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Will I feel better after implant removal?

Many people who have undergone breast augmentation or reconstruction surgery may be considering having their implants removed. There are various reasons someone might want to have their implants taken out, including health concerns, dissatisfaction with how they look or feel, or a desire to return to their natural breast size. A common question is whether removing the implants will make them feel better or resolve any symptoms they have been experiencing.

Quick Answers

Here are quick answers to common questions about feeling better after implant removal:

  • Some women do report feeling better after having their implants removed, but results vary for each individual.
  • Having the implants taken out may help alleviate pain, discomfort, or other symptoms you’ve been having.
  • Removing ruptured or leaking implants often improves symptoms caused by inflammation.
  • If you’ve had multiple surgeries or contracture around the implants, removing them could relieve discomfort.
  • Implant illness is not an officially recognized medical diagnosis, but some women feel getting the implants out improves health issues.
  • Your breasts may change in appearance after removal, which can take an emotional adjustment.
  • Talk to your doctor about potential benefits and risks of explant surgery for your situation.

Potential Symptoms From Implants

Breast implants, whether for cosmetic augmentation or reconstruction after mastectomy, come with a risk of certain symptoms and complications. Here are some of the issues that may potentially develop over time with implants:

  • Pain – The breast area may become painful as the implant weighs down the breast tissue or complications arise.
  • Inflammation – The immune system may react to the implant shell, gel or other components, causing persistent inflammation in nearby tissue.
  • Scarring – Scar tissue can tighten around the implant, causing capsular contracture and discomfort.
  • Numbness – Some women experience numbness or loss of sensation in the breast and nipple area after augmentation.
  • Rupture – The outer shell can tear or leak over time, releasing silicone gel that triggers inflammation.
  • Infection – Bacteria introduced during surgery can develop into an infection in the breast and implant area.

If you develop any of these complications, removing the implants may help alleviate troublesome symptoms. Discuss your reasons for considering removal surgery with your doctor.

Do Women Feel Better After Explant Surgery?

Many women do report an improvement in how they look and feel after having their breast implants removed. However, results vary quite a bit for each individual situation.

In a study published in the journal Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, researchers surveyed 270 women before and after explant surgery. Here is what they found:

  • The most commonly reported symptoms prior to explant were pain, fatigue, and memory issues.
  • After removal, 71% said their symptoms improved, including reductions in fatigue, muscle pain, and memory problems.
  • 90% said they felt better emotionally after having the implants taken out.
  • 98% said they would make the same decision to undergo removal surgery again.

Keep in mind this study relied on self-reported surveys from women who opted for explant surgery. The results indicate most did experience some improvement in symptoms. However, there was no control group who kept their implants in for comparison.

Reasons for Feeling Better After Explant

There are a few reasons why women may feel improved health and well-being after having their breast implants removed:

  • Inflammation reduction – Removing the source of inflammation allows tissues to heal and inflammatory symptoms to subside.
  • Scar tissue release – Releasing constricting scar tissue around the implant offers relief from pain and discomfort.
  • Removal of rupture/leak – Taking out ruptured or leaking implants curtails inflammation caused by silicone or saline leakage.
  • Mental/emotional relief – Some women feel a mental or emotional release from no longer having implants they believe were harming their health.

If you have persistent discomfort or illness you suspect is related to your breast implants, discuss the possibility of explant surgery with your doctor.

Situations Where Removal May Help

There are certain situations where removing breast implants may have the greatest potential to improve any troubling symptoms or problems you are experiencing:

  • Implant rupture – If an MRI confirms your implant outer shell has ruptured, removal can eliminate inflammation from silicone or saline leaking into surrounding tissue.
  • Recurrent capsular contraction – This painful hardening of scar tissue around the implant may reoccur after surgical release. Removing the implant often provides lasting relief.
  • Implant malposition – If the implant has shifted out of place, removal may be recommended along with replacement after proper pocket correction.
  • Infection – Persistent implant-related infection usually requires removal of the implant along with antibiotic treatment to resolve.
  • Severe asymmetry – Mismatched implants in size or shape may benefit from bilateral removal and replacement to achieve more symmetrical breasts.

Talk to your plastic surgeon about whether your particular issues may warrant implant removal for the best outcome.

Are There Downsides to Explant Surgery?

While many women gain relief from removing troubled breast implants, there are some possible downsides to the explant procedure to consider:

  • Surgical risks – All surgeries come with risk of bleeding, infection, reactions to anesthesia, and other complications.
  • Breast changes – Your breasts will likely change in appearance after implant removal, which can be an emotional adjustment.
  • Loss of breast size – Unless you opt for a lift or new smaller implants, your breasts will be smaller and may appear more deflated.
  • Scarring – The surgeon will try to reuse the original incision sites, but additional scar tissue is likely from another operation.
  • No improvement in symptoms – For some women, removing implants unfortunately does not help resolve troublesome health issues.
  • Recovery period – It will take weeks to months for swelling to go down and to see your final results after explant surgery.

Discuss your personal risks and benefits of explant surgery thoroughly with your plastic surgeon before proceeding.

What Happens During Explant Surgery?

The explant procedure to remove your breast implants will be similar in approach to the original augmentation or reconstruction surgery.

These are the general steps involved:

  • General anesthesia to keep you comfortable throughout surgery.
  • Reopening the original incision site around the areola or under the breast.
  • Dissecting away any scar tissue adhered around the implant.
  • Removing the implant from the breast pocket.
  • Removing any ruptured silicone, scar tissue or capsules.
  • Closing incisions with layered, dissolvable sutures.
  • Applying surgical dressings over closed incisions.

The procedure may take one to two hours. Your plastic surgeon will discuss beforehand if you want implant replacement or to allow your breasts to remain without implants.

Recovery After Explant Surgery

Recovery from explant surgery is similar to recovery after initial breast augmentation or reconstruction:

  • Swelling, bruising, and post-op discomfort for the first week.
  • Wearing a surgical bra for added support and compression.
  • Avoiding strenuous exercise and activity for at least 4-6 weeks.
  • Incision sites will be tender, itchy, or numb for several weeks.
  • Most return to work within 5-10 days after surgery.
  • Normal to have decreased sensation in nipples and breast skin for a few months.

Follow all your surgeon’s instructions closely to help facilitate smooth recovery after your implant removal procedure.

What to Expect After Explant Surgery

It’s important to have realistic expectations about your results and recovery after having breast implants removed. Here’s what to anticipate:

  • Breasts will be smaller and saggy without implants, a lift can help improve shape.
  • It may take 6 months to a year for swelling to fully subside and see your final results.
  • You may opt for smaller replacement implants during the same surgery if you still want size enhancement.
  • Some women feel emotional seeing their breasts after implant removal due to the changed appearance.
  • Pre-existing asymmetry or changes to breast tissue may be more apparent without implants.
  • Your plastic surgeon can advise if you are a candidate for a breast lift or replacement implants at a later time.

Keep in mind that your breasts will look very different than they did with implants. Allow yourself ample time to adjust to your new breast appearance after explant surgery.

Questions to Ask About Explant Surgery

If you are considering having your breast implants removed, here are some important questions to discuss with your plastic surgeon:

  • What is the cost for explant surgery? Will my insurance cover any portion?
  • How long will the procedure take? Where will my incisions be made?
  • What type of anesthesia will be used during surgery?
  • Should I have my implants replaced with new ones during the explant procedure?
  • What risks or complications are associated with this surgery?
  • What will my expected recovery and downtime be after the procedure?
  • How much smaller will my breasts likely be after implant removal?
  • Am I a good candidate for a breast lift or reconstruction at a later time?

Having all your questions answered thoroughly before your explant surgery date will help you prepare mentally and physically for the procedure and recovery process.

Should I Get My Implants Removed?

If you have been experiencing concerning symptoms like pain, capsular contracture, rupture, or other health issues, removing your breast implants may potentially help resolve these problems. However, results vary greatly for each individual situation.

Here are some things to consider when deciding if explant surgery is right for you:

  • Think critically about whether your symptoms truly started only after getting breast implants, or if there may be other causes.
  • Have your implants properly evaluated with MRI screening to see if rupture could be contributing to symptoms.
  • Discuss all your reasons for wanting explant surgery with your plastic surgeon and primary doctor.
  • Consider whether you may want smaller replacement implants or lift surgery later on for improved breast shape.
  • Think about your motivations and goals for undergoing this additional surgery and potential risks involved.
  • Give yourself ample time to research removal experiences by other women online in social media groups and forums.

Removing troubled breast implants may potentially help you feel better, but there are never any guarantees with any surgery. Thoroughly explore all your options to make the most informed choice for your situation.

Conclusion

Explant surgery to remove breast implants is something to consider carefully with your doctors. For some women with issues like rupture, infection, severe pain or asymmetry, removing the implants may help resolve concerning symptoms and improve comfort. However, results vary greatly and there are risks with any surgery. Many women do report feeling improved both physically and emotionally after explant surgery when implants were negatively impacting their health and quality of life. It’s important to weigh the potential benefits versus the risks and have realistic expectations about the procedure before moving forward. Discuss your goals thoroughly with your plastic surgeon to determine if explant surgery is the right choice for you.