Breast Implant Removal Sydney NSW

Breast Implant Removal Sydney with Dr Kernohan

Breast implant removal surgery or explant surgery can be performed to correct your breasts, to fix breast implant complications or because you just don’t want breast implants anymore. Dr Kernohan can remove the implants and perform a breast lift or fat transfer.

Some patients have breast implant removal surgery due to health problems, while others simply no longer like the look of their breast with implants. Regardless of the reason, it is important to be fully aware of the process and the potential risks and concerns to be able to make an informed decision about having surgery. 

Specialist Plastic Surgeon, Dr Michael Kernohan is a highly experienced plastic surgeon in Sydney NSW. Dr Kernohan performs explant surgery in Sydney’s Southwest Suburbs and the Southern Highlands regularly.

Download Dr Michael Kernohan Cosmetic Breast Surgery Guide

Guide Cosmetic Breast Surgery
Guide Cosmetic Breast Surgery
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Why Get an Explant Surgery?

Women get their breast implants removed for a variety of reasons. Some of the reasons for breast implants removal surgery are:

  • The breasts have begun to sag after dramatic weight loss, pregnancy or breastfeeding
  • There is neck, back and shoulders pain due to the large volume of the breasts
  • You are concerned regarded BIA-ALCL
  • The implant has ruptured
  • You are experiencing other health-related issues because of implants
  • The implant has moved or shifted

Benefits of Breast Implant Removal Surgery

The top benefits of breast implant removal are:

Easier Mammograms

Breast implants can make breast screening mammograms a bit more difficult. This is the reason why patients with implants should always mention this aspect before getting a mammogram. After explant surgery, this issue is sorted.

Relief from Capsular Contracture Symptoms

If you have capsular contracture, you can experience a certain level of pain and discomfort due to hard and stiff breasts. Getting your breast implant removal surgery will help you reduce the associated symptoms.

Eliminate Rupture Risks

Scar tissue hardening after capsular contracture is one of the causes of an implant rupture. Getting a breast implant removal eliminates the risk of an implant rupture and the problems that come along with it.

Relieve the Pressure on your back & neck

If your breasts are too heavy for your frame, you might be feeling excessive pressure on the back, neck, and shoulders. Having breast implant removal surgery will relieve the pressure on your body.

Breast Implant Removal Procedure

Let’s look at the breast implant removal procedure in detail:

Step 1 – Anaesthesia

It goes without saying that breast implant removal surgery is a complex intervention that requires general anaesthesia. This will be the first step for the surgery so that you won’t feel a thing during the procedure.

Step 2 – The Incisions

For the removal of the breast implants, the surgeon will create an incision along the initial incisions created for the breasts augmentation surgery. In most cases, the explant surgery incisions are placed in the fold under the breasts.

Step 3 – The Removal of the Implant

The surgeon will remove the tissue capsule and implants using a combination of different techniques.

When removing the breast implant capsule, a complete capsulectomy or en bloc technique can be done. A partial capsulectomy may also be effective and appropriate and is less risky.

Step 4 – Closing the Incisions

The last step involves closing the incisions with the help of sutures and skin adhesives. The surgeon will place a bandage on top of the sutures for added security.

How long does explant surgery take?

  • Breast explant surgery can take anywhere from 1 to 2 hours.

Breast Implant Removal Recovery

The breast implant removal recovery phase lasts for two to four weeks. Your breasts will be covered with dressings, bandages, and you might also have drains to eliminate excess fluid.

You will be advised to wear a compression bra post-surgery in order to minimise swelling and fluid retention. Your surgeon will guide you regarding draining excess blood and fluid with the help of drains.

Wearing a binder or your compression garments 24/7 after surgery can help get a better result after breast implant removal.

How to take care of yourself post breast implants removal surgery

Here are some of the things to be kept in mind:

  • Take the medication prescribed by the surgeon according to the instructions you received
  • Do not miss any of the follow-up appointments as they are important to allow the surgeon to monitor the scarring process
  • Keep your incisions clean and dry and follow the instructions of the surgeon regarding cleaning them
  • Avoid all sorts of strenuous activities for at least the first two to four weeks following the procedure
  • Avoid taking baths, having hot water showers, diving in swimming pools and visiting saunas until your incisions are fully healed
  • Wear a compression bra for as long as possible post op – at least a few weeks as a minimum
  • Rest and eat well to heal and nourish your body from within. Don’t forget to drink plenty of water as well. Hydration is important during the recovery period
  • Do not smoke or drink alcohol for at least six weeks after getting the surgery done as it can interfere with the healing process
  • Avoid blood-thinning medications as they can cause swelling in the first few days after the surgery
  • Immediately get in touch with your surgeon if you experience any of the following; chest pain, chills, nausea, vomiting, fever, persistent pain and shortening of breath
Breast Implant Removal Risk - Dr Kernohan Sydney

Risks and Complications of Explant Surgery

If you choose the right surgeon and take proper care of yourself during the recovery phase, you can significantly minimise the chance of experiencing any complications. With that being said, all the surgeries carry some potential risks.

Following the post-operative indications can help you have a shorter recovery period and avoid potential complications.

For more information read Dr Kernohan’s risks of surgery page.
 

Longer term results of Breast Explant Surgery

The results of a breast implant removal surgery are also dependent on the shape and condition of your breasts prior to the breast augmentation procedure, the size of your original breasts, and the changes your body has gone through over the years.

Things like implant size, weight loss, menopause, pregnancy, weight gain play a major role in the shape and elasticity of your breasts. So, the results are unique for each patient. Keep in mind that when you choose smaller implants, the chances of getting sagging breasts are much smaller compared to when choosing larger implants.

If your skin’s collagen and elastin levels are good, your boobs are more likely to return back to normal within a few weeks’ time after the explant surgery. If your skin quality is poor, you will probably need a breast lift.

How Much Is a Breast Implant Removal Surgery in Sydney?

A breast implant removal can cost $8,000 to $16,000 in Sydney, Australia. Keep in mind that the fees are different for each surgeon depending on their skills and expertise, their hospital fees and their location. The cost of the explant surgery alone. If you want a breast lift performed together with the breast implant removal surgery, the cost is higher.

Have a look at price of a breast explant surgery in Sydney on Dr Kernohan’s pricing page.

Also, please call or contact his team to get a cost estimate for your explant procedure.

How Much is Breast Implant Removal - Dr Kernohan Sydney

Does Medicare Cover the Breast Implant Removal Surgery?

Medicare can cover breast implant removal surgery in some cases if it is medically necessary and especially if it is leading to health problems. If you are getting your implants removed for purely cosmetic reasons, Medicare is unlikely to cover any part of the fee.

Needless to say, you need your surgeon’s approval and related documents to apply for the medicare rebate.

How to Fund the Breast Implant Removal Surgery?

If you are getting breast implants removed for purely aesthetic reasons, you may be interested in medical financing options.

Can breast implants be removed under Medicare?

  • Breast implant removal may be covered by Medicare if it is required due to any of the following conditions: painful capsular contracture, implant rupture, infection, implant extrusion, interference with a diagnosis of breast cancer, and siliconoma/granuloma.

You can find out during the consultation how much you’ll have to pay for the procedure and when. Before scheduling your consultation with Dr Kernohan, you can have a look at the payment plans available.

How to Find the Right Explant Surgeon in Sydney

A breast implant removal surgery can be more complicated than the actual augmentation process. Hence, it is important to choose a plastic surgeon who has the right skills and expertise to perform implant removal surgery.

If you have had a past unpleasant experience during breast augmentation surgery, you’ll need to be extra careful when choosing the surgeon to perform the explantation.

Always choose a specialist plastic surgeon who has experience.

Follow these steps to choose the right plastic surgeon for your breast implant removal surgery:

1. Visit Different Surgeon Websites

If you have just started your search, it is best to look up the surgeons in your area and visit their websites one by one. The website is like a portfolio for surgeons. You will be able to find all sorts of valuable information about the surgeon’s background.

That will give you something to work with during the consultation. Make sure that the surgeon has private hospital privileges as this speaks volumes about the credibility of the surgeon.

You can either go to consultation with two or three surgeons. We don’t recommend more than three consultations as it will further confuse you. During the consultation, ask all the questions you have and make sure you are fully satisfied with the answers you get.

2. Find a caring surgeon you are comfortable with

Pay attention to how you feel with a particular surgeon. If a surgeon has all the experience and expertise required to do the job, go ahead with him. If you don’t feel comfortable, you can always look for another surgeon.

Breast Implant Removal FAQs – Explant FAQs

Have a look at frequently asked questions about breast implant removal surgery:

When should you have breast implants removed?

  • Breast implants are not meant to last a lifetime. You should get them replaced every 10 to 15 years. If the breasts are too large for your thin body frame or you are experiencing health-related issues associated with the breast implants, the recommendation is to get the explant surgery.

What are the side effects of removing breast implants?

  • Once you remove the breast implants, the breasts might look saggy and misshapen. Also, obviously, they will be smaller.

What happens when breast implants are removed and not replaced?

  • If the breast implants are removed without replacement, you’re breasts will be smaller.

What is the recovery time for breast implant removal surgery?

  • For most patients, the breast implants removal recovery period takes no longer than two weeks.

Should I get an explant surgery?

  • Although breast implants do not have an expiry date, it is recommended to get them replaced every 10-15 years. However, if you are experiencing problems linked with a breast implant, it is best to get them removed and/ or replaced as soon as possible.

Why are people removing their breast implants?

  • There are different reasons for removing breast implants. The most common one is capsular contracture, the hardening of scar tissue around the implant which can lead to pain and discomfort. In some cases, the removal of the implant is necessary to replace it with implants more suitable for the patient’s body frame.

Will I need a lift after breast implant removal?

  • It depends. If your skin is stretched out and your breasts are sagging, you might need a breast lift.

How do I prepare for an explant surgery?

  • Here are a few tips that will help you prepare for an explant surgery
    • Get lab testing and medical evaluation done
    • Quit smoking and drinking a few weeks prior to the surgery
    • Do not take blood-thinning medications for at least a few weeks prior to the surgery
    • Adjust your current medications as per your surgeon’s recommendation
    • Take some time off work so you can recover after the surgery
    • Arrange for someone to drive you home on the day of the surgery

What happens when you remove breast implants?

  • Initially, your breasts can look deflated, if you are not replacing the implants with new ones. Make sure to discuss your options with the plastic surgeon before scheduling your intervention.

Further Reading & Medical References