your breast implants but have experienced a complication such as capsular contracture, you may choose to insert new breast implants. However, if your lifestyle has changed or you’re concerned about certain health risks and complications, you may choose to remove your breast implants and not replace them.
What Are the Breast Implant Removal Complications?
The risks and potential complications associated with breast implant removal are very similar to other types of breast surgery. These risks can include infection, haematoma and anaesthesia-related complications. Numbness and scarring are also some of the other potential risks related to breast implant removal surgery. Dr Doyle will ensure that you are fully aware of any potential risks and complications prior to your procedure. With the help of proven surgical techniques and by following the aftercare instructions, risks are minimised.
Here are some potential risks associated with breast implant removal:
- Infection at the surgical site
- Post-operative bleeding or hematoma
- Changes in breast shape or size after implant removal
- Changes in nipple or breast sensation
- Unsatisfactory surgery results or asymmetry after removal
Book a consultation
To find out if breast implant removal is suitable for you, book a consultation with Specialist Plastic Surgeon Dr Mark Doyle on the Gold Coast today.
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.
