Choosing to undergo breast implant removal is a personal decision. Some patients seek surgery because of an implant complication, while others simply feel that implants no longer fit their lifestyle or desired appearance.
Implants do not need to be removed solely because they have reached a particular age. However, changes involving the implant, surrounding scar tissue or breast may make it appropriate to consider removal or breast implant revision.
What Are the Signs That an Implant May Need Attention?
Contact a plastic surgeon if you notice:
- A sudden or gradual change in breast size
- Increasing firmness or hardening
- New pain or persistent discomfort
- A change in breast or implant position
- New swelling, asymmetry or an unusual contour
- A palpable lump
- Deflation of a saline implant
- Imaging that suggests silicone implant rupture
These changes do not automatically mean the implants must be removed. An examination and, when appropriate, ultrasound or MRI can help determine the cause and available options.
Implant Rupture or Deflation
A saline implant usually becomes noticeably smaller when it deflates. The saline is absorbed by the body, but the empty implant shell must be surgically removed.
A silicone implant rupture may be more difficult to detect because the implant can maintain much of its shape. This is known as a silent rupture. Patients with silicone implants may therefore need periodic ultrasound or MRI even when they do not have symptoms.
Learn more about implant monitoring in How Long Do Breast Implants Last?
Capsular Contracture
The body normally forms scar tissue, called a capsule, around every breast implant. If that capsule becomes unusually thick or tight, the breast may feel firm, appear distorted or become painful.
Treatment depends on the severity of the contracture, the condition of the implant and the patient’s goals. Options may include removing the implant, replacing it or addressing the surrounding capsule.
Changes in Breast Shape or Implant Position
Breasts continue to change after augmentation. Aging, pregnancy, weight fluctuation and changes in skin elasticity can affect breast shape even when the implants remain intact.
Implants may also shift, descend or become more visible over time. Depending on the anatomy and desired result, treatment may involve implant removal, replacement, pocket adjustment or a breast lift.
Your Preferences Have Changed
An implant does not have to be ruptured or painful for a patient to consider removal. Some women decide that they prefer smaller breasts, no longer want implants or do not want to continue monitoring them.
Others remain happy with their implants and have no desire to remove them. Neither choice is universally right. The decision should reflect the patient’s current priorities and a realistic understanding of the expected result.
What About Breast Implant Illness?
Some patients report fatigue, joint or muscle pain, difficulty concentrating, rashes and other systemic symptoms they associate with their implants. These symptoms are often described collectively as breast implant illness, or BII.
The cause of these symptoms and their relationship to breast implants remain unclear. Some patients report improvement following implant removal, while others do not. The FDA continues to evaluate reported systemic symptoms associated with breast implants.
Patients experiencing systemic symptoms should also seek appropriate medical evaluation because these concerns may have causes unrelated to their implants. Explant surgery cannot guarantee that systemic symptoms will resolve.
What Will the Breasts Look Like After Implant Removal?
The result depends on the original breast size, implant size, skin elasticity, pregnancy and weight changes, and how long the implants have been present.
Some breasts retract adequately after removal alone. Others may appear deflated or sagging and benefit from a lift. Dr. Bogue evaluates the breast tissue, skin and implant position before explaining whether removal alone, removal with a lift or another approach is most likely to achieve the patient’s goals.
His experience in cosmetic breast surgery, complex implant revision, explant surgery and breast reconstruction is particularly valuable when these decisions involve several reasonable options.
To discuss breast implant removal in Boca Raton, call 561-886-1000 or request a consultation online.