Breast Implant Removal Surgery With Sydney Plastic Surgeon Dr Choy
Breast augmentation remains one of the most popular and frequently performed surgeries worldwide.
Surgeries involving implants may provide long-lasting results, with implant life frequently exceeding ten years. However, no medical device, including breast implants, has an indefinite lifespan, and for this reason, doctors recommend regular check-ups as women approach this implant milestone.
If women have no issues with their implants, and their health remains sound, they need not take any action. However, women who are experiencing problems or who wish to have their implants removed or replaced will require an implant explantation surgery.
Women who have symptoms of breast implant illness or concerns about this phenomenon should also consider scheduling a breast implant removal consultation. Dr Choy is a member of the Australian Breast Device Registry and a highly-experienced surgeon in treating these concerns.
A second breast surgery will always be more complex than a woman’s primary surgery, for several reasons. Not only will a woman’s implants have aged between surgeries, but skin tissue and muscle will also have changed during this time, symptoms which a woman’s surgeon must also address during explantation. It is these requirements of surgery that make the selection of an experienced surgeon a critical factor.
Do I need a breast implant explantation?
There are several reasons a woman may need or desire a breast explantation surgery. The surest way to determine this is to visit a qualified Specialist Plastic Surgeon, like Dr Choy, and have an exam. Common reasons women choose a breast implant explantation include:
- Dissatisfaction with the look of one’s current implants
- Breast revision, lift or reshaping surgery
- Capsular contracture (formation of scar tissue) around the implants
- Infection in the breast pocket
- Implant rupture or failure
- Breast cancer
Your Breast Implant Removal Consultation
Your breast implant removal procedure will begin with a thorough consultation with Dr Ellis Choy, during which he will listen to any potential concerns you have and perform a full examination to determine if an implant removal procedure is necessary. Your safety and overall satisfaction are Dr Choy’s primary concerns, and he will ensure that you fully understand the medical necessity of the proposed options, as well as their drawbacks and benefits to you.
One of the best ways to understand what is possible with breast implant removal surgery, especially regarding breast appearance, is to review the results of prior surgeries. From our before-and-after portfolio, you can see firsthand Dr Choy’s results and gain a better idea of what you can expect. Take a look here.
Please bear in mind that all cases are different, and outcomes may vary.
What to Expect During and After My Breast Implant Removal Surgery
What will a breast explantation procedure be like, and how much different will it be from my original surgery? Are there complications I need to know about? What variants of the surgery are there, and how will I know which one I need?
Breast Implant Removal and Replacement
Patients usually request a breast implant removal when they are no longer happy with their current level of augmentation, their implants have begun to fail, or they have experienced specific issues, such as capsular contracture. This decision does not mean, however, that they necessarily want to go back to having a 100% natural breast contour. If you decide to resize your breasts, Dr Choy can conduct a slightly more extended procedure, during which a second set of implants is inserted.
This procedure will necessarily be more complex, for a variety of reasons. Any issues with breast tissue discovered after the implants have been removed must be corrected before insertion of the new implants into the breast pocket. While many problems can be anticipated prior to the surgical date, some may only become apparent after the initial incisions have been made. A surgeon who can not only address but also anticipate such problems can increase a woman’s chances of having a successful surgery.
Breast Implant Removal Without Replacement
It is not uncommon for a woman to have only a breast implant removal without replacement. This procedure will bring the breast back to its original size and shape, as closely as is possible. Often it is beneficial to combine breast implant removal with a breast lift or reshaping procedure to account for the lost volume the implant was providing.
Another option is including a fat-transfer in their procedure, which offers a natural way to maintain breast fullness without replacing their implants. A fat-transfer will use fat from a woman’s own body to compensate for volume lost due to the removal of the implant. If you are a candidate, Dr Choy will discuss these options with you during your consultation.
Recovery After Your Breast Implant Removal
Breast implant removal recovery often closely resembles that of your original surgery. A breast implant removal surgery will require a few weeks at home, and like your first surgery, you may need some help the first few days for your safety and comfort.
The first few days are likely to be the most challenging. Immediately after your procedure, you may feel a bit groggy or disorientated because of the anaesthetic; although this is temporary, you should have a chaperone with you to help you get home as driving will be out of the question. You can also expect some mild discomfort around the affected area which will be most prominent during the first few days after surgery. You can expect to spend at least one week off work as these symptoms subside.
Recovery times vary after breast implant removal, but you should expect the following:
- One to two weeks for swelling and discomfort to reduce
- One to two weeks to return to work (non-physical labour)
- Four weeks at least before returning to heavy exercise, such as lifting or extended cardio sessions
Remember that these timelines are just for guidance and that your personal situation may vary. Dr Choy will be able to give you more information during your follow up procedure. You are also encouraged to contact the team at any time if you feel any unusual discomfort or pain during recovery, or if you have any concerns at all. It is always better to err on the side of caution.
Enquire About Breast Implant Explantation Surgery With Dr Ellis Choy
Revisions surgeries are more complex than a woman’s first surgery, requiring extensive anatomical knowledge, the ability to navigate challenges during surgery and surgical skill.
A thorough consultation that takes all factors into consideration is essential. Your symptoms and anatomy will take a central role in planning your course of treatment. Dr Ellis Choy will spend ample time educating you about the procedure, so you can make an informed choice about how to proceed. After all, it is your body and well-being at stake, and you must live with the results.
Women near Sydney with known or anticipated concerns about their breast implants may schedule an appointment with Dr Choy. This can be done by calling Dr Choy’s offices on 02 8962 9388 or booking their consultation online.
Click here to view our breast implant removal before and after photos
*The information about breast implant removal was reviewed by Dr. Ellis Choy. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact us here.
Making an Informed Decision
Undergoing plastic surgery is a significant decision that should be made only after careful consideration of all aspects involved, including the potential risks and complications.
General Risks and Complications
There are general risks and complications that apply to most plastic surgery procedures. These are discussed in detail on our Risks and Complications page.
Specific Risks and Complications
In addition to those that apply generally to plastic surgery, each individual procedure comes with its own specific risks and complications. For breast implant removal, these include:
- Ptosis (sinking, deflated breast tissue)
- Skin excess
- Asymmetry in breast shape
- Residual implant material
- Changes in nipple or breast sensation
- Breastfeeding challenges
- Chronic breast pain
- Issues with scar tissue
- Anatomical changes in the surgical area
- Compromised blood supply
- More complex procedural needs
Next Steps
Request a consultation with Dr Choy for a detailed discussion of these considerations. Dr Choy will conduct a thorough risk assessment based on your individual factors and outline the measures that can be taken to minimise these risks. He and his team are here to support your decision-making process, providing all the information you need to make well-informed choices about your care.