Do you need a breast lift with your implant removal?
Breast implant removal Sydney
Breast augmentation is one of the most commonly performed cosmetic surgical procedures. Although studies show a high patient satisfaction rate after the placement of breast implants, there are some women who later wish to remove their breast implants. This procedure is called an explant.
Some women simply undergo the explant, while others have this combined with a breast lift. Why might a woman consider a breast lift along with her explant? How can you decide what’s right for you?
What is a breast explant procedure like?
Women may choose to have their implants removed for a variety of reasons. Some women find that their augmented breasts eventually lead to back, neck, and/or shoulder pain, as a result of the weight of the breasts. Some no longer enjoy the look of their augmented breasts as they get older. Others believe that their implants are causing general medical problems; the current scientific evidence does not show that breast implants are linked to systemic illness, but if a woman is aware of this and still wants to remove her breast implants, then it is her body and her choice.
When performing the breast implant removal procedure, A/Prof Marucci uses an inframammary incision (in the fold under the breast). This allows him the best access to the implant and the pocket around it. Removal of the implant is usually relatively easy, but the tricky part of the procedure is removing the capsule around the implant, which tends to stick to other tissues in the area. Using his surgical skills, Dr. Marucci will remove as much of the capsule as possible. At times, it may be necessary to leave some capsular tissue in place, in order not to compromise the tissues that remain in the breast.
Why might a woman choose a breast lift?
After the removal of the implant, the breast will have a different shape. The skin and other tissues stretch to accommodate the implant when it’s placed, and after the implant is removed, these tissues may sag or droop more than the patient would like. The larger the implants that were removed, the greater the chance of this being an issue.
Some women choose to have a breast lift performed at the same time as the explant procedure. One advantage of this is that it requires having just one surgery and recovery period, rather than two.
Other women choose to have their implants removed, and then wish to wait to see what the results are like before they decide whether or not they would like to have a breast lift. This means that if they do want a lift, they will need to have a second surgery, with a second recovery period. However, it also allows the patient to evaluate the results of the explant and decide for herself whether or not they’re acceptable.
In some women, having the two procedures performed separately is safer than doing them both at the same time. Certain clinical situations increase the risk of interrupting the blood supply to the tissue when the procedures are performed at the same time. In women who have thinner breast tissue and larger implants, the risk can be greater and it may be safer to stage the procedures. During your consultation appointment, A/Prof Marucci will discuss this issue with you and will let you know whether he believes that it would be a safe option for you to do the two procedures together.
Should you have a breast lift with your explant?
If you’re thinking about having your implants removed, then you’ll need an exam by a qualified plastic surgeon to determine whether adding a breast lift at the same time would be a safe option for you. Ideally, you should choose a surgeon who regularly performs the combined procedure. There are some technical aspects to consider, so it’s important that the surgeon be very familiar with this combination of procedures.
Breast implant removal Sydney
As a specialist plastic surgeon, A/Prof Marucci has the expertise required to perform breast explant procedures, with or without a breast lift. A consultation appointment will allow him to examine you and then discuss your various options with you. You’ll have a chance to get all of your questions answered and gather information, so that you can decide whether or not you want to proceed with explant and/or a breast lift. To book your appointment, please contact our office.
