Breast Implant Removal Surgery

Breast implant removal surgery is performedwhen the patient experiences physical problems related to breast implant surgery.

Breast implants have a long shelf life but do not last for ever. How long do they last? Well, on average around 15 to 20 years is the norm.

They will show signs of ‘wear and tear’ which takes the form of small tears in the outer shell. If this happens then leakage will occur. This will be gel if you have had the silicone or ‘hydrogel’ implant or salt water if you have had the saline implant.

A small percentage of cases involve surgery for no medical reasons apart from anxiety about the safety of the implants themselves. In these cases the women are convinced that their implants are likely to cause health problems and so ask for them to be removed.

Another factor is the reported incidences of health problems such as cancer and autoimmune or connective tissue diseases. One such example is rheumatoid arthritis. This and other diseases have been linked to silicone gel breast implants but to date, no conclusive link has been found.

The formation of hard, thickened scar tissue or capsular contraction is another reason.

If you notice that there has been a change in size of shape of your implants; the implants have broken or leaking or they have hardened and have assumed the shape of a ball then you are looking at ‘removal surgery’.

If you are experiencing any pain or discomfort with your breasts or have become aware that they have changed shape then consult your surgeon or your GP.

Breast implant removal surgery appears to be more common in the 19 to 34 age group.

Who is not suitable for implant removal?

If you have the ‘hydrogel’ or silicone gel implant then you will find that surgeons do not recommend removal of these, unless there has been a rupture or some other medical problem.

Removal of trouble free implants can be more problematic then the risk of leaving them where they are. Unless they are causing physical symptoms such as pain or leakage then you will be advised to keep them.

Your surgeon will discuss your suitability for this surgery in more detail.

Breast Implant Removal Surgery Guide Index:



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