Women may want their breast implants removed for any number of reasons, including dissatisfaction with their appearance, rippling, ruptures or adverse side effects. One reason women undergo a breast explant is breast implant illness (BII), a set of symptoms that develop after undergoing breast reconstruction or cosmetic breast augmentation.
Removing breast implants can be done in two ways: total capsulectomy and en bloc capsulectomy. After receiving breast implants, the body naturally creates a capsule of scar tissue around the foreign bodies. Both forms of explant surgery remove the implants along with the entire capsule.
An en bloc surgery is ideal for optimal healing and tissue recovery. It involves removing the entire capsule and breast implant as one unit. This is Dr. Rosenberg’s preferred method of breast explant, but it cannot be guaranteed during surgery.
In cases where the capsules are too thin, they may have to be removed in several sections. Whichever way your breast implants need to be removed, Dr. Rosenberg takes care to provide the safest and most effective method.
Symptoms of BII can vary depending on the individual. Some women will feel sick immediately after surgery, while others notice symptoms years later. However, common complaints of BII that Dr. Rosenberg’s patients have noted include:
- Brain fog
- Hair loss
- Gastrointestinal problems
- Difficulty concentrating
- Unexplained weight gain
- Changes in libido
- Allergic reactions
How your breasts look after the surgery will vary from person to person, depending on each woman’s unique breast makeup. In some cases, Dr. Rosenberg will be able to perform a breast lift after removing the implants. This procedure will help lift the breasts and provide a natural-looking bust. However, in other cases, a breast lift is not realistic.
A consultation with Dr. Rosenberg can help you gain a realistic expectation for what your breasts will look like after surgery.