Prosthesis removal

Very few patients who did breast augmentation a few years ago, wish to remove their implants and question whether this is possible without new implants. In fact, yes, it is possible, however, it is important to clarify and evaluate each case about the reasons for surgery to define the best treatment plan.

Very few patients who underwent breast augmentation a few years ago, wish to remove their implants and question whether this is possible without new implants. In fact, yes, it is possible, however, it is important to clarify and evaluate each case about the reasons for surgery to define the best treatment plan.

There are some reasons why some women who have previously had a breast augmentation with implants want to have a removal surgery, such as:

• Complication associated with prostheses, such as capsular contracture
• Change in body level, whether due to weight changes, pregnancy or breast ptosis
• They stop wishing have a breast implant

It is important to explain that it is possible to remove the prosthesis and replace them with others, or simply not put, according to the wished or motivations of the patients. In either case, it is usually necessary to do a breast lift (mastopexy) to replenish the breast tissues and reach the natural position of the breast.

In cases where the patient doesn’t wish to place new prostheses, the remaining breast maybe insufficient to maintain an adequate size, in that case the patient may have fat infiltration or tissue transfer to maintain adequate volume and harmonious.

Prosthesis removal is an outpatient surgery using local anesthesia with sedation or general anesthesia. This way, patients can be discharged on the same or in maximum next day, according to their preference and comfort.

After surgery, the patient should expect a recovery time of 5 to 7 days with less activity and should avoid efforts and picking up weights in the first two weeks. After this period, they can resume usual routines gradually and may initial driving, sexual and professional activity. The professional activity may be resumed earlier in some cases depending on the type of profession. In most cases, they should expect a 2 to 3-week low period. During the first year they should do sunscreen with mineral protection and should avoid direct sun exposure on the scars while the scar has a reddish hue.