When breast implants are removed and not replaced, the body will revert back to the way it was before the implants were inserted. The breast tissue will shrink and the breasts will flatten out. The body may also experience changes in the form of sagging or deflation due to the lack of support and volume provided by the implants.
In these cases, the skin may need to be tightened with a breast lift, or the breasts may need to be filled back in with a breast augmentation. Depending on the type of procedure used, the patient could be left with either visible or minimal scarring.
Additionally, the patient may experience temporary discomfort, bruising, and swelling. In most cases, the breasts will return to their pre-surgery state, but it is important to note that the implants cannot be replaced with the exact same ones if they have been removed.
What happens if you don’t get breast implants replaced?
If you don’t get your breast implants replaced, it can have a variety of consequences. Implants have a shelf life and can leak or rupture over time, so not replacing them can pose a risk to your health.
Leaking or ruptured implants can release silicone or saline into the body, leading to physical symptoms such as swollen lymph nodes, unexplained fatigue, and increased sensitivity to cold temperatures.
Additionally, not replacing the implants may lead to changes in the shape and size of your breasts as the implant moves and/or shifts in your breast pocket, resulting in an unnatural appearance. While implants generally don’t need to be replaced for around 10-15 years, you should talk to your doctor about when you should get new implants and about any possible early signs of implant failure.
The overall outcome of not replacing breast implants can include aesthetic dissatisfaction and short-term and long-term health risks.
How long can you go without replacing breast implants?
Breast implants are not intended to last a lifetime and typically need to be replaced within 10 to 15 years. That being said, a person’s implants may last longer or shorter than the average depending on factors such as the type of implant, their lifestyle and the overall health of their breasts.
It’s important to regularly monitor your breast implants and keep in contact with the surgeon who inserted them. This can help to detect any unique complications or signs of wear and tear that may require the implants’ removal or replacement.
Some of the signs that might indicate it’s time to consider getting new implants include a change in the way the breasts look or feel; persistent pain or discomfort in the breasts; and increasing size or hardness of the breasts.
If you experience any of these symptoms, you should discuss them with a surgeon to determine if replacing the implants would be an appropriate solution.
It’s also important to remember that even if new implants are not yet required, all breast implant procedures should be performed by an experienced board-certified plastic surgeon. While your implants may not necessarily need to be replaced, you may still benefit from undergoing a ‘revision’ surgery to improve their appearance and look.
What do breasts look like after explant?
Explanted breasts will look different than before the explant procedure. Immediately after the explant, you may notice that there is a red line or scar around the outline of where the implants were. In addition, if the surgical plane was visible, they may also have a horizontal line.
It typically takes at least 3-6 months for post-operative swelling to recede, and around 6-12 months for the tissue to completely heal. If you had an implant exchange, you may notice that your breasts may appear to be slightly smaller or possibly more droopy than before, depending on the amount of skin elasticity you had prior to the explant.
Depending on the previous size of your implants, your breasts will either look more natural or be more noticeably smaller. In either case, your aesthetics will continue to improve with time as your body resumes its previous form.
What are signs of breast implant illness?
Signs of breast implant illness are varied and can look different for each individual. Common symptoms include fatigue, jaw pain and stiffness, cognitive dysfunction, hair loss, dry eyes, rashes and dry skin, mood disorders, insomnia, joint pain, and weight gain.
Additionally, patients with breast implant illness might experience rashes on the abdomen, implant-related infections, autoimmune reactions, swollen lymph nodes, digestive issues, and neurological issues.
Research has suggested that inflammation, allergies, and sensitivity may also be associated with breast implant illness, as well as lingering risks of cancer and auto-immune diseases. Ultimately, the best way to know whether someone is suffering from breast implant illness is to speak to a doctor and discuss their individual symptoms and concerns.
Will insurance pay for breast implant removal?
Whether insurance will pay for breast implant removal will depend on the individual policy and situation. Generally, a medical procedure like breast implant removal will require prior authorization from a health insurance provider.
Generally if the procedure is to remove ruptured implants for reconstructive purposes, an insurance company will typically cover the costs.
However, if the procedure is requested for purely cosmetic reasons, an insurance company might not cover the costs. It would depend on individual policy details. Furthermore, usually, if the patient has any pre-existing conditions that result in the need for breast implant removal, the insurance may cover all or some of the costs.
It is best to speak with your insurance provider to determine what is covered under your individual policy. Additionally, it would be beneficial to discuss the issue with a doctor to determine the best course of action and estimated costs.
Should old breast implants be removed?
Yes, it is generally recommended to have old breast implants removed. Over time, breast implants are exposed to the body’s environment and can start to break down, causing various issues such as pain, rippling, migration, and infection.
Depending on the type of implants and their age, they may start to leak their contents, resulting in inflammation and displacement of the implants. Additionally, older models of implants may be linked to rarer side effects such as immune system reactions and enlargement of the surrounding lymph nodes.
All of these can be managed effectively if old implants are removed before they become a problem.
If you have older breast implants, it is always best to consult with your doctor to discuss whether removal would be beneficial for you. Your doctor will be able to assess the condition of your implants, evaluate your individual concerns and advise you on the best course of action.
Can breast implants cause problems years later?
Yes, breast implants can cause problems years later. The most common problem associated with breast implants is Capsular contracture, which occurs when scar tissue (or capsule) forms around the implant, causing it to become hard.
This can occur months to even years after the procedure has been done. Other problems associated with breast implants include infection, pain, rupture, and implant deflation. Additionally, some women have reported adverse effects on the immune system, fatigue, and other symptoms attributed to breast implant illness.
While it is difficult to directly link these symptoms to breast implants, it is important to be aware of the potential risks associated with them. If you are considering breast implants, you should speak with your doctor about the potential risks and discuss your overall health with them before undergoing any procedures.
Will my breast go back to normal after breast implant removal?
The answer to this question depends on what is meant by “normal. ” Generally, after a breast implant removal, the breasts will look and feel similar to what they did pre-surgery. However, they may not look exactly the same as pre-surgery since a portion of the breast tissue and/or fat that was present before the implant may have been replaced by scar tissue from the implant.
In addition, breast implants may also cause some degree of skin stretching, which may not resolve after implant removal, resulting in breasts that appear to be slightly different in size or shape.
Overall, it is impossible to predict exactly how the body will respond to an implant removal. However, most patients are generally satisfied with the results of the surgery and happy with their results after the removal of their breast implants.
It is important to keep in mind that any change in the breasts after the removal of an implant may take several months to years before they become completely visible. If a patient has concerns they should speak with their doctor prior to undergoing a breast implant removal surgery.
How much does it cost to remove boob implants?
The cost of removing breast implants will depend on several factors, including the type of implant material, the complexity of the procedure and the time involved, and the physician performing the surgery.
Generally, the cost to remove breast implants range from $2,000 to $4,000. This cost does not include fees for anesthesia, operating room charges, and other pre-operative and post-operative costs. If you have silicone-filled breast implants, there may be additional lab costs for testing the silicone for potential toxicity.
Your plastic surgeon should provide you with a full breakdown of expenses prior to proceeding with the surgery and be sure to obtain multiple quotes from different surgeons before making your decision.
What is the average cost to remove breast implants?
The average cost to remove breast implants varies significantly, depending on many factors such as the type of procedure performed, the length of the procedure, the surgeon used, and the patient’s individual circumstances.
Generally, removal of saline implants is less than the cost of silicone implants, although prices may vary.
In cases where the implants are leaking and must be surgically removed, the cost is likely to be higher than removal of implants in good condition. Typically, the cost of removal involves several factors including the surgeon’s fee, facility fees, anesthesia fees, and any additional costs associated with a particular case.
For routine removal of breast implants, the average cost may range from about $3,000 to $4,000 for saline implants, and up to $7,000 for removal of silicone implants. Costs can also range higher, depending on the complexity of the surgery.
Furthermore, it should be noted that the cost may not include any implant replacement or other additional treatments that may be necessary depending on the individual case.
In some cases, health insurance may cover costs associated with breast implant removal, although it is always advisable to check with one’s individual insurance provider to confirm coverage of any particular procedure related costs.
How long does it take to recover from removing breast implants?
Recovering from breast implant removal surgery can take anywhere from weeks to months depending on the individual. Generally, most people can expect to feel completely recovered and back to normal within 6–8 weeks.
However, since everyone is unique, the recovery time may be shorter or longer.
The amount of time it will take to feel a significant amount of improvement usually occurs in the first few weeks. As the healing process continues, the sensitivity and tightness in the chest area may continue to improve for months.
In the immediate weeks following the procedure, patients may experience redness, swelling and occasionally bruising which should subside. Surgical drains may need to be kept in for several days and are typically removed in the surgeon’s office.
Most patients will experience discomfort, soreness, and some tightness as the chest area heals. Pain medication can help manage any discomfort, and supportive garment should be worn for four weeks after the operation.
Patients should follow their doctor’s advice and rest as much as possible during the recovery period, avoiding any strenuous physical activities or heavy lifting. It is also important to carefully follow the doctor’s post-operative instructions to ensure successful healing and prevent any complications.
What will my breast look like if I have my implants removed?
If you have implants placed in your breasts, your chest may look different if you have them removed. Depending on the size and type of implant, how long the implants were in, and how much of your original breast tissue is remaining, your breasts may appear larger, smaller, or flat.
If you had implants placed over or under the muscle and the implant was in for a few years, the muscle may become stretched out. In that case, your breasts may look flatter and slightly smaller when the implant is removed.
If the implant was inserted over the muscle and it has been in for less than a few years, the muscle may still be able to hold its shape. In that case, the breast may retain its current shape and size (or a slightly smaller size) when the implant is removed.
If the implant was inserted in a pocket beneath the breast tissue (also known as a subglandular pocket) and it has been in for a few years, you may notice some sagging underneath your breasts, as the natural weight of the tissue could have stretched out the pocket.
No matter what the outcomes are, speak to your surgeon about the potential changes that may occur with the removal of your implants. They can provide specifics about what your breast could look like after removal and discuss the best plan for achieving your desired aesthetic outcome.
Do you have to be put to sleep to have breast implants removed?
No, you do not have to be put to sleep to have breast implants removed. Depending on the type of implant removal, general anesthesia may be an option, but it is typically not required. For most implant removals, local anesthesia is used to numb the area being treated, which is usually the breasts.
In some cases, local anesthesia with sedation may be used. During the procedure, the surgeon may make a small incision near the breast implant, depending on the type and size of the implant, and then deflate it, disconnect the capsule surrounding the implant, and remove the implant from its pocket.
In some cases, the entire implant may be taken out through the incision. In others, it may be slightly deflated and then removed by cutting it through the pocket. After the implant has been removed, the pocket may be closed using sutures or surgical glue.
In some cases, the implant may be deflated, cleaned, and reinserted in a new location. Since the procedure doesn’t require a full general anesthesia, the recovery time is typically shorter than with a general anesthesia procedure.
Is breast implant removal easy?
Breast implant removal is typically a relatively straightforward procedure; however, ease can vary depending on the individual case. The removal may be done through an incision similar to the one used for the original surgery, or it may involve a smaller incision, depending on the type and position of the implant.
Stitches may or may not be used for closure, and dissolvable stitches may be used. The majority of patients experience minimal scarring and minimal pain and discomfort.
Patients typically return home the same day as the procedure and recovery usually lasts only a few days, allowing most to resume their normal daily activities within a few days. Swelling and bruising may be present in the days following the surgery; however, these should gradually improve in the weeks following the procedure.
Although the procedure is generally considered safe, it is typically recommended that patients meet with a qualified and experienced surgeon to discuss their individual case to determine whether their particular case is suitable for the procedure.
