Surgical Procedure

Your current implants will sit either directly under the breast tissue or deeper behind the breast muscle. They will be removed through incisions made underneath your breasts or around the areola. Following the procedure you will be taken from the operating theatre into the Recovery Room where you will be looked after until you are fully awake following the anaesthetic. After this, you will return to your room, where nursing staff will check your dressings and monitor your pulse and blood pressure at regular intervals.

Hospital Admission

1 NIGHT

Duration of Operation

2 - 3 HOURS

Anaesthetic

GENERAL ANAESTHESIA

Pre Operative Care

Before surgery please inform your surgeon of any allergies, all medical conditions, and any medication that you are taking (both prescription and non-prescription).

To eliminate the chance of post op. bleeding you should avoid aspirin and any medication containing aspirin or brufen for two weeks prior to surgery.

You should also not smoke for 4 weeks prior to surgery as smoking can affect your reaction to the anaesthetic and slow down the healing process.

Patients that suffer from hypertension must inform the surgeon prior to surgery.

Breast Implant Removal Surgery

Post Operative Care

After breast implant removal you are likely to have some discomfort, swelling, bruising, hardness and pain/twinges in the breasts. These are temporary and should subside after the first few weeks. It may take several months for the shape of your breast to settle.

You should follow your surgeon’s advice regarding how long to avoid driving but you certainly should not begin driving again until you are confident that you can safely perform an emergency stop without experiencing any discomfort. You must avoid strenuous exercise, heavy lifting, swimming and vacuuming for four to six weeks after surgery. At your post-operative follow-up appointment your surgeon will assess your progress and give advice on when you can resume your normal activities.

The recovery period is usually about 2 weeks.

Recovery

This varies with the extensiveness of the procedure, but most clients recover to normal lifestyle within 2 weeks.

Risks and Complications

Every surgical procedure involves a certain amount of risk and it is important that you understand these risks and the possible complications involved with surgery to remove breast implant(s). In addition, every procedure has limitations. An individual’s choice to undergo a surgical procedure is based on the comparison of the risk to potential benefit. Although the majority of women do not experience these complications, you should discuss each of them with your plastic surgeon to make sure you understand the risks, potential complications, and consequences of breast implant removal.

Risks that are known to be associated with breast implant removal include:

– The occurrence of an infection

– More scarring than was previously present

– Loose skin

– The breast may become more saggy and droopy in appearance

– Nipples may lose sensation

– The shock of your new, smaller breast size may cause emotional problems

– There could be complications due to the anaesthetic (a possibility with all surgeries)