What is Breast Implant removal?
If you have previously had breast implants to enhance the size
of your breasts, but you have now decided you don't want them
anymore, they can be surgically removed.
There may also be medical reasons why a breast augmentation
needs to be reversed, or you might just want to change the size,
shape or feel of your breasts. If so then new different sized
implants can be inserted following removal of your original
implants.
What does this involve?
The operation normally takes one to two hours and is
carried out under general anaesthetic, which means you will be
asleep throughout the procedure. You will usually stay in hospital
for one or two nights and you will need to plan time off work so
that you can recover at home.
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. Depending on the exact type of surgery you have,
further surgery such as a breast uplift, might be required
following the implant removal and/or replacement.
Following the procedure you will be taken from the operating
theatre into the Recovery Suite 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.
Your anaesthetist is likely to prescribe painkillers to reduce
any potential discomfort and you should take these regularly for
the first few days. Pain can slow down your recovery, so it is
important to discuss any discomfort with your nursing staff.
You will have wound dressings in place and a supportive dressing
around your breasts. You may also be wearing your support bra.
Until the affects of the anaesthetic have passed, you will need
to rest. In the meantime you will be visited by your surgeon who
will assess your progress and answer any questions or concerns you
may have.
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When will I recover?
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.
Please follow your surgeon's advice regarding how long to avoid
exercise and driving. You must avoid strenuous exercise, heavy
lifting, swimming and vacuuming for four to six weeks after
surgery. You should only drive when you are confident that you can
safely perform an emergency stop without experiencing
discomfort
Your surgeon will advise you as to how long you will be required
to wear your support bra and whether it is to be worn day and
night. You must avoid wearing an under wired bra until you are
informed otherwise.
You will receive a post-operative telephone call from the
Cosmetic Surgery Specialist Nurse one to two days after your
discharge home to ascertain your progress and well being.
At your post-operative follow-up appointment your surgeon will
assess your progress and give advice on when you can resume your
normal activities. You may need to take one to two weeks off work,
depending on your type of employment.
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What risks should I know about?
Breast implant removal is a commonly performed and generally
safe procedure. However, all surgery carries an element of
risk.
The possible complications of any surgery can include an
unexpected reaction to a general anaesthetic, excessive bleeding,
developing a blood clot (usually in a vein in the lower leg, known
as a DVT - deep vein thrombosis) and infection. Signs of infection
include uncontrolled pain, redness, swelling, oozing from wounds,
and fever.
You may experience changes in sensation in different parts of
the breast including the nipple - these areas may become more or
less sensitive than before. These changes are usually temporary,
but can last for up to six months. Occasionally numbness can be
permanent.
A small number of patients can develop thick, red and painful
scars that may take years to improve.
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Circle care
Breast implant removal is carried out at CircleBath, our state
of the art hospital, which provides you with the best facilities
and superb patient care. We have a dedicated team of Cosmetic
Surgeons and Nurses who will guide you through the process from
first consultation to after-care and will be available to answer
any questions or queries you may have.
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