REMOVING THE IMPLANTS
Incisions
During breast implant removal surgery, your surgeon will access the breast implant using the same incisions from your first procedure, if possible. If not, the most common breast revision incision location is along the inframammary fold along the bottom crease of the breast.
Implant Removal
Your surgeon will then remove your implants. A capsulectomy technique may also be used to remove the scar tissue capsule from around the implants.
CAPSULECTOMY OPTIONS FOR REMOVING SCAR TISSUE
There are three capsulectomy options for breast explant surgery: partial, total, and en bloc.
Partial Capsulectomy
This involves removing the implant and some of the scar tissue around the implant. It will leave some scar tissue behind to be reabsorbed by your body. Breast implant removal leaving part of the tissue capsule in place is the simplest and safest option.
Total Capsulectomy
A total capsulectomy involves removing all of the scar tissue within the breast along with the implant. The scar tissue is extracted in sections. This is necessary in cases where the scar tissue has hardened, become infected, or been coated with silicone.
En Bloc Capsulectomy
This technique involves removing the implant and all the scar tissue around it as a single mass. This is a more difficult and complex operation, and it is rarely necessary.
COMBINING BREAST LIFT SURGERY
Implant removal surgery is often combined with a breast lift to ensure your breasts are restored to a more natural, youthful appearance. Breast implant removal with breast lift techniques can minimize the issue of breast sagging.
This combination is especially beneficial for patients who had large implants or implants that were in place for many years. Large implants stretch the skin and may leave behind a sagging, deflated look. The longer the implants were in place, the less likely the breasts will naturally return to a youthful, perky shape.