Breast Augmentation is the nations’ leading surgical procedure. In 2019, as reported by the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, surgeons certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery performed 280,692 breast implants operations. That same year, 66,982 women had breast implant removal procedures known as Breast Implant Explantation.

For many women, breast augmentation surgery provides a solution for whatever woes they have with their appearance. When you look good on the outside, it can help you feel good on the inside too! And who doesn’t want to look and feel beautiful?

On the other side, lifestyle changes, a poor health diagnosis, or complications from the breast enlargement surgery can have you considering removing your implants. Probably things you didn’t think about at the time.

While reasons vary for having implants removed, it’s a personal decision that can change a person’s life for the better. A shortlist of the most common reasons is:

  • Medical Diagnosis. Such as cancer.
  • Breast Implant failure resulting in a rupture or leakage.
  • Capsular Contracture is excessive scar tissue, or dead tissue caused by low blood flow (necrosis), or an infection.
  • Breast Implant Illness (BII). A variety of symptoms that can appear after breast augmentation surgery.
  • For example, the type of implant used, a textured implant, is known to relate to breast implant-associated anaplastic large cell lymphoma for short BIA-ALCL, an immune system cancer.
  • Lifestyle Change. As your life and body change due to age, weight, or pregnancy, you may feel your implants no longer serve you the way they once did.

If removing your breast implants has been lingering in the back of your mind, here is what you should know about Breast Implant Explantation surgery. The Pros and Cons of it all.

Pros

  • Knowing you no longer ought to worry about the common reasons listed above inherently provides freedom from anxiety and worry.
  • No More Replacement Surgeries. Breast implants have a shelf life of at least ten years if you don’t experience any abnormalities. You are now free from scheduling another surgery to have them replaced, resized, or removed.
  • Comfort and Satisfaction. Depending on your body type and size of your breasts, back, neck, and shoulder pain will no longer be an issue. Nor will ill-fitting clothes, buying expensive bras, or the inability to sleep on your stomach comfortably.
  • It’s not pleasant regardless of your breasts’ size, though it can hurt much less once your implants are gone.
  • Confidence Builder. Life is too short of having regrets. Remember, when you look good on the outside, it can help you feel good on the inside again. Removing your implants can make you feel as great as you did when you got them the first time!

Cons

  • The Cost. Breast augmentation surgery is an elective procedure. It likely varies between $5,000 to $10,000, depending on the type of implants you chose. Silicone costs more than saline; furthermore, health insurance doesn’t cover it, nor is Breast Implant Explantation included. Something else you most likely didn’t consider is the expense of breast implants removal. It is high, fetching between $6000 and $15,000. Are you removing or replacing your implants? Is a Capsulotomy, Capsulectomy, En Bloc Capsulectomy, or Subtotal Capsulectomy required? Is a lift, revision, reduction, or a fat transfer necessary? Multiple factors to consider adding to the price.
  • Breast Shape Changes. Did your breast sag before surgery? They will still hang and be smaller after removal because your breasts will return to their natural size along with stretched skin. Your doctor will do their best to return you to your true self. Still, plastic surgeons aren’t magicians, so be realistic with your expectations.
  • Nipple Sensitivity. If your original incision is the areola, also known as a periareolar cut, you presumably lost sensation in your nipples. Your doctor will use the same site to remove your breasts, causing more loss or losing feeling for the first time.

There is so much to consider. It would be best if you’re confident you’re making the right decision. If you have the slightest doubt, then reconsider for another time. If your first plastic surgeon experience was less than favorable, it’s highly recommended to consult with several surgeons to find the right one for you. It’s your body and your choice. You should feel as excited as when you first got your breast done because it’s life-altering in many ways.