Explant surgery is a type of procedure meant to remove breast implants, typically silicone gel implants. It’s an increasingly popular option for women who are experiencing health issues that have been linked to their implants—such as autoimmune diseases and chronic pain. However, explant surgery isn’t a decision that should be made lightly. While it may seem like the perfect solution to your medical problems, there are many factors you need to consider before taking the plunge. This blog post will cover everything you need to know about explant surgery and what it really entails.
What is explant surgery?
Explant surgery is a type of surgery that involves removing an implant from the body. This can be done for a variety of reasons, including infection, capsular contracture, or simply because the patient no longer wants the implant. The surgery itself is fairly straightforward, and recovery times vary depending on the reason for the surgery. However, it is important to note that explant surgery is not always successful, and there are risks involved. These risks should be discussed with your surgeon prior to undergoing the procedure.
Reasons why women get explant surgery
There are many reasons why women choose to have explant surgery. Some women have implants that have ruptured or leaked, causing them to experience pain, swelling, and other health problems. Other women may have developed a condition called capsular contracture, which occurs when the scar tissue around the implant hardens and squeezes the implant, causing it to feel painful and misshapen. In some cases, explant surgery may be necessary to remove infected or damaged tissue around the implant.
The dangers of explant surgery
There are a few dangers associated with explant surgery, which is why it’s so important to consult with a qualified surgeon beforehand. One of the most common complications is capsular contracture, which occurs when the scar tissue around the implant hardens and squeezes the implant. This can cause pain, deformity, and changes in sensation. Another risk is infection, which can occur at the incision site or deep within the tissues. Infections can be difficult to treat and may require antibiotics or even additional surgery. Additionally, there is always a risk of bleeding and bruising during any surgery. However, these risks are relatively low when compared to the potential benefits of explant surgery.
The benefits of explant surgery
While explant surgery is not right for everyone, it can be a life-changing decision for those who are struggling with their implants. Here are some of the benefits you can expect from explant surgery:
1. Relief from symptoms: One of the biggest benefits of explant surgery is that it can provide relief from the often debilitating symptoms associated with breast implants. If you’ve been suffering from pain, swelling, or any other issues, explant surgery can help you finally get some relief.
2. Improved self-esteem: Many women also report feeling much better about themselves after explant surgery. When you no longer have to deal with the negative effects of your implants, it can be liberating and boost your self-esteem.
3. Regain your natural appearance: Another common benefit of explant surgery is that it allows you to regain your natural appearance. If you’re not happy with the way your breasts look with implants, explant
How to know if you need explant surgery
If you’ve had breast implants for any length of time, you may have heard of explant surgery. This type of surgery is performed to remove breast implants and the surrounding tissue. It’s a major surgery, so it’s not something to be taken lightly. Here are some things to consider if you’re thinking about explant surgery.
The most common reason women have their breast implants removed is because of capsular contracture. This occurs when the scar tissue around the implant hardens and squeezes the implant. This can cause pain, deformity, and changes in the shape and feel of the breast. Other reasons for explant surgery include rupture or leakage of the implant, infection, and changes in breast appearance that can’t be corrected with other surgeries.
The recovery process
If you’re considering explant surgery, it’s important to understand the recovery process. This type of surgery is usually performed on an outpatient basis, which means you can go home the same day. However, it’s important to have someone drive you home and stay with you for at least the first night after your surgery.
Recovery times vary from person to person, but most people take approximately two weeks to feel back to their old selves. During this time, it’s important to rest as much as possible and avoid any strenuous activity or lifting heavy objects. You may also experience some bruising and swelling around the incision site, but this should subside within a few weeks.
