PROCEDURE DETAILS
Some people eventually decide to have their implants removed and often benefit from techniques that reshape the breast at the same time.
Whilst simply removing breast implants is a short, straightforward procedure, the appearance can often be a little deflated afterwards. Many patients therefore prefer to have a breast uplift skin tightening procedure at the same time to give a more youthful appearance. Decisions also need to be made about whether or not to remove the tissue capsule that your body has formed around the silicone implants and there are both advantages and disadvantages of doing this.
Your options really depend on the reason you have decided to have your implants removed, the breast shape you would like to have after your surgery and the scars you consider acceptable to achieve this.
People rarely need drains and usually go home the same day. I sometimes use surgical drains in people who are having the tissue capsules around the implants removed to help avoid any build up of fluid.
CURRENT CONTROVERSIES
Most people who opt to have their implants removed when they are older have just decided they would now prefer smaller breasts again or have started to find them uncomfortable.
However, some patients have growing concerns about an exceptionally rare lymphoma (cancer) associated with some types of breast implants called BIALCL. The most common way for this to present is with a lump or swelling around the implant several years after their insertion. There are also increasing reports in the press and social media about Breast Implant Illness. This condition remains very poorly understood. There is currently no good evidence that silicone breast implants are responsible for the symptoms described in Breast Implant Illness. Despite this, some patients on social media forums have described their symptoms improving after removal of the implants. This condition and its treatment remains controversial so it is definitely worth researching and seeking the advice of doctors you trust before making any final decisions.
RECOVERY AT A GLANCE
KEY FACTS
