Breast Implant Removal
Waterfront Private Hospital Edinburgh, Scotland
Breast implants are not usually lifetime devices, and many women choose to have them removed for a variety of reasons, from health concerns to evolving lifestyle preferences. At our Waterfront Private Hospital facility, we offer tailored solutions, including advanced techniques to address the cosmetic impact of implant removal, ensuring natural and aesthetically pleasing results.
With a growing societal focus on well-being and a modern preference for a more athletic, natural look, many women are opting to return to their natural breast appearance.
Overview
Breast implant removal
- TYPE OF ANAESTHETIC
General - LENGTH OF SURGERY
1-4 Hours (depending on complexity) - HOSPITAL STAY
Day surgery - RECOVERY
1-2 weeks off work, 6 weeks before strenuous exercise
Why Consider Breast Implant Removal?
There are many reasons women may decide to remove their breast implants, including:
Lifestyle and Aesthetic Preferences
•Desire for a more natural look in line with modern aesthetic trends.
•Preference to simplify their lifestyle without the need for implant maintenance.
Health Concerns
•Breast Implant Illness (BII): A collection of symptoms some women associate with implants (discussed below).
•Discomfort caused by implant weight or positioning, leading to back pain, chest tightness, or physical strain.
Complications
•Capsular contracture: Hardening of the scar tissue around the implant.
•Implant rupture or leakage.
•Malposition, rippling, or asymmetry.
Ageing Implants
•Implants often require replacement or removal after 10-15 years.
•Prevention of future complications as implants age.
Surgical Options After Breast Implant Removal
1. Simple Implant Removal
•Removes implants through the original incision.
•Suitable for women with minimal sagging or volume loss.
2. Implant Removal with Breast Lift (Mastopexy)
•Addresses sagging and excess skin after implant removal.
•Restores a youthful contour and repositions the nipple-areola complex.
3. Implant Removal with Fat Transfer
•Liposuction harvests fat from other areas of the body, which is purified and injected into the breasts.
•Provides natural volume enhancement without implants.
4. Auto-Augmentation Techniques
•Repositions your natural breast tissue to fill the space left by the implant.
•Enhances shape and fullness naturally.
•Usually performed as part of a breast uplift procedure
5. En Bloc Capsulectomy
•Removes the implant and scar capsule as one unit.
•Typically performed in severe capsular contracture, implant rupture, or significant health concerns.
Breast Implant Removal Before and Afters
What Is Breast Implant Illness (BII)?
What Is Breast Implant Illness (BII)?
Breast Implant Illness (BII) refers to a collection of symptoms that some women associate with their breast implants. These symptoms vary widely and may include fatigue, joint pain, brain fog, or mood changes. While BII is not currently recognised as an official medical diagnosis, it has become a topic of interest due to patient-reported symptom improvement after implant removal.
Symptoms Commonly Associated with BII
•Chronic fatigue
•Joint and muscle pain
•Cognitive difficulties, such as brain fog or memory loss
•Skin issues, including dryness or rashes
•Anxiety, depression, or mood changes
What Does the Evidence Say About BII?
The exact cause of BII remains unclear, and evidence supporting its existence is still limited. Current research has not conclusively linked breast implants to systemic health conditions, and many symptoms reported under the BII umbrella are also common in the general population.
Does Removing Implants Help with BII Symptoms?
Studies have shown that a significant proportion of women report symptom relief after implant removal, but this relief is likely multifactorial and not necessarily related to removing the implants themselves. Importantly:
•Capsule Removal: Recent studies indicate no difference in symptom relief whether the surrounding capsule is removed or left in place. This challenges the necessity of routine capsulectomy for women seeking symptom improvement.
•Psychological Factors: Relief may stem from the psychological benefit of addressing patient concerns rather than a direct causal link between implants and symptoms.
How Do We Approach BII at Waterfront Private Hospital?
We take patient concerns seriously and provide a comprehensive evaluation during the consultation:
• Personalised Assessment: A thorough discussion of your symptoms, medical history, and expectations.
•Tailored Approach: Based on your unique needs, we help you decide the best course of action, whether that includes simple implant removal or additional procedures.
•Evidence-Based Care: Our surgeons follow the latest scientific findings to ensure safe, ethical, and effective treatment.
Benefits of Breast Implant Removal
Breast implant removal can provide significant physical, emotional, and practical benefits tailored to the unique needs of each woman. Common benefits include:
•Improved Physical Comfort: Relief from discomfort caused by implant weight or complications, such as back pain, capsular contracture, or rupture. A lighter, more natural feel can also enhance mobility and posture.
•Restored Natural Appearance: Achieve a more natural breast shape, often improving self-confidence. When combined with breast lift or fat transfer procedures, the results can be even more aesthetically pleasing.
•Simplified Lifestyle: Removal eliminates the need for implant monitoring, future replacements, or limitations on clothing and physical activities.
•Emotional Well-being: Many women feel relief from anxiety about implant-related complications and gain confidence in aligning with their natural look.
•Health Reassurance: Facilitates easier breast health monitoring and eliminates concerns about rare complications, such as rupture or systemic symptoms like those associated with Breast Implant Illness (BII).
•Reduced Financial Burden: Avoids future costs associated with implant maintenance or revision surgeries.
Breast implant removal can also offer enhanced results when paired with additional procedures, such as a breast lift or fat transfer, to restore volume or correct sagging.
Frequently Asked Questions
What will my breasts look like after implant removal?
After implant removal, the appearance of your breasts depends on factors such as implant size, skin elasticity, and the length of time the implants were in place. If sagging or volume loss is a concern, additional procedures like a breast lift or fat transfer can enhance the final result.
Do I need to remove the capsule when removing my breast implants?
In most cases, capsule removal (capsulectomy) is unnecessary unless there are complications like capsular contracture or implant rupture. Studies show no difference in symptom relief, even for women with Breast Implant Illness (BII), whether the capsule is removed or not. Your surgeon will assess your situation and recommend the best approach.
Can I avoid sagging after breast implant removal?
Sagging is a common concern, particularly after removing large implants. Combining removal with a breast lift (mastopexy) or fat transfer can help restore a youthful and balanced breast shape. Auto-augmentation techniques, using your own tissue to reshape the breast, are also effective.
Is breast implant removal painful?
While discomfort is expected after surgery, it is generally mild and manageable with prescribed pain medication. Recovery times vary, but most patients return to light activities within 1-2 weeks.
Will my symptoms of Breast Implant Illness (BII) go away after removal?
Many women report symptom improvement or resolution after implant removal, but evidence linking implants to systemic symptoms remains inconclusive. Symptom relief often occurs regardless of whether the capsule is removed. Your surgeon will provide personalized advice based on the latest research.
Can breast implant removal improve my posture or relieve back pain?
Yes, removing large or heavy implants can relieve strain on the neck, shoulders, and back, potentially improving posture and reducing associated pain. This benefit is particularly noticeable for women with smaller frames or pre-existing back issues.
Is it possible to replace my implants with fat transfer instead?
Yes, fat transfer is an excellent option for women seeking natural volume restoration without implants. This procedure uses liposuction to harvest fat from other body areas, which is then injected into the breasts. While it provides subtle enhancement, the results are natural-looking and long-lasting.
