Getting breast implants can boost your self-esteem, but it can also be a major decision. However, there are situations when you might have to remove those implants. Perhaps you’ve had them for a while or maybe you are experiencing some unwanted side effects of larger breasts. In that case, breast implant removal may be recommended.
Being informed is a very important part of breast implant removal and in this blog, we will talk about why this procedure is sometimes necessary. This way, you will know exactly what to expect.
When to Consider Breast Implant Removal?
Breast implants do not have an expiration date, but their lifespan is limited. According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, you should remove these implants once every 10 to 15 years. If you still want to maintain the old cup size, then you may have new implants added during the exchange.
There are several instances when you should opt for breast implant removal, including the following:
- Leaking from the breast implant
- Pain caused by the breast implant
- Tissue death or necrosis around the breast implant
- Calcium deposit build-ups around the implant
- Movement or shifting of the implant
- Autoimmune response to the breast implant
Many women also decide on breast implant reduction because their breasts changed their shape over time. This is frequently caused by things such as aging, pregnancy, or breastfeeding. Not to mention that some women may decide on removing their breast implants when planning for a child, as the implants may affect lactation.
A woman’s cosmetic goals may also change, making her want to remove her breast implants. For example, she may have a D-cup, but she’s looking for a lower B or C-cup. In this case, the implant will be removed so that her new goals are met.
What to Expect During the Breast Implant Removal Procedure?
A breast implant removal is an outpatient procedure, which means that you can go home after the surgery is done. Dr. D’Souza will tell you everything you need to know before and after the procedure. For example, if you are taking medications that can increase bleeding, you should avoid them before the procedure, and you must also avoid smoking and alcohol.
You will be under anesthesia during the procedure, but it’s up to you whether you want general or local anesthesia. The doctor will make the necessary incisions so that the implants can be removed and new implants may be added. You may also opt for a breast implant removal and lift if you no longer want augmentation.
What Will Breast Removal Recovery Look Like?
Since this is a surgical procedure, you should expect some breast implant removal side effects. Tenderness, soreness, and sensitivity are very common among patients during the next six weeks after the surgery. Breast implant removal recovery is different for every person, which is why you may want to take it slow for some time.
You may resume your daily activities after about three or four days. If you have a desk job, you may return to work around this time. That being said, for the next two months, you should refrain from strenuous activities—for example, do not lift anything over five pounds, as this can cause unnecessary discomfort.
Also, aside from walking, you should avoid intense exercise or working out. For instance, jumping activities can cause pain in your breasts, causing your recovery to slow down. Last, but not least, avoid sleeping on your stomach. While staying on your side is alright, you should only do it for a limited time as it’s always recommended to sleep on your back during this recovery time.
Removing breast implants can bring different results for every woman. If you had larger implants, you may notice a bit of sagging, as the skin stretched out around the implant. This can usually be fixed with a breast lift. If you’ve had smaller implants, the sagging is less pronounced and the skin should eventually bounce back over time.
Is Breast Implant Removal for Me?
Breast implants are not usually meant to last a lifetime, and sometimes you may have to change them. If you decide to go forward with breast implant removal surgery, then you should be as informed as possible and our team is here for you to answer all of your questions.
If you want more information about breast implant removal, you can call Iconic Plastic Surgery at 760-637-5288. Our nationally-recognized surgeon, Dr. D’Souza, will be more than happy to answer all of your questions. You may also use our online contact form to set up a virtual consultation.
