Many cosmetic patients who have undergone breast implantation in the past choose to remove their breast implants for a variety of reasons. Unfortunately, removal of breast implants often isn’t as easy as simply removing the implant. Over time, the breast experiences changes due to the implant being in place. The body recognizes the implant as being a something foreign to the body and walls off the implant with a scar we call a capsule. Most of the time, this scar is thin and pliable; however, sometimes the scar can be thick and cause pain and distortion to the breast.
Additionally, breast tissue may deflate over time due to the constant pressure of the breast implant. Therefore, when the breast implant comes out, unless a patient has undergone weight gain, they are often left with less breast tissue than they had prior to the augmentation. With implant removal, patients require an incision through their previous augmentation scar. If the implant is intact, it is then removed. If the implant is ruptured, the implant casing as well at the implant material is completely removed and the tissues thoroughly cleansed. If the scar or capsule is problematic, it is also partially or fully removed with a procedure called a capsulectomy. A breast lift or implant replacement can then be performed depending on the patient’s desires.
