Top Reasons for Explant Surgery
1. Medical Complications
When medical complications occur after a breast augmentation procedure, breast explant surgery is an effective solution. Everyone’s body is built differently. Some people develop thick scar tissue during the healing process after breast augmentation. This complication is commonly known as capsular contracture.
Capsular contracture happens when breasts look misshapen or unnatural after breast augmentation. The scar tissue that develops will begin to feel painful or uncomfortable. Patients should look out for firmness, tightness, asymmetry, and a higher-than-usual position of the breasts.
Another complication from breast augmentation can happen when breast implants rupture and leak. The signs of breast implant rupture can include a deflated appearance, but with silicone implants, patients may have no noticeable symptoms. This is known as a “silent rupture.”
Finally, many patients have concerns that the implants are influencing their overall health. This is commonly referred as breast implant illness.
If you are wondering about the condition of your breast implants, an MRI screening can be done to check if the implants have ruptured.
2. Breast Implant Replacement
Breast implants remain in good condition for 10 to 15 years. After this time, the breast implants should be replaced or removed to avoid risks and complications. The main risk is a rupture to the implant, which can occur over time.
3. Personal Preference
After a breast augmentation, it is possible to have mixed feelings about the appearance of the results. If you feel that the results do not fit your personal preferences, a breast explant can be performed.
Before considering a breast explant out of personal preference, make sure to give yourself enough time to make sure it is the right decision of you.
4. Physical Activity
Sports and other physical activities can feel difficult after breast augmentation. The added weight on the breasts makes it harder to run. It also adds pressure on the back. In the long run, this can feel uncomfortable. Removing breast implants will restore overall physical movement and balance for patients.
5. Culture Shift
Trends in surgical procedures and overall aesthetics may affect your feelings about your breast implants. However, what’s most important is deciding what’s right for you based on your feelings and opinions, not aesthetic trends. Everyone should be free to live with a body image that promotes happiness and increases self-esteem. While larger breasts were trendy several years ago, recently there has been a shift to more athletic looks with smaller breasts.
6. No More Breast Surgeries
Many patients choose to have a breast explant because they don’t want to have any more breast surgeries in their life. Breast implants require maintenance over time. Most women with breast implants will need a second operation at some point (to either exchange the implants or correct a cosmetic appearance that the implants have caused). Some women decide that they no longer want to have to worry about the maintenance of the implants over time.
Also, many women choose to remove their implants because they are young and in good health now and don’t want to have to consider another breast operation 10 to 15 years later. At that point, they may not be in such good health to recover from a major operation.
When Should I Get a Consultation for Breast Explant Surgery?
If you’re considering breast explant surgery, it’s important to schedule a consultation with Dr. Rai sooner rather than later. This is especially the case for patients experiencing medical symptoms due to a previous breast augmentation.
During the consultation, the condition of your breasts and implants will be evaluated, and you will go over your reasons for considering a breast explant with Dr. Rai. He will guide you through the details of the procedure, including preparation and recovery. You are encouraged to ask questions in order to help you make an informed choice.
Are There Risks to Breast Implant Removal?
There are fewer risks to breast explant surgery compared to breast augmentation. Patients can expect temporary bruising and swelling. Pain medication will be prescribed to help manage discomfort. With proper aftercare, infections are very rare. Make sure to follow the aftercare directions given by Dr. Rai.
Many patients also undergo a breast lift, or mastopexy, after a breast explant surgery to improve the breasts’ overall shape. Excess skin can be removed, and the nipple can be repositioned as needed. Patients also can choose to combine their breast explant surgery with other cosmetic surgeries such as a tummy tuck or facial procedures.
Contact Us to Learn More
To learn more about breast explant surgery in Dallas, contact Cosmetic Surgical Center. Dr. Rai will be available for a consultation to examine the condition of your breast implants. He will listen to your concerns and create a surgical plan to help achieve your appearance goals.