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Understanding Breast Implant Removal: Procedure, Recovery Tips and Cost in Perth, WA.

Photo by Fuu J on Unsplash


Breast implant removal, or explant surgery, is a personal choice that many women in Perth make for a variety of reasons. For some, it's due to medical concerns, such as Breast Implant Illness (BII), Breast Implant-Associated Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma (BIA-ALCL), implant rupture, or capsular contracture, where the scar tissue surrounding the implant tightens and causes discomfort. Others may decide it's time to shift to a more natural look or feel it's the right moment to remove ageing implants as part of their health journey. Whatever the reason, explant surgery for some can offer a path to feeling comfortable, confident, and more in tune with your body.


This guide will help you understand more about breast implant removal, from the procedure itself to what to expect during recovery. It will also provide insights into before and after breast implant removal. Whether your implants are part of an older augmentation or seeking relief from medical issues, understanding the process can help you make the best choice for your health and well-being.



 

What to Expect During the Breast Implant Removal Procedure


  1. Consultation and Evaluation Before the surgery, consulting with a board-certified plastic surgeon is crucial. The surgeon will evaluate your medical history, discuss the reasons for removal, and explain the potential outcomes of the different procedure options. During your initial consultation with Dr Taylor, we can take photos to upload into our AI software, allowing you to visualise potential outcomes for various procedure options. You’ll receive a link via email to access your photos and explore these options in detail. Following the consultation, you’ll receive a quote for the discussed procedure(s) and information on any eligible rebates. If you proceed with the surgery, Dr Taylor’s team will discuss theatre availability with you and book a second consultation with Dr Taylor to discuss any further questions and confirm procedure details. At this second consultation, you will receive an information pack, including preoperative and postoperative instructions, garment information, hospital admission details, etc.

  2. Surgery The surgery is performed under general anaesthesia. The surgeon will make an incision to access the implant. The incision is usually through the old incision/scar, though it usually needs to be slightly longer than the original incision scar. A new scar would be made along the IMF (inframammary fold) if implants were initially placed through the axilla—implants cannot be removed through the axilla.

  3. Implant Removal The surgeon carefully removes the implant and, in most cases, performs a total capsulectomy (removing the scar tissue surrounding the implant).

    Total versus partial capsulectomy will be discussed with you during your consultation and evaluation stage. The capsules are then sent to the pathology lab for histopathological examination to exclude any clinical pathologies such as BIA-ALCL. Capsule tissue is also sent for microbiology examination to determine if low-grade subclinical infection/ bacteria are present.

  4. Closure After the implants and capsules are removed, the incisions are closed with dissolvable sutures, and the wounds are dressed with waterproof dressings to allow for showering post-surgery. Drains are not routinely used. Your post-surgical compression bra will be placed on you before you wake up from the procedure.

  5. Hospital Stay

    A one-night hospital stay is generally required to monitor any postoperative bleeding when removing implants and to ensure comfort and pain control before discharge. The implant capsule can be stuck down on the chest wall, and therefore, the postoperative bleeding risk is higher when removing the implants compared with the procedure to insert them.


Before & After

Image: Before implant removal and 6 weeks after removal. The patient gave photo consent.


During the Procedure

Image: Explant surgery, ruptured implant + capsule removal. The patient gave photo consent.


 

Recovery and Aftercare

Pain Management

There may be some pain and discomfort for the initial 1-2 weeks after the surgery. Pain medication will be prescribed when you are discharged from the hospital to manage any discomfort during recovery.

Rest and Activity Rest is essential during the initial recovery phase. Patients should gradually increase their activity level as advised by their surgeon. We recommend avoiding strenuous physical activity (e.g. gym and heavy lifting) for approximately 4-6 weeks.


Follow-up Visits Patients will need to attend follow-up appointments with their surgeon to monitor the healing process and ensure no complications. The following post-operative appointments are what you can expect after explant surgery with Dr Duncan Taylor:

  • 1 Week with the Practice Nurse (wound check +/- dressing change if required)

  • +/- 2 Weeks with the Practice Nurse

  • 6 Weeks with Dr Taylor

  • 3 Months with Dr Taylor

  • 12 Months with Dr Taylor

Scar Management

Proper incision care is essential to minimise scarring. Dr Taylor's team will provide instructions on how to care for the incision sites, including massage to the breasts, scars and silicone scar management.


 

How Much Does Implant Removals Cost in Perth?

The cost of breast implant removal can vary depending on the specific procedure you elect to proceed with, whether it includes additional steps like capsulectomy, fat grafting, or a breast lift, and the coverage options available through Medicare or private health insurance. For those considering explant surgery, understanding these costs upfront can help plan and explore potential rebates. Click here to view the full breakdown of pricing options and additional fees to be aware of.


 

Be Aware of the Potential Risks and Complications

Like any surgical procedure, breast explant surgery carries potential risks and complications, including infection, bleeding, adverse reaction to anaesthesia, scarring, changes in breast shape, and asymmetry. It's important to discuss these risks with the surgeon during the consultation.


It's crucial to consult a qualified and experienced plastic surgeon to discuss individual circumstances and determine the best course of action regarding breast explant surgery.



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