Breast Implant Surgery Reversal: Procedure, Expense, and Recovery Period | Greatest (Informed Guide)
Ready to bid farewell to those implants? You're far from alone in this boat. Victoria Beckham, Chrissy Teigen, Ayesha Curry, and plenty more have been here too. Despite breast augmentation being fairly common, implant removal is also on the rise. In the USA, over 36,000 people opted for "explants" in 2020 (that's about 20% of the implants done that year).
Whether you've had enough of the look, they're causing complications, or they've reached their shelf life (most doctors suggest replacing them every 10 to 15 years, although they can last for 20+ years if intact), it's your body and your choice! When the time comes, the procedure involves taking out or potentially replacing the existing implants before sealing things back up.
What's the deal with breast implant removal?
Here's the lowdown: Implants don't technically expire, but they do have a suggested lifespan. The American Society of Plastic Surgeons recommends that implants are likely to start causing trouble or rupture around the 10 to 15-year mark. If they've reached this stage, a surgeon should examine them to confirm if they need to be replaced or removed.
If left in for any longer, they could potentially lead to health complications like implant leaking, scar tissue hardening around the implants, or infections.
Typically, this procedure is performed in-office using local anesthesia. A medical professional will numb the area surrounding the scar where the implant was originally inserted. They'll then reopen the site, pull the implant out, and seal everything up again.
The difficulty of the procedure depends on factors like implant type and if the scar has stretched or distorted. For example, saline implants can be drained before removal, making them simpler to extract, while harder silicone implants may require more effort and anesthesia to remove.
Who should consider breast implant removal?
Fancy saying 'so long' to your implants? You're not alone in that thought. Several reasons might justify getting rid of your implants:
- Implants can leak, shift, or cause problems
- Scar tissue can harden, causing pain and making the implants look distorted (known as capsular contracture and occurring in about 9% of cases after 10 years)
- Buildup of calcium deposits
- An overactive immune response to the implant
- Tissue death around the implant
- Pain
- Shifting or movement of one or both implants
- Very rarely, due to lymphoma caused by the implants
Some may want them gone because their breasts have changed aesthetically over time, either due to aging, pregnancy, breastfeeding, or simply because they're no longer happy with the look of their breasts.
Costs & Insurance
The American Society of Plastic Surgeons estimates the average cost of breast implant removal in the U.S. is around $3,049, including the surgeon's fee. However, additional costs like anesthesia and facility fees may apply and can vary greatly.
Medical insurance typically doesn't cover implants, but they sometimes cover implant removal. If your doctor determines that removal is medically necessary to protect your health (e.g., due to cancer, frequent infections, severe scarring, persistent pain, or swelling), your insurance may cover some or all of the costs.
Be sure to consult with your insurance provider to determine your coverage.
The Procedure, from Consultation to Recovery
As with when you got the implants, a surgeon will need to perform the explant at a surgery center, hospital, or operating room.
During the initial consultation, you'll discuss your reasons for wanting the implants removed, your desired goals, current medical conditions, previous surgeries, and any meds you're taking. Your doctor will also examine your breasts, take photos, and give you recommendations tailored to your unique goals and situation.
Before the surgery, you'll receive instructions on how to prepare, such as fasting, bathing, and what to wear at your surgery.
The procedure consists of:
- Going under: Many breast explants are done under anesthesia, ensuring you remain unaware of the procedure.
- Skin prep: A healthcare professional will use antibacterial soap or other substances to minimize the risk of infection.
- Removal: Your surgeon will make an incision for access to the implant, dependent on your unique situation. Over time, scar tissue can develop around the implant, creating a "tissue capsule." Your surgeon may remove only the implant, the implant and some of the capsule, or the entire capsule.
- Post-op: You'll wake up from general anesthesia and enter the recovery room. A nurse will keep an eye on your vital signs, pain, and dressing site before allowing you to go home. Since you may still be a bit groggy, you'll need someone to drive you home.
Recovery from breast implant removal usually takes several weeks. You can expect some pain, swelling, and discomfort that may make it difficult to move your arms and upper body as usual. Most doctors will instruct you to wear a compression surgical bra or sports bra for a few weeks to aid with post-surgical swelling. Within a few weeks, you should regain mobility and feel better.
- Removing implants can help address health complications such as implant leaking, scar tissue hardening, infections, and rarely, lymphoma caused by the implants.
- The American Society of Plastic Surgeons suggest examining implants every 10 to 15 years due to their suggested lifespan, as implants left in for too long may lead to health complications.
- The average cost of breast implant removal in the U.S. is approximately $3,049, with additional fees for anesthesia and facility use that can vary greatly.
- During the removal procedure, a surgeon typically makes an incision to access the implant, removes the implant and possibly some or all of the surrounding scar tissue, and closes the incision site. Post-operative care may include wearing a compression bra or sports bra for a few weeks to aid recovery.
){kind=link}