Implant removal
A Personal Decision
For some women, the decision to undergo explant surgery is a deeply personal one and can stem from either aesthetic or situational concerns. Sometimes, women want to regain a more balanced or natural silhouette. Other times, they’ve reached a stage in their lives where their physical appearance no longer matches how they feel on the inside. It’s also possible the implants have simply worn out (no implant lasts forever) and the patient doesn’t want to replace them.
When the reason is medical, it usually falls into one of two categories:
A growing number of women claim to suffer from physical and emotional symptoms related to breast implants. These symptoms, which vary greatly, are now known as “breast implant illness.” While it has been widely reported on in the media, breast implant illness has yet to be scientifically explained or proven. Nevertheless, I believe that these women’s experiences must be taken seriously and that more research should be conducted on this condition.
Textured implants have recently become another reason for explant breast surgery. Recent studies have revealed a link between a specific type of implant (with a textured surface) and a rare form of cancer called BIA-ALCL. Even though the risk of developing this cancer is considered extremely low, textured implants were recently banned in Canada and other countries around the world. Many women affected by the recall have opted to have their implants removed as a precautionary measure.
Explant surgery involves detaching and removing the implants through a small incision made in the inframammary fold. If patients are experiencing unusual symptoms and the situation requires it, and when it is technically feasible, implants and breast capsules (the scar tissue surrounding the implants) are removed “en bloc,” meaning they are removed together at the same time (total capsulectomy). Surgeons need more advanced skills and training to perform this type of procedure.
Patients who are worried that the procedure will have aesthetically displeasing results can combine explant surgery with a mastopexy (breast lift).
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