Breast Implant Removal Gold Coast
Breast implant removal surgery, also known as breast explant, is a procedure designed to remove breast implants and any scar tissue (capsule) around the implants. This procedure can be done with or without replacing breast implants.
Whether you’ve had implants for many years and are thinking about removing them, or are suffering from pain and discomfort and want to replace your current implants, Dr Hertess and her team will offer compassionate care, education, and guidance every step of the way.
Dr Hertess FRACS(Plas) is a breast implant removal surgeon with over 27 years of experience in performing complex breast surgeries. She commonly performs this procedure in accredited facilities on the Gold Coast including John Flynn Private Hospital and Miami Private Hospital.
What is Breast Implant Removal Surgery?
Breast implant removal surgery is a cosmetic procedure that involves removing breast implants and any scar tissue that may have formed around them. This can be done for various reasons, such as wanting to remove the implants altogether or replacing old ones with new ones.
Regardless of the reason for seeking breast implant removal surgery, it is important to carefully research and consult with a qualified specialist plastic surgeon who has experience in this type of procedure.
Who is Breast Explant Surgery for?
Explant surgery is best suited for women in good health who:
- no longer want breast implants
- prefer a more natural look
- are experiencing complications such as capsular contracture or implant rupture, or
- want to replace their current implants with new ones.
It is important to have realistic expectations and understand the potential risks and outcomes of breast explant surgery before making a decision.
Reasons Women Choose to Remove Breast Implants
Breast implant removal is a highly personal choice, and there is no right or wrong reason why you would choose to remove or replace your implants. There are many factors that may lead you to consider breast implant removal surgery, including personal preferences, changes in body image, and medical concerns.
Breast implants are not lifetime devices
Breast implants have a finite lifespan, and as many women reach this milestone, they may simply opt to remove their implants without replacing them.
The most common reasons for breast implant removal are:
Pain or Discomfort
As time passes, you may find that it is more challenging or uncomfortable living with larger and heavier breasts. From difficulty maintaining your fitness goals to shoulder or back pain, discomfort is a driving factor for implant removal.
Lifestyle Changes
Changes in lifestyle and personal preference for a smaller breast size may occur for personal reasons such as it being undesirable or no longer the look you want.
Capsular contracture
Capsular contracture is the medical term given when a ‘capsule’ of scar tissue forms and thickens around the breast implant. It is the body’s natural response to a foreign object – the implant – and in many cases is not considered dangerous.
However, in some cases, and as time progresses, the capsule can harden and tighten around an implant and cause discomfort, pain or breast shape changes due to distortion and/or shifting of the implant.
In such cases, we recommend a consultation to assess the condition of your implants and check for capsular contracture, rupture or other damage.
Leakage, Rupture or Migration of Prosthetic Material
Breast implant leakage or rupture can occur due to factors like wear, tear, trauma, or defects in the implant's outer shell. Saline implants deflate harmlessly if ruptured, while silicone implants may leak within the capsule or into surrounding tissue, often requiring surgery for removal.
Monitoring via imaging techniques such as Ultrasound, CT or MRI may assist in detection of rupture, but are never 100% accurate and the majority of ruptures can only be diagnosed in surgery.
Breast implant illness (BII) and autoimmune disease
Some women experience a variety of symptoms such as fatigue, brain fog, memory problems, joint pain, dry eyes, skin rashes, autoimmune-like symptoms and other symptoms due to their implants.
Breast Implant Illness (BII) is a term used to describe a range of symptoms and health issues that are experienced by some women and may be attributable to their breast implants. Unfortunately, this is not officially recognised as a medical diagnosis.
Dr. Hertess acknowledges the existence of BII (breast implant illness). Although there is no definitive diagnostic test for BII, she can recognise this condition by excluding other potential causes and symptoms.
Types of Breast Implant Removal
Breast implant removal is a fairly standard procedure, though it can be combined with other procedures to help you achieve your desired results.
Breast Implant Removal
Breast explant on its own is designed to remove your current implants and bring you back to your natural breast tissue.
Breast Implant Removal and Replacement (Revision Surgery)
Breast revision surgery is a procedure done to replace your existing implants with a different implant size or shape. You may choose to keep the same size implants or change to smaller or larger size implants.
Breast Implant Removal with a Breast Lift
Implant removal with a lift is a combination procedure to remove implants and lift the breast tissue and nipple for a perkier breast shape. In cases where the breast tissue has stretched from your implants, removing the implants may leave loose skin. Dr Hertess will always recommend a lift if she believes this may happen.
Breast Explantation Procedure
There are 4 stages to breast implant removal including consultation, pre-operative preparation, procedure and recovery. This process is detailed to ensure you are fully informed and get the best possible results.
Consultation
The first step in the breast implant removal process is to schedule a consultation with a qualified plastic surgeon like Dr Hertess. During the consultation, your medical history will be reviewed and any concerns and your desired outcomes will be discussed.
If you are experiencing complications or discomfort from your current implants, additional testing may be required to determine the best course of action for removal.
Pre-Operative Preparation
Before undergoing the procedure, it is essential to follow all pre-operative instructions provided by Dr Hertess. This may include stopping smoking, certain medications or supplements and avoiding food and drink for a set period before surgery.
Procedure
The procedure will be performed under general anaethesia in an accredited facility. During the procedure, incisions will be made underneath the breasts to remove the implants and any scar tissue. In most cases, the same incision in the breast fold used for your initial breast augmentation will be used for removal.
After removing the implants, Dr Hertess will examine your breast tissue and make any necessary adjustments to achieve the desired shape.
Recovery
Recovery time varies from person to person but usually takes about 4-6 weeks. During this time, it's important to follow your surgeon's post-operative instructions, including wearing a supportive bra and avoiding strenuous activities.
You may experience some discomfort, swelling and bruising in the first few days after surgery, but this should subside over time. You may also experience a sense of loss and mental anguish that also subsides with time.
It is essential to attend all scheduled follow-up appointments with your surgeon to monitor your healing progress and address any concerns or complications that may arise.
Breast Implant Removal Before and After Photos
See real before and after breast implant removal photos by Specialist Plastic Surgeon, Dr Hertess.
See full gallery for Breast Implant Removal and Breast Implant Removal with Lift.
*Results may vary. These outcomes are only relevant for the patient pictured. They do not reflect or guarantee the results you may experience as a result of your breast explant surgery.
