When Removing Breast Implants May Be Right for You

Breast implant removal, or breast explant surgery, is a common procedure for a variety of reasons. Some women find that breast augmentation trends and personal preference change over time, and the breast size they once thought was “perfect” now seems a bit large.

In 2020, the American Society of Plastic Surgeons reported over 36,000 breast explant procedures.

You may choose implant removal for several different reasons, some cosmetic and some medically necessary.

Why Would You Remove Your Implants?

There are several different reasons you may choose, or your doctor may recommend, to remove your breast implants. These can include:

• Dissatisfaction with Implants – If you are unhappy with your implants being too large or too small, you may choose to remove your current implants and replace or go without.
• Capsular Contracture – It is normal when you have implants for a tissue capsule of scar tissue to form. However, sometimes this scar tissue becomes hard and tightens, leading to chronic pain and distortion of the breast.
• Implant Rupture – Implant rupture can occur due to normal aging or trauma, deflating the breast or, in the case of silicone implants, leaking silicone gel into the body.
• Breast Cancer – While a breast cancer diagnosis does not require implant removal, many opt for removal before treatment.
• Lifestyle Changes – Changes in your lifestyle, such as taking up running, may make you reconsider your implants.
• Maintenance and Financial Commitment – Implants require regular checkups and silicone implants require regular MRIs. Changes in your life may make these regular commitments difficult to adhere to.
• Autoimmune Reactions to Implants – Breast implants are linked to an autoimmune condition known as BII, or breast implant illness. This autoimmune reaction can contribute to many symptoms such as joint pain, chronic fatigue, dry eyes, rashes, and more.

What Can You Do After Implant Removal?

Many women wonder what will happen after they remove their implants. What will their breasts look like? While some women may opt for smaller implants, there are other options to help give you the breasts you desire.

These options can include breast lifts and even fat grafting, where your surgeon uses liposuction to remove fat from an area of your body and transplants that fat into your breasts to add natural volume.

If you are considering breast implant removal and have questions, Dr. Drew Davis and his team are here to provide answers and suggest possible treatment options to give you the breasts you desire after implant removal. Contact his office online or call (916) 318-5770 to schedule a consultation.