Thinking about implant removal surgery? There are many things I wish I’d known before I got mine removed. Even though I did plenty of research and consulted with my doctor beforehand, it was hard to know what to expect. To make sure you’re fully prepared for a breast explant, you’ll need to consider these topics.
There Are Plenty of Reasons to Get a Removal
There are a variety of reasons you might decide you’re ready to get rid of your current implants.
Maintain Your Health
Older breast implants can rupture or become misshapen, so it’s normal to replace them regularly. Some people choose to remove and replace their implants in the same surgery, but you can always choose to just get them out and keep them out.
Get Rid of Side Effects
Though rare, breast augmentations can lead to capsular contracture and other issues that cause pain or scar tissue. With large implants, some people may also experience side effects like back pain. In most cases, removing the implants entirely gets rid of the breast implant side effects. It can help with allergies, implant malposition, double bubble, or other potential issues.
Suit Your Personal Preference
In some cases, taking out implants is all about aesthetics. I realized that my current fashion style no longer suited the larger implants I had. I wanted a slimmer, more athletic profile and chose to get rid of my larger implants.
You Might Need Reconstruction or Augmentation After Your Breast Explant Surgery
Keep in mind that your breasts won’t immediately spring back into shape afterwards. It’s normal for things to look a little different. However, my doctor let me know that there are many ways to manage potential changes after removing implants.
Reconstruction Helps Reshape Tissue
Due to the passage of time, it’s common for breasts to change a little. Here are some procedures that can help your breasts look perkier and more even.
- Breast lift
- Breast reduction
- Fat transfer
- Breast reconstruction
Augmentation Can Help Improve Shape or Size
Keep in mind that you don’t have to entirely skip implants. Plenty of women have chosen to remove large implants and go to a smaller size. You can also pick a different shape or texture to get a brand-new look.
Here's What to Expect During the Implant Removal Process
Though breast explants are simple, they’re still a surgical procedure. Knowing what to expect can ensure you have as good of an experience as possible.
Before the Surgery
To get the best results, you’ll need to consult with your doctor and follow these tips.
- Stop smoking
- Avoid medications that thin blood
- Get a medical evaluation to confirm you're healthy enough for surgery
- Take time off work
- Arrange for someone to drive you and help you the first few days
During the Surgery
You’ll have general anesthesia, so you won’t be conscious during the surgery. The procedure will include removing each implant, closing any incisions, and providing you with bandages to cover the surgical site.
After the Surgery
For me, the recovery was the most challenging part. It wasn’t extremely painful or exhausting, but it was just tricky to have my activities limited for a little while.
How to Speed Up Recovery
Make sure to follow all your doctor’s instructions! Mine gave me some helpful tips that ensured I had minimal breast explant surgery scars. You can also help your body heal by taking good care of it. Get plenty of rest and eat nutritious food.
When Can You Go Back to Work?
Full breast surgery recovery takes a while, but you can go back to work sooner. I was back to work after a week since I have an office job. People who have more physically active jobs might need to take up to two weeks off.
What Else Do I Need to Know?
Here are the answers to some of the most common questions my friends and family have asked since my removal.
What happens to your breasts when you remove implants?
It’s normal for breasts to droop or look misshapen after you remove implants. They’ll also go back to the size they were before you added the implants. Everyone’s different of course, but mine ended up smaller, flatter, and slightly asymmetrical.
Is it difficult to remove breast implants?
Not really. This is a fairly straightforward procedure. My surgery was over in about three hours.
When should breast implants be removed?
Doctors recommend you remove your implants every 10 to 15 years at least. You can also remove them if you decide you don’t like how they look or feel.
How long does it take to heal from breast implant removal?
After your surgery, you’ll need to wait at least two weeks before doing any physically intense activity. It’s normal to have some swelling, soreness, or sensitivity for up to six weeks.
Final Thoughts
Ultimately, I ended up loving the results of my breast implant removal surgery. Though the recovery was a little trickier than I expected, it was worth it.
For other women in the same position, I’d suggest taking a little time to really consider the topic beforehand. When you fully understand how the surgery works and have realistic body goals, you can make the whole process a lot easier and less stressful.
Author Bio: Ana is a professional health and wellness copywriter. She is committed to making sure others get the information they need to make smart and healthy choices.