Benefits And Risks of Explant Surgery

At Cassileth Plastic Surgery in Los Angeles, we customize every treatment plan because we know that what is great for one patient may not work for another patient.

Breast augmentation can be a life-changing procedure that enhances self-esteem. However, as time goes by, circumstances and personal preferences may change, prompting individuals to contemplate the option of breast implant removal. For those patients, explant surgery can restore confidence and give peace of mind.

The breast implant removal journey has its own set of advantages and considerations, encompassing not only physical but also emotional and psychological aspects.

Whether you’re curious about reversing a previous decision or seeking to understand the potential consequences, we will walk you through the benefits and risks. You can also feel free to contact us for personalized advice.

What Is Explant Surgery?

Explant surgery involves safely and carefully removing existing breast implants.

Individuals may choose explant surgery for numerous reasons, such as medical complications like implant rupture, leakage, or capsular contracture, where scar tissue tightens painfully around the implant. Other motivations include shifting aesthetic goals, lifestyle changes, concerns related to breast implant illness (BII), or simply personal comfort and preference.

There are several procedural options, including total capsulectomy, where both the implant and the surrounding scar tissue (capsule) are fully removed separately, and en bloc removal, a thorough method where the implant and capsule are extracted together as one intact unit.

The choice of procedure often depends on factors such as implant condition, the level of scar tissue, and the patient’s specific health circumstances.

Importantly, explant surgery differs notably from breast revision surgery. Revision surgery usually involves replacing old implants with new ones, adjusting implant placement, or modifying the size or type of implant rather than completely removing the implants.

Who Is a Good Candidate for Explant Surgery?

Choosing explant surgery is a personal decision, often guided by specific health or comfort concerns.

Many people experience issues like implant rupture, leakage, or ongoing discomfort, prompting them to consider removal. Others notice symptoms such as fatigue, joint aches, or cognitive challenges, sometimes associated with Breast Implant Illness (BII), leading them to explore explant options.

Reflecting honestly on your own experience and concerns can help you decide if explant surgery feels right for your well-being.

Physically, your lifestyle can significantly impact your decision. Active individuals might find that breast implants interfere with physical activities, sports, or exercise routines, leading them to prefer explant surgery. Aging and evolving aesthetic preferences often cause patients to reassess how their implants align with their current body image goals.

Emotionally and psychologically, explant surgery can profoundly influence your self-esteem and mental well-being. Many individuals report feeling relieved and more comfortable in their own bodies after surgery, experiencing a renewed sense of freedom and confidence.

At Cassileth Plastic Surgery, we understand the emotional weight behind this decision and are committed to providing compassionate, expert support to help you feel secure and informed every step of the way.

Benefits of Explant Surgery

Some possible benefits of breast implant removal surgery are as follows:

• Clearer Mammogram Results: Breast tissue may be concealed by breast implants, which may make the procedure of getting a mammogram done complicated. The removal of implants through explant surgery may help in improving the accuracy of mammograms, which lessens the worry relating to breast health.

• Relief from Complications: Complications of breast implants are not common, but can nonetheless greatly affect the quality of a woman’s life. Explant surgery provides women with a permanent fix for symptoms related to capsular contracture, implant rupture, or persistent discomfort, in order to regain comfort and lead active lives without pain and fear.

• Enhanced Self-Esteem: A lot of women who opt for implants tend to feel a boost in confidence. However, personal preferences may change over time. If you are someone who no longer identifies with the body image that the implants reflect, then explant surgery tends to solve this problem by restoring confidence in your body image and lifestyle.

• Greater Peace of Mind: Breast implants often lead to concerns regarding maintenance, upcoming replacement surgeries, and even health problems such as Breast Implant Illness. Explant surgery takes away these worries and lets one enjoy freedom without worrying about the longevity and health of the implants.

Risks of Explant Surgery

Before opting for explant surgery, be aware of the risks.

• Surgical Risks: Some of the most basic forms of surgical risk include; negative effects to anesthesia, persistent bleeding, wound infections, and scarring. While the risks and recovery from explant surgery are arguably not as complex as other forms of surgeries, it is vital to fuse caution with care. At Cassileth Plastic Surgery, our professionals utilize a thorough aftercare plan along with delicate surgical techniques to minimize the concerns surrounding these risks to the best of our capabilities. After all, patient safety is our utmost priority at the clinic.

• Aesthetic Concerns: Common concerns that come up with women undergoing an explant procedure is how their breasts will look after the removal of the implants. Breasts may seem smaller, deflated, or sagging which depends on two factors: skin elasticity and the time duration the implants had been in place. Women with good skin elasticity usually retain breast shape after the surgery. However, for those needing a little more volume, fat grafting offers a natural solution. For sagging, a breast lift can restore shape and firmness. Combined, these procedures can create a fuller, more youthful, and aesthetically balanced appearance.

What to Expect During the Explant Surgery Process

Pre-Surgery Consultation and Preparation

During your initial consultation at Cassileth Plastic Surgery, we will thoroughly review your medical history, addressing any previous surgeries, existing medical conditions, and current medications.

We will discuss your specific goals, expectations, and concerns to ensure that the explant surgery aligns with your personal objectives.

Medical evaluations typically include a detailed physical examination, diagnostic imaging like mammograms or ultrasounds if needed, and potentially blood tests to confirm your overall health status. You’ll also receive comprehensive preparation instructions covering guidelines for medication adjustments, dietary recommendations, lifestyle modifications to promote optimal healing, and clear expectations about what to anticipate on the day of surgery.

Our goal is to provide a seamless and supportive experience tailored specifically for you.

The Explant Procedure

Explant surgery is typically performed under general anesthesia, ensuring you’re comfortably asleep during the procedure, which usually lasts about two to three hours, depending on your individual circumstances.

Your surgeon will carefully make precise incisions, often along your original breast augmentation scars, to reduce the visibility of new scars. The implants and any associated scar tissue or capsules are then carefully and thoroughly removed. During the procedure, the surgeon may also address any internal issues or complications discovered, ensuring optimal outcomes.

Once completed, the incisions are closed meticulously with techniques designed to minimize scarring, promote swift healing, and achieve a natural appearance.

Post-Surgery Recovery and Healing

Recovery from explant surgery typically involves resting at home for about one week, during which ample rest and hydration will promote effective healing.

Most patients comfortably resume gentle, everyday activities within a few days but should continue to avoid strenuous physical activity, heavy lifting, and intense exercise for four to six weeks to allow complete healing.

Throughout your recovery, you will receive detailed post-operative care instructions, including proper wound care techniques, pain management advice, and the use of specialized supportive garments to ensure optimal comfort and support. Regular follow-up visits at Cassileth Plastic Surgery are scheduled to carefully monitor your recovery, manage any potential complications early, and ensure you achieve the best possible results from your explant surgery.

Ready to Feel More Like Yourself Again?

Deciding on explant surgery involves a lot of thought. Cassileth Plastic Surgery delivers both exceptional care and detailed information to our patients. Our compassionate surgeons provide careful consultations, and with their vast board certifies, every surgery is guaranteed to meet your personal goals.

The whole process can be daunting, which is precisely why our staff is prepared to aid you every step of the way. Have a chat with our personnel today and better understand how explant surgery can improve your day-to-day life.

Contact Us

Consulting with one of our skilled plastic surgeons is the most effective method to decide if breast implant removal suits your needs. During our appointment, we will present all suitable alternatives followed by a treatment plan design specific to your selected choice. You can contact our team for your appointment booking today.

FAQs

What signs indicate that explant surgery would be suitable for me?

The decision to pursue explant surgery requires evaluation of personal health needs, surgical aesthetic preferences, and emotional condition. In most cases, women opt for surgery due to medical complications, physical pain, or a preference for a more natural look. A custom explant assessment at Cassileth Plastic Surgery can certainly help clarify the best approach for you.

Is my insurance policy likely to pay for explant surgery?

Explants may be covered by insurance if there is a medical necessity involved. The medical procedure may receive full or partial insurance coverage when medical issues such as ruptures or severe capsular contracture occur because of your implants. Our team will assist you in this matter by helping out with the insurance claim documents.

How will my breasts appear following an explant surgery procedure?

Post-surgery appearance is determined by the elasticity of the skin, the size of the implant, and the duration for which it was implanted. Most women are often pleasantly surprised to see their breasts taking an aesthetically pleasing shape after surgery. Certain options like fat grafting or breast lift surgery also help in achieving the desired results.

Is explant surgery painful?

The post-operative experience following explant surgery causes patients to experience mild to moderate discomfort that can be treated with prescribed medication. Most discomfort significantly improves within a few days. Our complete post-operative caregiver guidance and close follow-up sessions assist patients in staying comfortable during the healing process.

What is the expected duration of explant surgery results?

Through explant surgery, medical professionals can completely remove breast implants together with surrounding scar tissue. The permanent nature of explant surgery delivers enduring benefits that provide women with both complication relief, enhanced health assurance, and body confidence.