Breast Implant Removal
Breast implant removal is a complex surgical procedure that involves the extraction of previously inserted breast implants.
The reasons why a woman may choose to have her implants removed vary and can include:
Aesthetic Revision and Patient Preference: Changes in aesthetic preferences, body changes, or the desire to return to a natural appearance may motivate the decision to remove the implants.
Local Complications:
- Capsular Contracture: Pathological formation of a dense fibrous capsule around the implant, causing pain, deformation, and discomfort.
- Implant Rupture: Loss of implant membrane integrity, with leakage of its contents (silicone gel) into surrounding tissues.
- Infection: Bacterial colonization of the implant and tissues, manifested by local redness, swelling, warmth, and possible purulent discharge.
- Late Seroma Formation: Persistent accumulation of serous fluid around the implant, without signs of infection.
Systemic Symptoms: In rare cases, patients report systemic symptoms (such as weakness, joint pain, muscle pain) that they associate with the presence of breast implants. Implant removal is often requested in the hope of alleviating these symptoms.
Surgical Considerations:
Surgical techniques vary depending on the indication for removal and the condition of the surrounding tissues:
- Simple Explantation: Removal of the implant only, leaving the periprosthetic capsule in place. This technique may be suitable in the absence of capsular complications or systemic symptoms.
- Capsulectomy: Surgical excision of the periprosthetic capsule, which may be:
- Total Capsulectomy: Complete removal of the capsule.
- Selective Capsulectomy: Removal of only the pathological portions of the capsule.
In some cases, explantation may be combined with breast reshaping procedures such as mastopexy, to correct sagging and improve the breast contour after implant removal.
Postoperative Recovery:
The postoperative period involves careful monitoring of the patient. Wearing a supportive bra and avoiding intense physical effort is recommended for a specified period.
Aesthetic outcomes depend on the size of the initial implants, the quality of the tissues, and any associated reshaping procedures.