Desire for implant removal
Many women considered removing their breast implants when the FDA placed a moratorium on silicone breast implants in 1992. The reason, at the time, was due to a belief that breast implants may be related to human disease. Subsequent studies proved this not to be the case, and silicone breast implants were returned to the market in 2006.
For many women, the thought of having to remove their breast implants is an unpleasant one. Careful and sensitive discussions need to take place any time a woman requests implant removal. It’s important that the real reasons are discovered so that there is no regret, or disappointment about the decision. Breast implant removal can also be a liberating experience for those who have always questioned their decision to enhance their breasts. For some, they had adequate breasts to start, and for others, the decision was made at a different time of their lives and times have changed.
Fortunately for many, the breast retracts quite well after implant removal and no additional procedures are usually needed. In those who have particularly lax or inelastic tissue, there may be the need for a breast reshaping procedure to achieve the best outcome.
The actual procedure for implant removal is straight forward. In most cases it’s probably better to remove the implants, wait several months for all the tissues to retract, and then evaluate the need for a mastopexy procedure to address any skin excess or breast asymmetry.
