Even though the vast majority of women who go for breast augmentation work experience no problems whatsoever, there are cases where women are forced to undergo breast implant removal. Sometimes this can be several years after having the implants put in, but it can also happen within just a few months. In this article, we’re going to take a look at some of the basic facts which women need to be aware of, irrespective of whether or not they have any need for breast implant removal at present.
As you no doubt can imagine, there are several reasons that could result in you having to have breast implants removed. For example, the actual shape of your breast can change after breast augmentation, the actual implants can move about, sag, deflate, or even rupture. If one of your implants rupture, breast implant removal will be necessary due to the fact that the implant’s contents will be leaking into your body.
Capsular contracture is another complication which can result in breast implant removal. This complication arises when the scar tissue surrounding the implant begins to exert excessive pressure on the implant. This can result in bleeding, infection, or even cancer. Dead tissue can also begin forming in the vicinity of the implant. This is known as necrosis, which is of course a dangerous and potentially life threatening condition which requires immediate medical intervention.
The procedure for breast implant removal can be done under local anesthetic, but for the most part, surgeons will include the use of intravenous sedation. Alternatively, your doctor may decide its best to use a general anesthetic instead. For the most part, the procedure takes under one hour, providing there are no additional complications. In order to remove the implant, the surgeon will make an incision in the crease underneath the breast, or else he will cut around the areola which surrounds the nipple. Depending on your surgeon, if you have a saline implant that needs to be removed, it may be inflated in order to make the removal process easier.
Recovery time after breast implant removal is remarkably quick, and in general, patients can resume their basic activities within just a few days and by the time two or three weeks has passed, full activities can be resumed.
As with any type of surgery, there is a potential for side effects and complications with breast implant removal. The most common side effect following the procedure is swelling, bruising, and a certain amount of pain. Other complications could include things such as loss of nipple sensitivity, bleeding, loose skin, and scarring.
When someone undergoes breast implant removal surgery, they run the risk of having to live with a major deformity in their breast or breasts unless they have the implant replaced. Those who choose not to have the implants replaced will often have to live with chest wall deformity and tissue atrophy. Furthermore, sagging breasts are virtually inevitable when implants are removed and not replaced.
Apart from cosmetic appearances, breast implant removal can also cause some women to experience emotional problems due to the sudden change in the shape of their breasts. Women who do experience psychological symptoms need to realize that it’s important to seek professional advice if the symptoms don’t go away within a reasonable time frame. If left unchecked, even small psychological symptoms can become so severe that those suffering from them end up becoming withdrawn, and even suicidal.