Breast Implant Removal
Breast implant removal, also known as an explant procedure, is a surgical option for women who choose to remove or replace their breast implants, often due to dissatisfaction with outdated implants or a desire for a change in appearance.
Trusted Expertise
Dr. Grant Hamlet is a globally recognised aesthetics doctor with over 15 years of experience delivering natural-looking, transformative results. Patients trust his precision, artistry, and deep anatomical knowledge to enhance their appearance safely and beautifully.
Patient-Centred Care
Each treatment begins with a comprehensive consultation to understand your goals and craft a personalised plan. Dr. Grant Hamlet is known for his warm, honest approach, prioritising your well-being, confidence, and long-term satisfaction.
Innovation at the Forefront
Using cutting-edge techniques and state-of-the-art technology, Dr. Grant Hamlet offers advanced treatments including body contouring, regenerative therapies, and facial aesthetics – always at the highest medical standards.
Natural Results
Dr. Grant Hamlet’s signature style focuses on enhancing your natural beauty, not masking it. Clients leave looking refreshed, not “done”, thanks to his subtle, refined approach that celebrates individuality.
Introduction to Breast Implant Removal
Medical science is constantly evolving, and breast implant technology has significantly improved over the years. If you are experiencing dissatisfaction with outdated breast implants, Dr. Grant Hamlet offers solutions, staying current with the latest medical advancements to provide optimal care. Experts often recommend refreshing implants every 10 to 15 years, or women may choose to have them removed entirely in what is known as an “explant procedure.”
Dr. Hamlet customises this procedure to each patient’s unique body, aesthetic goals, and medical history.
Allergan Breast Implant Recall
You may have seen an item in the news about a recall of Natrelle Biocell implants. In rare cases, these products were associated with an elevated risk for Breast Implant-Associated Anacosmetic Large Cell Lymphoma (BIA-ALCL). This is a highly treatable condition, so please ask the helpful, compassionate team at Dr. Grant Hamlet for advice if you received Natrelle Biocell products. We can perform the replacement or removal of any unwanted implants at our London clinic. Your continued health is our top priority.
Benefits of Breast Implant Removal
Choosing breast implant removal with Dr. Grant Hamlet offers several key benefits.
Aesthetic Enhancement
Achieve a more satisfying appearance, addressing concerns with outdated or undesirable implants.
Improved Comfort
Experience increased physical comfort once implants that may be causing discomfort are removed.
Boosted Confidence
Enhance your self-assurance as your body image aligns with your personal desires.
Personalised Outcome
A procedure tailored to your specific body and aesthetic goals for overall improvement.
Good Candidates
You may be considered an ideal candidate for breast implant removal surgery if you are unhappy with the appearance or sensation of your current breast implants. Eligible patients must be in good general health and hold realistic expectations regarding the cosmetic outcomes of the procedure.
Your Consultation
Your consultation will be a wonderful way for you and Dr. Hamlet to get to know each other, and discuss your personal aesthetic goals. Dr Hamlet takes a customised approach to all aesthetic procedures.
Before your consultation, please be prepared to share the following:
- Any medical conditions or treatments or drug allergies.
- Current medications, herbal supplements, vitamins, alcohol, tobacco, and drug use.
- Previous surgeries.
During your personal consultation at Dr. Grant Hamlet’s London clinic, the team is dedicated to ensuring you feel at ease. They will attentively listen to your experiences with past breast augmentation, understand your reasons for dissatisfaction with your current implants, and address any concerns you may have regarding the removal process. Collaboratively, you and the team will strategise the most suitable solution for your individual circumstances.
The Breast Implant Removal Procedure
Before your breast implant removal surgery, Dr. Hamlet may ask you to do the following:
- Stop smoking.
- Get a medical evaluation and lab testing.
- Cease taking aspirin, anti-inflammatory meds, herbal supplements, or other medications that have the potential to increase bleeding.
Dr. Hamlet will devise a strategy during your consultation that works with your body’s contours to achieve your desired results. The procedure will begin with anaesthesia, and once sedated, the surgeon will make an incision to facilitate implant removal. This may take one of two forms:
Inframammary: This technique creates a small incision under the breast fold. The doctor can easily remove and inspect implants using the inframammary method.
Periareolar: Dr. Hamlet may also access your implant through a small incision around the dark skin surrounding the nipple (areola). This periareolar method allows the doctor direct access to the implant and its capsule.
The surgery may last for one to three hours, depending on the extent of your treatment. Once the explant procedure is complete, your surgeon will carefully suture all incisions closed.
Breast Implant Removal Techniques
While every explant surgery is uniquely tailored to the individual, breast implant removal procedures generally fall into the following categories:
En Bloc
When an implant is introduced to your breast cavity, your body forms a protective capsule of tissue around it. This capsule may remain in your chest, even after the implant is removed.[1] If you want to remove both the capsule and the implant all at once, this is called an en bloc procedure.
Partial Capsulectomy
Your body may adapt perfectly to the capsule material in your breast. If you want to simply remove the implant and leave the capsule untouched, that is entirely up to you. You may also want to contour the capsule material, trimming and shaping part of it without entirely explanting it. This is known as a partial capsulectomy.
Total Capsulectomy
If you prefer to have all scar tissue removed, this is considered a total capsulectomy. You may need to have your implant removed first so that the surgeon can access every extension of the capsule. Dr. Hamlet will take great care to accomplish your removal, no matter which form it may take. Your cosmetic wishes are our command at Dr. Grant Hamlet.
Recovery
Recovery from any procedure depends on the duration and extent of the surgery and the health of the patient. Be sure to ask Dr. Hamlet any questions regarding post-op procedures, dressings/bandages, stitches, medications, follow-up care, and when you can resume normal activities. He’ll be happy to make sure that you have all the information you need.
Your recovery will be as unique as you are. Some implant removal patients return to work within three days, but others may require two weeks or more. It is crucial not to exert yourself; rest and recovery go hand in hand. Dr. Hamlet may encourage you to engage in low-impact movements in order to promote ideal circulation to your chest area. Several restful days after your surgery, you can schedule a follow-up visit with Dr. Grant Hamlet so that we may monitor your recovery and maximise your satisfaction.
You will enjoy the remarkable results of breast implant removal in various stages. Immediately following the procedure, you will notice your chest’s new structure. As the swelling subsides over the course of the ensuing three to six months, your improvement will continue to evolve. Your new contours will find their natural and comfortable position in relation to the rest of your body.
Complementary Procedures
If you are removing an implant and/or its surrounding capsule, you might want to consider some supplemental procedures as well. A breast uplift will help contour your new silhouette by removing any excess skin. Studies show that women who receive mastopexy surgery to address their issues with ptosis (sagging) achieve more satisfactory results than implant removal alone. [2]
FAQs
Is breast implant removal painful?
You will receive the appropriate anaesthetic to make your procedure as gentle and easy as possible. Dr Hamlet values your safety and comfort. For questions and concerns about the implant removal process, please call 0207 127 4377.
How often should I replace my breast implants?
Your body changes over time. You should consider how breast implants may react to these transitions. If you received implants over 10 years ago, please contact Dr. Grant Hamlet to schedule a consultation.
Should saline implants be replaced or removed?
Many patients prefer silicone implants to the saline variety. Please discuss your options with Dr Hamlet and his knowledgeable staff before selecting your preferred style of breast implant.
Pricing
Each surgical procedure requires unique care and attention, meaning that the cost for every surgery is individually determined. Dr. Grant Hamlet’s clinic offers various payment options to help manage the financial aspect. Their expert team is available to discuss these options and opportunities, aiming to ensure that cost does not hinder your access to quality healthcare.
References
- Rockwell WB, Casey HD, Cheng CA. (1998). Breast capsule persistence after breast implant removal. Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery. 101(4):1085-1088. DOI: 10.1097/00006534-199804040-00031
- Netscher, DT; Sharma, S; Thornby, J; Peltier, M; Lyos, A; Fater, M; Mosharrafa, A. (1997). Aesthetic outcome of breast implant removal in 85 consecutive patients. Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery. 100(1):206-219. DOI: 10.1097/00006534-199707000-00032
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