Explant Surgery and Capsulectomy – Removal of Breast Implants

Reasons why women with breast implants may need or want to have them replaced or removed include:

  • the desire for a larger implant
  • capsular contracture or scarring around implants
  • implant rupture or leak
  • displacement of implant causing breast distortion
  • rippling of implants
  • slippage of implants to low position
  • breast sag or droop off implants (requiring a lift mastopexy)
  • original surgery was not done satisfactorily
  • wanting implants out

BREAST IMPLANT REVISION SURGERY

Embark on a Renewed Journey with Breast Implant Revision Surgery

At Dr Drielsma’s, we understand that the journey with breast implants is a continuous one, and there may come a time when you feel the need for a change or renewal. This is where breast implant revision surgery comes into play, a specialised procedure designed to either remove or replace your current breast implants.

Some reasons below are why you may seek a Breast Implant Revision Surgery:

  • Capsular contracture or scarring around implants.
  • Implant rupture or leak.
  • Displacement of implant causing breast distortion.
  • Rippling of implants.
  • Slippage of implants to a low position.
  • Breast sag or droop off implants (requiring a lift mastopexy)
  • Original surgery was not done satisfactorily.
  • Wanting to increase or decrease in size.
  • Capsular contracture or scarring around implants

    Apart from wanting larger implants, capsular contracture is the most common reason that women with breast implants may one day require a further surgery to replace them. Capsular contracture is the build up and thickening of scar tissue around the implants that over time can lead to hardening or distortion in breast shape. Capsular contracture generally takes many years to develop and typically becomes a problem towards the 10 year mark after initial surgery.

    The incidence of capsular contracture is around the 4% to 5% mark per implant. Patients who develop problematical capsular contracture with hardening of implants, distortion of breast shape or breast pain will usually want breast implant revision, scar tissue released or removed, and implants replaced. Dr Drielsma may discuss or recommend the use of alternative style implants to replace those that have undergone capsular contracture.

  • Implant rupture or leak

    Modern breast implants are also very well made. All implants are man made devices however, and there is a known incidence or implant rupture over time. The incidence of implant rupture is around 5% per implant over 10 years. Cohesive gel implants don’t “leak” like older liquid gel implants were prone to do. If a cohesive gel implant ruptures in a minor way (pin hole or tiny tear) you may not even realise. With a more serious rupture, which may occur spontaneously or following trauma, you may note distortion or symptoms like pain and discomfort. If you suspect a rupture, your doctor will arrange an x-ray (ultrasound or MRI scan). If a breast implant ruptures, your surgeon will recommend breast implant, removal and replacement.

  • Displacement of implant causing breast distortion

    Capsular contracture, a condition that sometimes occurs over time, can cause breast implants to shift abnormally, resulting in altered breast shape. In such instances, revisional surgery may be necessary. This procedure typically involves the removal of the existing implants, restructuring and reshaping of the implant pockets, followed by the placement of new implants to restore the desired appearance.

  • Rippling of implants

    After breast implant surgery, some patients may experience minor rippling of the implants. These ripples can manifest as shadowing under certain lighting conditions or as subtle irregularities that are both visible and palpable. Generally, these effects are minor and often only noticed by the patient themselves, rather than by others.

    Dr. Drielsma typically advises patients experiencing such minor rippling that further surgical intervention is usually not necessary, unless the patient feels strongly about pursuing it. However, in cases where rippling is severe, highly visible, or if the edges of the implant are palpably distinct, a revisional surgery for the removal and replacement of the implants may be considered as an appropriate course of action.

  • Slippage of implants to low position

    In rare instances, patients may notice their breast implants descending to a lower-than-desired position. When this occurs, a corrective surgical procedure may be necessary. This surgery aims to repair the tissues along the lower breast crease, helping to reposition and stabilise the implants at an optimal level.

  • Breast sag or droop of implants

    Over time, or following weight loss or pregnancy, the breast may descend lower and hang down off breast implants. We will generally recommend breast lift (mastopexy) in this situation. Breast lift (mastopexy) surgery will also usually involve removing and replacing breast implants.

  • Unhappy with results of original surgery

    Dissatisfaction with the outcome of the initial surgery can encompass various issues. These may range from concerns about the placement of implants, the presence of distortions, or noticeable scarring. Additionally, there might be unhappiness with the size of the implants, finding them either too large or too small. A frequent occurrence is undergoing an inappropriate initial procedure, such as receiving breast augmentation mammoplasty, when a breast lift (mastopexy), with or without implants, would have been more suitable from the outset

  • The desire for larger implants

    The majority of women are content with the size of their breast implants, a decision often made with guidance from their surgeon. Nevertheless, there are cases where women express disappointment or dissatisfaction with their chosen size. Based on Dr. Drielsma’s experience, the prevalent trend among these patients is a wish for larger implants. Mindful of this tendency, Dr. Drielsma takes extra care during consultations for breast augmentation mammoplasty. If a patient exhibits any uncertainty or indecision, he often suggests considering a slightly larger size. Notably, the desire for larger implants is the primary reason for breast implant revision surgeries, making it an important factor to consider during the initial decision-making process.

  • NEXT STEP

    • NEXT STEP: Book your Initial Consultation
      • To arrange your consultation with Dr Drielsma, obtain a referral from your general practitioner and call 1800 180 777 to arrange your consultation appointment.
      • A Referral from your GP or specialist is essential.
    • What to Bring to your Surgeon Consultation
      • Bring a friend or relative to help discuss further information and consider your choices
      • Take lots of notes and read the documents provided thoroughly
      • You may need to undress for a physical exam so wear simple clothing
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