Worried you need a breast implant removal after 10 years?
First of all you might not need a breast implant removal just because you have had them for 10 years, this is a common misconception relating to implants.
Implant warranties usually cover you for up to 10 years, as this takes account of the fact that the outer-lining of either saline or silicone implants begin to wear over time, causing the likelihood of ruptures or leaks to be higher. However, some women are completely happy with their implants for far longer than 10 years, it really does depend on individual circumstances.
In a number of instances, women who opted for breast augmentation procedures in their earlier life, later want their implants removed through a breast implant removal procedure or want a breast implant replacement, meaning perhaps they go down a size two. This might be because they experience unhappiness with their breast size, you might feel self-conscious about the way they appear in tight clothing or might find purchasing clothing frustrating as breasts are somewhat out-of-proportion with the rest of their body. Some women come to the conclusion that their larger breast size clashes with their active lifestyle and fitness goals so decide to opt for a breast implant removal. Having oversized breasts can greatly restrict certain physical activities such as running, other forms of cardio and upper-body exercises, or even make them painful. The additional weight of the breasts can create pressure and strain on the spine, causing back pain in some women.
Sometimes these factors can lead to women deciding to swap the original implants for newer ones and going down a size or two, or rather removing them altogether.
Other women feel like they want to reclaim their natural figure and wish to return to their original breast size for personal reasons, motivating them to pursue a breast implant removal. The way you feel about your breasts and body-image can sometimes even have an impact on your relationship.
Can I have a mammogram with breast implants?
Another factor that may influence your decision to remove your breast implants without replacement would be that implants make detecting the initial signs of breast cancer difficult, as it makes mammograms problematic. Mammograms are a screening procedure used to detect early-signs of breast cancer, the x-rays used in mammograms are unable to go through saline or silicone implants to show the breast tissue beneath them so it can complicate things for doctors. If anyone in your close family has been affected by breast cancer, a breast implant removal procedure may put your mind at rest.
Capsular Contracture
Alternatively, some women decide to go through breast implant removal without replacement as they suffer from capsular contracture due to their implants. This is when the natural scar tissue or “capsule” that forms around the implant within the breast begins to contract. The contracting of the capsule may cause breasts to feel unusually firm, appear overly-round and can cause aesthetic issues such as the shaping of the nipples, and in severe cases it can cause pain for the individual. In most cases the development of this scar tissue is a standard part of the healing process and helps to keep the implants in place and avoiding slippage, which can be detrimental to the breast appearance. However, some women are just unlucky. Women who suffer capsular contracture may be advised to undergo a capsulectomy where the capsule is removed and either implants can be replaced or some women may decide they want a breast implant removal, as they run the risk of it becoming a recurring problem.
Breast Implant Removal
Surgery
Breast implant removal surgery is performed under general anaesthetic and the procedure normally takes between one to two hours to complete, following this you will have to stay overnight. The duration of the procedure and your recovery will be dependent upon your individual case and the particulars of procedure you are having. The surgeon will use the same incision as the one made during the initial breast augmentation to prevent additional scarring. All of this information and more will be discussed during your initial consultation as our expert surgeons will help you decide whether this procedure is right for you.
Breast Implant Removal without Replacement
An alternative reason for breast implant removal of breast implants can simply be due to the fact that you no longer feeling the need for them. As time goes on our relationship with our body alters and cultural body ideals change, meaning that the reasons you opted for cosmetic surgery in the first place may now be irrelevant.
Individuals sometimes want to go back to the way their natural breasts were through a breast implant removal without replacement. In certain cases, your surgeon may advise you to see how you feel about your breasts after removing the implants, before deciding that you would like new replacement ones.
Breast Implant Removal and Lift
Those people who simply remove implants, often require a surgical correction of the breasts known as a ‘lift’ or mastopexy to ensure an an aesthetically pleasing result. Following a breast implant removal, breasts may sag, lose their shape and nipples may droop. As part of the breast lift procedure, nipples can sometimes be re-positioned with the areola to restore a more youthful appearance. A breast implant removal and lift is a highly effective way to restore the volume and shape of your natural breasts after the implants are removed, improving your body contour and helping you to feel more positively about your figure.
