No, you do not have to be put to sleep to have breast implants removed. Many breast implant removal procedures can be done in an outpatient setting using only a local anesthetic. Depending on the approach to removal, there may be no need for general anesthesia at all.
Your surgeon can discuss the best approach for you and explain the anesthesia requirements.
In some cases, you may have to have general anesthesia if you plan to have other breast procedures done at the same time, or if your implant is positioned so that it must be removed through an incision in the chest wall rather than the original incision site.
The type and amount of anesthesia needed will depend on your unique situation.
If you are considering breast implant removal, be sure to talk to your surgeon about the procedure and the specifics that apply to you. Your surgeon can help you understand the anesthesia your procedure will require and ensure that you remain comfortable throughout.
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How long does breast implant removal surgery take?
Breast implant removal surgery typically takes between one and two hours to complete. During the procedure, the surgeon will make an incision in the skin around your breast and carefully remove the implant.
Additionally, the surgeon will remove any surrounding scar tissue, if necessary. After the implant is removed, stitches will be placed to close the incision. After the procedure, there may be some degree of discomfort and swelling that can last for several days.
It is important to follow your doctor’s instructions during the recovery process to ensure the best outcome.
How long is the operation to remove breast implants?
The operation to remove breast implants usually takes between one and two hours, depending on the type of implants being removed and whether any other procedures, such as a breast lift, are being performed at the same time.
During the procedure, the surgeon will make an incision around the edges of the implant, deflate it if necessary, and remove it. The incisions are then closed with sutures and the patient is allowed to rest and recover.
After the removal of implants, the patient may experience bruising, soreness, and swelling in the area, which will resolve within a few weeks. In some cases, the surgeon may perform a breast lift or other cosmetic procedure at the same time as the removal of breast implants to shape the breasts for a more aesthetically pleasing outcome.
How painful is getting breast implants removed?
Breast implant removal is usually not a very painful procedure and most people report feeling minor discomfort during the operation. The level of discomfort can vary depending on the severity of the capsular contracture, size of implants and other factors.
Generally, you can expect to feel some pressure when the implants are removed, along with some tenderness and mild to moderate pain afterwards. Acetaminophen or NSAIDs can be used to help reduce pain and inflammation.
Individuals may also experience some temporary bruising, swelling and numbing in the chest area following removal. Additionally, some sensitivity in the nipple area may persist for a few days. Rarely, a patient may experience infection or scarring after implant removal.
Overall, the level of pain associated with getting breast implants removed tends to depend on the individual’s body and the specific details of their procedure.
What to expect after implant removal?
After implant removal, patients can expect to experience some degree of physical and emotional discomfort. Implant removal often means the end of a long period of physical and emotional disruptions, so the body and emotions may need some time to adjust.
Physically, patients may experience some swelling and bruising at the implant site in the days following removal. This can be expected to resolve in the coming weeks. Patients may also experience pain at the site and elsewhere due to changes in tissue tightness, stretching, and scarring.
This is normal and subsiding over time. Pain medication can be used as needed to help with comfort.
Emotionally, patients may experience grief, sadness, or even relief. The healing process – both physical and emotional – may take time for some. It is important to be kind to oneself and seek out supportive friends and family who can offer needed care and understanding.
It may also be beneficial to seek out the help of a mental health counselor or therapist to provide additional support.
Over time, the body and emotions will adjust, as the healing process continues. Generally, the physical recovery can take around 6–8 weeks, while emotional healing will be ongoing. It is important to remember to take care of oneself and be patient in this process.
How long do you have drains after explant surgery?
The amount of time you have drains after explant surgery will vary depending on the type of explant procedure you had as well as the amount of fluid buildup present around the implant. Generally, patients will have drains for a few days to a few weeks.
Your surgeon will monitor the amount of fluid drainage and decide when it’s the appropriate time to remove them. After the drains have been taken out, you should be closely monitored to look for any signs of infection or leakage.
At the end of the explant procedure, your surgeon may put a drain tube in each breast and have you wear a supportive garment. The drains help to prevent you from getting a hematoma or a collection of blood, and they also help reduce the amount of scar tissue.
In addition to draining fluids, the drains also help reduce swelling and speed up the healing process. Once the drainage has decreased and the size of the hematomas have gone down, the drains can safely be removed.
It’s important to listen to your doctor’s recommendations when it comes to the duration of the Drainage Tube Removal. Removing the drains too soon could potentially put you at risk for complications from infection.
It’s also important to follow all post-surgery instructions, including keeping the wound dry and wearing the supportive garment for the recommended amount of time.
Will insurance cover removal of breast implants?
It depends. Generally speaking, insurance may cover some or all of the costs of removing breast implants if they are causing significant medical issues or other negative side effects. Breast implant removal is generally considered a medically necessary procedure – but only when there are medical justification for it and the condition warrants serious care.
Whether the insurance will cover the procedure depends on a myriad of factors, such as the type of policy held by the individual, their specific plan details, the doctor who will be performing the procedure, and the reason for the implant removal.
Typically, the insurance company will require documentation of the side effects being experienced due to the implants and will likely perform a review and approval process. If approved, the insurance may cover most, if not all, of the cost of the surgery.
If denied, the patient would be responsible for the majority of the cost, but may be able to work out some sort of payment plan with their surgeon to help make the procedure more affordable.
What happens when breast implants are removed and not replaced?
When breast implants are removed and not replaced, the body will most likely return to its original shape and size, although this is not guaranteed. Depending on the type of implant, the body may experience some deflation of the implants or pressure that had been placed onto the underlying tissues.
This can result in a decrease in the projection of the breasts and a change in the overall feel of them. Additionally, the skin may have increased laxity, especially in those cases in which very large implants have been removed.
The scar tissue that was around the implants may still be present, which can affect the look of the breasts as well. If a mastopexy (breast lift) was done at the same time as the implant placement, some of the lift may remain even after the implant removal, although the result may not be as dramatic as prior to the removal.
What does fluffing mean after explant?
Fluffing after explant is the process of gently massaging the area where an implant has been removed in order to reduce any tenderness, swelling, or scarring. It helps to soften hardened tissue that may have formed around the implant pocket, and helps the muscles relax to make way for smoother movement.
Fluffing should be performed after any type of explant surgery and can be helpful in returning a natural look and feel in the area.
It can be done at home with the help of a partner or with the use of a massage tool to ensure that no undue pressure is applied to the sore or painful areas. It is important to remain gentle throughout the process and to use as little pressure as possible as to not cause further discomfort or injury.
The goal is to help the area heal while removing any potential pressure or irritation that may be caused by the stitches or scarring.
Fluffing is a great way to help return a natural look and feel after explant surgery. By gently massaging the area, it can help reduce swelling, scarring and discomfort and may even prevent further irritation from occurring.
How long does it take for skin to retract after breast implant removal?
The time it takes for skin to retract after breast implant removal can vary, depending on a variety of factors including the size of the implant, the location of the implant, the amount of prior breast skin laxity, and any scar tissue that may have formed due to the implant.
Generally, full skin retraction will take several months, but some patients may see noticeable results in a shorter amount of time. Factors that can influence skin retraction include the amount of time the implants were in the body, how large the implant was, how much skin laxity existed prior to removal, any skin stretching, and any scar tissue that formed around the implant.
If a patient has a lot of skin looseness, there may be some drooping or loose skin after the implants are removed. A board-certified plastic surgeon can assess the patient’s individual factors and recommend an individualized plan for skin retraction.
In many cases, a patient may need to wear a surgical bra and have close follow up with the surgeon to help promote optimal results.
Does skin shrink after breast implant removal?
Yes, skin may shrink after breast implant removal. This is because when a person has implants in their breasts, the body often generates more skin to accommodate the larger muscles. When the implants are removed, the muscles are no longer being stretched and the skin can start to contract and shrink.
This can be noticed especially when the implant is much larger than the person’s natural breast size.
If a person notices this type of skin shrinkage after implant removal, they can discuss their concerns and potential solutions with their surgeon. A surgeon may suggest a variety of skin-tightening treatments such as laser skin resurfacing or a breast lift to help reduce the appearance of sagging skin.
In some cases, they may also recommend dermal fillers to help add volume and firmness to the area. As surgery and treatments can be expensive and carry their own risks, it is important to carefully weigh the pros and cons with your doctor before making any decisions.
How long does it take for breast augmentation to drop and fluff?
On average, it can take up to three months for breast augmentation to drop and fluff. Initially, a patient may experience some degree of swelling and firmness, but these effects will gradually decrease over the course of six weeks.
Around this time, the implants should start to drop and fluff, giving the breasts a more natural look and feel. The degree of dropping and fluffing can vary, and some patients may need to wait an additional month or two for this process to unfold.
During the first few months after surgery, it is important to wear a support bra and to avoid strenuous physical activity (including exercising) to ensure the outcome is optimal. Additionally, patients should communicate with their surgeon if they are concerned about the progress of their breast augmentation results.
How long after explant can I walk?
The answer to this question depends on the individual. Generally speaking, it is best to avoid strenuous exercise such as walking for at least two weeks after explant surgery. This is to allow the body time to heal, both internally and externally.
It is also important to listen to your body, and if you begin to experience any pain or discomfort while walking, it is important to stop and take a rest. Every patient is different, and the amount of time it takes for each person to heal after explant surgery will vary.
It is best to talk with your doctor and follow their individualized post-operative instructions.
Will I feel better after explant surgery?
It’s possible that you might feel better after explant surgery, but there is no guarantee. Depending on your individual situation, the effects of explant surgery can vary greatly. It’s important to remember that explant surgery does not address all underlying causes of health problems associated with breast implants, nor does it guarantee improved health.
Many people report improved symptoms after explant surgery, such as: reduced pain, decreased inflammation, reduced fatigue, improved sleep, as well as improved mental and emotional wellbeing. However, this is not always the case.
Some people may experience an exacerbation of symptoms, and still others may not notice any significant changes after explant surgery. After explant surgery, some people may continue to experience secondary symptoms due to silicone toxicity, autoimmune reactions, or nutritional deficiencies.
This is why it’s important to thoroughly discuss your risks and goals with a qualified expert before undergoing explant surgery. Ultimately, it is up to you to decide whether explant surgery is right for you.
How long can you go without replacing breast implants?
It is generally recommended that breast implants be replaced every 10 to 15 years. In some cases, depending on their condition, implants may last longer than 15 years, however, the majority of implants will need to be replaced before this time frame.
When implants reach the age of 10 to 15 years, it is important to contact a plastic surgeon and schedule a consultation to evaluate your implants and make sure they are still in good shape. In some cases, further testing may be required to determine the health of the implants.
It is important to remember that as implants age, they may lose some of their shape, size, and firmness, so replacing your implants can help to restore your desired look. Additionally, the risk of implant rupture will increase as implants age, so it is important to be aware of this risk and discuss with your doctor during the consultation.
Finally, it is important to understand that having breast implants will not change your regular routine breast health exams or mammograms, and these should still be performed regularly.
