While breast augmentation remains one of the most popular plastic surgery procedures, there has been a small uptick in the removal of breast implants in recent years.
Plastic and reconstructive surgeon Jason Miller, MD, DMD, performs many breast implant removals each year. According to Dr. Miller, patients remove their implants for a variety of reasons, ranging from comfort and personal preference to medical necessity.
“No matter the reason for having your breast implants removed, we tailor the procedure to fit their needs and goals,” she says. “We want women to be happy with their results long term.”
Top reasons why women choose to have their implants removed
Dr. Miller says some of the most common reasons he performs implant removal include:
Cosmetic issues: Women may be dissatisfied with the size or appearance of their breasts.
Cancer concerns: Some textured implants may be linked to a rare cancer called anaplastic large cell lymphoma. Nebraska Medicine surgeons do not use this type of implant.
Breast Implant Disease: A small number of women report vague symptoms that may be related to breast implant surgery, such as fogginess, pain, dizziness, and autoimmune symptoms.
Implants have outlived their lifespan: Signs that implants may need to be removed include:
- Hardening of the breast, known as capsular contracture
- Movement of the implant, giving an uneven appearance
- Swelling or change in shape, which can be caused by an implant rupture
Are breast implants safe?
It is important to note that breast implants are approved by the US Food and Drug Administration and extensive research has been done to ensure their safety.
However, some women have reported symptoms related to their breast implants, leading to a condition known as breast implant illness (BII). Symptoms may include:
- Fatigue
- Chronic pain
- Skin rash
- Brain fog
There is currently little evidence to support BII as a well-defined disease, and its exact cause is unclear. However, Dr. Miller has grown capsules, which are tissue structures that grow to surround breast implants, in patients who have reported symptoms of illness after surgery.
“There was a specific bacterium that grew in the capsule, so bacterial contamination may or may not be the culprit in breast implant disease,” says Dr. Miller, who recently published a article on the subject.
Regardless, the risk of BII and other side effects of breast implant surgery is low when performed by a qualified professional.
Questions to ask before removing your implants
Before opting for breast implant removal, Dr. Miller suggests patients ask the following questions or, better yet, discuss them with a trusted provider.
- Why am I having my implants removed and what is my goal? Having reasonable expectations and setting a clear goal will help ensure you’ll be happy with your results.
- What options are available when you complete the process? “You may have some loosening after the implants are removed,” says Dr. Miller. “Some women choose to have a breast lift to tighten the skin or inject fat into the breast area after the implants are removed. This is done by performing liposuction on another area of the body, such as the abdomen, and using the fat to provide a more aesthetically pleasing appearance.”
- Can my schedule accommodate the treatment and recovery period? You will likely need to take time off work to allow for adequate recovery.
- What are my options for surgeons? While complications are rare with this procedure, to achieve the best results, choose someone experienced, skilled and trained in performing this procedure. Look for a board-certified plastic surgeon you feel comfortable working with.
Considering breast implant removal?
To schedule a free consultation with a Nebraska Medicine plastic and reconstructive surgeon, call 402.596.4000.
