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Breast Implant Removal

The decision to have breast implants is not to be taken lightly and whilst the majority of ladies have a life-changing outcome for the better, a small number of patients may have a issues with their implants longer term or there may be personal reasons to decide to remove them (explantation).

The commonest reasons for removal (and usually followed by re-implantation) is for a change in size (usually bigger but sometimes smaller), capsular contracture (symptomatic adverse capsule formation) or symptomatic rupture. In these cases, the majority of ladies will have implants re-inserted either alone or in combination with uplift surgery and/ or fat transfer. Some ladies will decide for personal reasons that their implant have served a purpose and they no longer require them to be replaced. So as you can see there are a variety of different scenarios that may occur. Mr Banwell and his team are here to support you through the process whichever approach you decide to take. Any questions that you would like to ask are welcomed.

 

REMOVAL & REPLACEMENT OF IMPLANTS

The commonest reason for breast implant removal is actually for exchange of breast implants – the choice may be to keep the same size, go  bigger or go smaller. The fundamental thing here though is that there is a desire to replace them. In actual fact, we have a page entitled ‘Exchange Implants‘ elsewhere on this site . Please click here if this is your preferred approach – we are sure it will help provide additional useful information.

 

REMOVAL & REPLACEMENT OF RUPTURED IMPLANTS

Rupture is an unusual risk of breast implant surgery. The rupture rate for breast implants varies between 4-10% and seems to become more likely after 8 years. The majority of silicone breast implant ruptures are clinically undetectable and patients may be totally unaware of this but it may be discovered as an incidental finding. However, patients with breast implant rupture may present with signs & symptoms such as pain, breast lumps or changes in breast shape and size or as capsular contracture (which can occur without rupture but also due to rupture). Implant ruptures are usually confined to the peri-prosthetic capsule but it may also extravasate into the adjacent breast tissue and beyond. Patients with ruptured implants have been studied closely and the consensus of the literature states there are no health risks associated with implant rupture. However, it is recommended that symptomatic patients with ruptured implants should be offered the choice of observation, or explantation and capsulectomy with or without replacement.

We are often asked if an ultrasound scan or MRI will help with the diagnosis but this is not necessarily the case as there may be both false positive and false negative results too. Ultimately the only way of knowing whether an implant is ruptured is at operation. Regardless  please ask if you would like a scan organised as this may provide reassurance for you one way or another.

 

CONCERNS REGARDING MACRO-TEXTURING & BIA-ALCL

The introduction of texturing to implant shells was thought to represent a major advance in breast implant design. Capsular contracture rates were reduced from 40-60% down to 10-15%. However, whilst this has been a very positive advance, it has now come to light that the texturing process might be related to the development of a rare condition known as Breast Implant Associated- Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma (BIA-ALCL). This has had huge media attention and not surprisingly has created anxiety in many ladies who have had breast implants. Most of the major breast  implant manufacturers have come under scrutiny  as a result of this including Nagor, Allergan, Sientra, Mentor, etc. It is important to recognise that globally, textured implants have been considered standard and thus many, many girls around the world have been affected by these comments.

As ever, much information out there has been sensationalised and thus it is important to put everything into context. At the same time, it is vital that the medical profession is transparent and does everything it can to investigate all potential risks and complications. Currently the risk of ALCL is quoted at around 1:25,000 – it is therefore extremely rare but presents as sudden swelling of the breast (as a late seroma) and can be diagnosed by fluid and capsular tissue analysis. In comparison, the commonly quoted risk of breast cancer in a woman is 1:8, so breast cancer is infinitely more common than ALCL.

The current recommendations and statement by PRASEAG is listed below (April 2019)

Breast cancer experts from across the UK have been working together to look at the risk to people with breast implants of developing a very rare form of cancer. This follows the news that some types of breast implants have been withdrawn in France.

Based on analysis of the latest scientific evidence and on expert clinical opinion, the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) advises that there is no need for people with breast implants in the UK to have them removed because there is no new evidence that the risk has changed. The situation will be reviewed regularly by the MHRA.

If people are worried following their breast implant surgery, they should see their GP or the surgeon who did the implant. This is particularly important if they notice swelling around their implant more than six months after having the breast implant (regardless of how many years later).The MHRA issued this advice following close working with the British Association of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgeons, the Association of Breast Surgery, the British Association of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons and other experts to assess the risks associated with breast implant associated anaplastic large cell lymphoma (BIA‐ALCL). MHRA is also working closely with organisations doing similar regulatory work in Europe and internationally.

In addition, the independent Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery Expert Advisory Group (PRASEAG) has been monitoring UK cases of BIA‐ALCL and working closely with MHRA and the information is regularly updated on the MHRA website.

MHRA is continuing to collect evidence and investigate the disease, both nationally and internationally. Clinicians are being informed of the need to report all cases of BIA‐ALCL or suspected BIA‐ALCL to the MHRA via the Yellow Card scheme.’

 

EXCHANGE TEXTURED IMPLANTS FOR SILKSURFACE

Despite the reassurances mentioned above, some girls would like to exchange their implants for the latest generation SilkSurface, (nanosurface, neosmooth) implants made by Motiva. This may, of course, coincide with 10 year mark but it may be that the latest technology implants are more appealing and that they would like to remove their textured implants just to be on the safe side.  Mr Banwell would be happy to discuss this in more detail if this would be your preferred option. NB. The only other option is to convert back to the archaic original smooth implants of 30 years ago which Mr Banwell believes is a retrograde step.

 

CONCEPT OF SYSTEMIC SYMPTOMS OF BREAST IMPLANTS [BREAST IMPLANT ILLNESS (BII)]

Breast implants (like hip/knee prostheses, metalwork for trauma or orthognathic surgery, heart valves and coils) are foreign bodies and as such the immune system recognises them as foreign and responds by generating a wall of scar tissue around them (in the case of breast implants this is called a capsule). This is a completely normal process, the breasts usually feel soft, and in the vast majority of ladies there is no issue. However, in a small percentage of patients (as Mr Banwell always explains to his patients pre-operatively), the capsule can sometimes misbehave and starts to harden & contract. This can cause symptoms such as pain, discomfort and a change in the shape of the breast. Whilst capsule formation per se is considered normal, so-called ‘capsular contracture’ is an adverse response of the body to breast implants.

Over a two decades ago there were some concerns that breast implants may also cause other responses and symptoms within the body. The so-called ‘silicone crisis’ was thought to be due autoimmune-mediated events within the body (also called ASIA syndrome, Silicone incompatibility syndrome). Whilst independent government scientific reviews around the world have concluded that there is no causal relationship between silicone and auto-immune mediated problems, it appears there maybe a small group of patients who present with a variety of unexplained symptoms and seem to get better when their implants are removed. This condition has been termed on social media channels Breast Implant Illness (BII) but the latest term recommended term  is Systemic Symptoms of Breast Implants (SSBI). It is still currently debated by the general medical community regarding the significance of these anecdotal reports and further research is required. However, despite this ongoing controversy, Mr Banwell firmly believes it does exist and has seen the significant (and sometimes immediate) benefits of explantation in these patients where it appears as though their immune system has had a hypersensitive response to the breast implants (a predisposed individual can also be affected by the coil or any other implanted foreign body). Mr Banwell has an interest in breast implant illness and  ‘total’ capsulectomy surgeries (incorrectly called ‘en bloc’) and is very happy to help if a patient thinks they are affected.

 

TOTAL CAPSULECTOMY (also termed ‘EN BLOC’)

‘Total (+/-in situ) capsulectomy’ or ‘en bloc capsulectomy’ is the commonest procedure requested by those patients who present with symptoms of Systemic Symptoms of Breast Implants (SSBI)/ breast implant illness (BII). Whilst removing the immune stimulus (ie. the breast implants)  and washout of the pocket seems to benefit patients immediately and is the most important aspect of the operation, some patients also elect to have the capsule removed too. This is very controversial and the current recommendations is NOT to remove the capsule unless there is good medical evidence to do so. Mr Banwell is very experienced at this procedure and has helped many women in this situation. However, please understand that this does increase the risk of bleeding complications, scar length, seroma formation, thinning of the breast tissues, the length of the operation and indeed the cost. As the medical benefit for removing an asymptomatic thin capsule is not proven ( it has been shown they reabsorb/remodel within a few months) this decision must be weighed up very carefully by patients. It is important to understand that for technical reasons it is not always possible to remove the whole capsule. However, this is usually understood by everyone so if you would like an attempted (total) capsulectomy performed in association with explantation of your implants please discuss this iwht mr Banwell at consultation. Mr Banwell would be happy for the capsules to be sent away for pathological analysis if patients so wish – please let Mr Banwell’s team know if this is the case (there is an additional cost for this). Please note that Mr Banwell also routinely photographs the implants and capsules.

 

EMPTINESS & SKIN EXCESS FOLLOWING REMOVAL

Removal of implants without re-implantation will leave the breast deflated with a variable appearance depending on the amount of remaining breast tissue. Often a double fold deformity may be seen once the implants are removed and this has to be accepted as a consequence of the operation.  It is recommended to allow tissues to settle for at least 6 months after such procedures and many patients are happy with the resultant appearance. However, some patients elect to have a subsequent breast lift procedure (mastopexy) or fat transfer procedure.

 

 

 

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Treatment Factsheet

For your convenience Mr Banwell has created a factsheet for this treatment to download and retain.

Breast Implant Removal
At a Glance

1 - 1.5 hours

SURGERY TIME

Breast Implant Removal
At a Glance

Day case or 1 night stay

HOSPITAL STAY

Breast Implant Removal
At a Glance

No

ANAESTHETIC ASSESSMENT

Breast Implant Removal
At a Glance

Possibly

PRE ADMISSION TESTS

Breast Implant Removal
At a Glance

Sleeping on back recommended for 1 week

SLEEPING POSITION

Breast Implant Removal
At a Glance

1 day

REASONABLY MOBILE

Breast Implant Removal
At a Glance

Shower after discharge. Bath after 2 weeks.

WASHING

Breast Implant Removal
At a Glance

1 week

DRIVING

Breast Implant Removal
At a Glance

2 weeks

EXERCISE INCLUDING GYM

Breast Implant Removal
At a Glance

2 weeks

SEXUAL ACTIVITY

Breast Implant Removal
At a Glance

4 weeks

FULL RECOVERY

Breast Implant Removal
At a Glance

1 week

TIME OFF WORK

Breast Implant Removal
At a Glance

Required for 8 weeks ideally

BRAS & GARMENTS

Mr Banwell  will discuss with you his thoughts on the best treatment plan for you. Removing breast implants alone is fairly straightforward. However, this may be combined with removal of the capsule as many ladies and girls will decide that removing the capsule may be best the best strategy for them. Interestingly though we have noticed that thin pliable capsules usually reabsorb unlike thick capsules which can cause lumpiness once the implants have been removed.

Removing breast implants is a very personal choice and if not replaced will lead to a smaller, empty breast often with skin excess. However, whilst the final result cannot not always be predicted, our patients are happy with the outcome . Mastopexy can also be performed to tighten up any loose skin and fat transfer can help add additional volume.

The surgery can take anything up to 3 hours depending on the complexity and severity of the problem. Drains are usually inserted on each side, and these will normally stay in for 1 day – the amount of drainage fluid produced is usually more than that produced after your first breast implant operation (but will vary from patient to patient).

The recovery is often similar to your original operation although this will vary from patient to patient. Mr Banwell recommends you commence wearing a sports bra or compression top immediately after your drains are removed and you should continue wearing this day and night for 8 weeks. After the surgery the wound will be dressed with brown micropore tape which is waterproof. You will be able to shower the day after leaving hospital after which you can pat the tape dry with a towel and then use a hair-dryer on a warm setting to ensure the tape is completely dry. You will normally be able to return to work after 1 week depending upon how you feel.

In the first week following surgery you should take things very easy, preventing any mishaps. The following week you will find you can do much more and may be ready to return to work. You should avoid lifting and carrying for 2 weeks following surgery and strenuous exercise/physical activity should be avoided for 4 weeks following the surgery to prevent damage to your breasts and their new implants. Many patients find gentle cardiovascular exercises and having a massage are fine after a few weeks. You can drive when you feel safe to perform an emergency stop otherwise you insurance company may invalidate your insurance.

The operation has a high success rate and patients are grateful once more for a soft, natural breast. However, unfortunately, once an abnormal thickened capsule (capsular contracture) has occurred, recurrence is possible and Mr Banwell will want to follow you up.

Unfortunately complications can occur following any surgery and patients need to be fully aware of this. Mr Banwell does his utmost to minimise the complication rate and likes to practise in a safe manner. The commonest complications are bleeding, haematoma formation and the need to return to theatre, as well as infection, numbness, alteration in nipple sensation, asymmetry in the healing and the final result, DVT & PE.

I was referred to Mr Paul Banwell in February 2010 when I was diagnosed with an advanced melanoma in the lymph nodes in my left groin.  At my consultation he explained in layman’s terms my diagnosis and all details regarding the operation I needed.  Mr Banwell operated on 27th February 2010. The operation was a complete success – he has removed all the cancer as subsequent scans have proven.  I then spent seven days recuperating in the McIndoe Surgical Centre in East Grinstead under Mr Banwell’s and his specialised teams care. They were all wonderful. Mr Banwell was at my bedside every morning to check my progress. His kindness and caring knew no bounds. He made all my fears and anxieties groundless and replaced them with optimism for a great feature and my aftercare was first class.  I would recommend this highly professional, dedicated, humane family man to all who need any medical intervention. He is the best. How do you thank a man who gives you your life back? There are no adequate words.


Pauline W.

I thought the team were helpful and efficient because they helped me to schedule my appointments around my working hours. They were always at hand to discuss any questions I had with a friendly and professional manor. Mr Banwell was amazing. He was totally honest and helped me decide which type of breast implant and procedure to have. We talked through my torrent of questions and concerns with ease. He asked me how I wanted my breast to look and I said I wanted them as natural as possible and that is exactly what I got. My new breasts have certainly made me feel more confident with ym body. I previously felt inadequate in the breast area and now I can?t stop smiling! I am so pleased with the outcome I only wish I?d done it sooner. The operation certainly wasn?t as scary as I thought it would be and I was looked after with the utmost care.


Samantha S.

After deciding to go down the surgery route I contact Mr Banwell’s team and was dealt with quickly and efficiently but most of all everyone was so friendly and helpful which put me at ease. The care from start to finish and still on-going was 110% and everyone who I dealt with was fantastic. Mr Banwell was always professional and friendly and put me at ease from the very beginning. I am so pleased with my results and putting myself in Mr Banwell’s care was the best thing I could have done. It has completely changed my life and I can’t thank you all enough. I have already recommended you to my aunty! Thanks again.


Ruth G.

I was delighted with my care, it was faultless in all aspects.

I have been treated by Mr Banwell for excision of a nasal Squamous Cell Carcinoma and approximately 20 forehead solar keratoses by Photodynamic Therapy (PDT). During this period I have received outstanding care and attention. He and his team are very friendly and efficient. His surgical skills are exceptional.

I am totally content with the outcome of the surgery and treatment of my conditions and would wholly recommend him and his team to others. In fact, I already have!


John H.

I am delighted!! Mr Banwell listened to what I wanted and now I have fuller breast that don’t look false!  I would highly recommend him and his team to everyone.  They are all very friendly and the care I received before, during and after was excellent and very professional. Many thanks to you all.


Gemma C.

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