Before and after bilateral breast implant removal in a 39 year old woman. Her breast implants had been in place for 13 years, but they never really felt like her. Her animation deformity caused pain and tightness, and she was always trying to hide them with baggy tops. She had considered getting them out for years, but wanted to avoid another general anesthesia.
She was elated to learn that explantation can be done under local anesthesia in the office and that total capsulectomy is not indicated unless there is a major complication related to the capsule around the implant such as significant infection or cancer.
Her existing scar in the armpit could not be reused for removing her implants. This is a disadvantage of trans-axillary scars, in addition to poor visualization of the implant pocket and the need to put implants under the muscle. A new incision was made in the fold of her breasts, called the inframammary fold. The implants were removed, and she was allowed to examine them before they were disposed of as medical waste. Once an implant is inside the body, it is automatically contaminated and is expected to grow microorganisms from being in the body.
Postoperatively, she took a week off work and resumed light activity at two weeks, with full exercise at three weeks. Follow up photos are shown two years after surgery. She has lost around 15 pounds from lifestyle changes and the ability to exercise more easily after surgery, feeling very satisfied with her decision to have her implants removed.
*All photos are actual patient photographs and are for illustrative purposes only. Individual results may vary.
