Breast Explant Surgery
Most people see their breast implants as a life-long alteration and become very attached to their new appearance.
However, it’s assuring to know that implants can be removed at any time should you change your mind. Circumstances and attitudes alter over time, so breast explant surgery is an option if you want to have your implants removed.
Our team is highly experienced in breast surgery, providing implant and explant treatments as well as breast uplifts from our state-of-the-art facilities at The Pines Hospital in Manchester so you can rest assured you are in safe hands.
What is Breast Explant Surgery?
Breast explant surgery is a relatively straightforward procedure.
You will need to have a general anaesthetic, we will then remove your implants, making incisions in the same location as when your breast implants were inserted so that we minimise scarring.
Where appropriate, and in cases where a breast uplift is required, we use a breast explant removal technique called ‘en bloc removal’ which involves removing the implant and the capsule as one. This is seen as the ‘gold standard’ way of removing the implant without contaminating the pocket with even microscopic amounts of silicone.
Reasons for Breast Explant Surgery
There are various reasons for choosing to have breast explant surgery. You may simply no longer want them, your body shape may have altered and you may simply prefer to go back to your natural size.
You may also decide that you do not want to maintain your implants. Typically, breast implants should be replaced every 15 years and it may be that you do not want to undergo further surgery.
There are occasions when breast explant surgery is necessary for medical reasons. Complications with breast implants are rare but some people experience what is known as capsular contracture.
What is Capsular Contracture?
Capsular Contracture occurs when the very thin layer of scar tissue that forms around the breast implant begins to thicken, causing firmness and distortion. In unusual cases, capsular contracture can happen quite early on, though is more common when the implants are a few years old.
What causes Capsular Contracture?
There are thought to be a number of reasons for capsular contracture but one of the most common current theories is what is known as a ‘biofilm’.
This is a very low-grade colonisation of the implant surface with bacteria, which forms a layer around the implant which is believed to cause irritation/inflammation.
Whatever your reason for breast explant surgery, we can provide the very best advice, support and medical care you need.
Recovery After Breast Explant Surgery
It’s important to rest after surgery.
When you’ve had your breast explant surgery you will stay with us for at least one night, that way we can ensure you get a good rest whilst we monitor your progress.
You should be able to leave the hospital the next day and we will provide you with pain relief medication as appropriate. You’ll be invited to return for a follow-up appointment 7 – 10 days after your surgery and then again after 1 months. Further follow-up appointments will be made depending on how things are progressing.
You will be given aftercare advice before you leave hospital but, in general, it’s very important that you rest when you get home. Make sure you enlist support with household chores and meals and be sure to avoid lifting or carrying for at least a fortnight. Try to sit upright as much as possible to minimise swelling. We will provide you with a soft bra to wear while your scars heal, though it’s best to avoid wearing anything close to your scars for several days after surgery.
You should feel like you are getting back to normal after about a week and able to return to work though you will need to continue to be careful with what you lift and carry until your scars have healed.
Planning your Breast Explant Surgery in Manchester
The first step is to attend an initial consultation with our experienced plastic surgeons at The Pines Hospital Manchester.
During this meeting, we will seek to understand your motivations for surgery and the results you would like to achieve. We will also be able to tell you more about what the surgery involves, and any associated risks and potential complications. This is an opportunity for you to ask questions about any aspect of your surgery so that you can make an informed decision about whether breast explant surgery is right for you.
Breast Explant FAQs
How many cup sizes can you reduce my breasts?
That will depend on your anatomy. When you attend your initial consultation we will be able to give you a clear indication of the size that’s possible to achieve.
Will a breast explant surgery ease my back pain?
If your back pain is a direct result of your large breasts then breast reduction surgery should help to reduce your discomfort.
How long will it take to get back to normal after breast explant surgery?
Every patient is different though you should be getting back to normal within a week of surgery. You’ll need to take it easy in the first two weeks though, a complete recovery may take 1-2 months.
Anaesthetic makes me feel sick, can anything be done?
It’s common to feel sick after having a general anaesthetic though the symptoms should be very short-lived and will hopefully settle quickly after you have had something to eat. However, it is possible administer an anti-sickness drug if you’re beginning to feel particularly bad. Your post-operative support team will closely monitor your recovery and will help you in whatever way they can.
*Disclaimer: Results may vary from person to person