Breast Explants (Implant Removal)
Breast Implant Removal Sydney
Many women decide to opt-out of their breast implants or arrange a breast revision for various reasons.
There are various reasons for implant removal or revision. This can vary from personal choice (size change, lifestyle change), to changes in the body due to life (such as post-pregnancy, breast ptosis from ageing), or medical reasons (capsular contracture, rupture, malposition, discomfort, breast implant illness, breast implant-associated anaplastic large cell lymphoma ALCL).
Breast implants are used in breast augmentation, breast lift surgery and breast reconstruction post-mastectomy, and can have satisfying and long-lasting results when the surgery is done correctly.
After having implants for a number of years, it is important for an implant health check, as well as an assessment on the surrounding breast tissue. This is done through a thorough 60 minutes detailed medical history and physical assessment, accompanied by specific imaging assessments.
What is BIA-ALCL?
Breast implant-associated Anaplastic large cell lymphoma (BIA-ALCL) is a rare disease of the breast and involves a unilateral swelling of the breast after breast implant surgery, it can develop from the third year postoperatively and up to 14 years after surgery. The breast swelling is due to fluid accumulation around the implant and this fluid needs to be assessed. Less commonly, BIA-ALCL can take the form of a lump in the breast or in the armpit.
Expert opinions estimate the risk of BIA-ALCL at one in one thousand (1/1,000) to one in ten thousand people (1/10,000). More specifically, macro-textured breast implants have a risk of developing BIA-ALCL at approximately 1 in every 3,800 and micro-textured breast implants have a 1 in 86,000 risk of developing BIA-ALCL.
Anaplastic large cell lymphoma has not been observed in nano-surface breast implants (Motiva®) and smooth implants.
To put these statistics in perspective, there is an approximate one in eight chance of developing breast cancer in women.
En bloc implant and capsulectomy is the recommended treatment but because this condition is rare, if there are no signs or symptoms, experts do not recommend removal of the implants.
In recent news, TGA is assessing the risks of developing BIA-ALCL with the different types of implants, and will be recommending the cessation of use of certain makes of breast implants and allowing other types to remain.
If you like further information or you have any further questions, please don’t hesitate to contact us by emailing info@drjohnnykwei.com.au
What will happen after the implants are removed?
You should expect your breast size and volume to become smaller, returning close to their pre-implant volume. However, due to ageing and gravity, invariably there will be loose ptotic skin.
Depending on your preference, you may decide to wait and have no further surgery, have your breast lifted with a mastopexy surgery or re-augment with a new breast implant or fat grafting with or without a breast lift surgery.
Dr Kwei will explore all these options with you after your assessment, depending on what size, shape and volume your final breasts may settle to be.
What will happen after the implants are removed?
Recovery will vary between individual patients and what you decide to do post removal of implants. The downtime can be as short as a few days from a breast explant surgery, to 5-7 days from an en bloc surgery with complete capsulectomies, to up to 2-6 weeks with re-augmentation and breast lift surgery.
The recovery process and your expectations will be covered in great detail in your consultation.
Dr Johnny Kwei recommends a check-up every 1-2 years to determine the health and status of the implants.
Choosing the right plastic surgeon
It is important to be sure that your surgeon is qualified not only to perform the procedure but to deal with all aspects around the surgery and its results. And the procedure is done in a fully accredited facility.
Dr Johnny Kwei is a Cosmetic Plastic Surgeon affiliated with The Australian Society of Plastic Surgeons, International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons and the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons. He has undergone extensive education and training, both in Australia and abroad, to earn the designation.
Dr Kwei takes pride in providing the highest quality care to his patients and ensuring they are always fully informed and receiving the best treatment.
The possible risks of breast implant removal surgery include, but are not limited to:
- Anesthesia risks
- Asymmetry
- Bleeding
- Deep vein thrombosis, cardiac and pulmonary complications
- Fatty tissue found deep in the skin might die (fat necrosis)
- Fluid accumulation (seroma)
- Hematoma
- Infection
- Numbness or other changes in nipple/areola sensation
- Numbness or other changes in skin sensation
- Persistent pain
- Poor healing of incisions
- Possibility of revision surgery
- Recurrent looseness of skin
- Scarring
- Skin discoloration and/or prolonged swelling
- Skin loss
- Suboptimal aesthetic result
- Unfavorable scarring
At Dr. Johnny Kwei Plastic Surgery, we place great importance on the recovery process following a breast ex-plant procedure. After your surgery, you will be provided with gauze dressings or bandages, and in some cases, drains may be necessary. These drains are small tubes placed under the skin to eliminate any excess blood or fluid. To minimise swelling, you may be required to wear a support bra or surgical garment, and occasionally a compression garment. Specific care instructions will be provided to you, including how to tend to your surgical site(s) and the medications you need for healing and infection prevention. Your plastic surgeon will also address any concerns you may have and outline the timeline for follow-up visits. Throughout the recovery period, which may span several weeks, it is essential to adhere to the instructions provided and attend scheduled follow-up appointments to ensure a smooth healing process.