Breast augmentation ranks as the number one plastic surgery procedure in the US today, thanks to the wondrous development of FDA-approved silicone and saline breast implants. However, some patients may have concerns about breast implant illness at some stage after their successful breast augmentation surgery.
Key Facts to Know about Breast Implant Illness
- Breast implant illness does not affect all patients who have undergone breast augmentation
- According to researchers, only some types of silicone implants may contribute to breast implant illness
- Studies are still continuing to determine the exact causes, nature, and impact of breast implant illness
- Breast implant removal surgery is a safe and effective solution for patients who want to eliminate the risk of illness
Potential Symptoms of Breast Implant Illness
Some of the common signs and symptoms of breast implant illness may include:
- Collection of fluid around the breast implants
- Persistent discomfort, pain, or swelling around the implants
- Tightening of the implant capsule, causing a misshaped appearance
- Change in the color or shape of the breast
- Fever, fatigue, redness, or joint pains
- Any other inflammatory symptoms related to autoimmune diseases
Patient Testimonial
“I went to Dr McCluskey for an enbloc explant for breast implant illness. He came highly recommended and I had a fantastic experience. I was really at a low point in my life and I just wanted to start over again. I’m not sure if the implants were causing me to be sick and tired all the time but I wanted them gone. They just never felt like they were part of me. Dr McCluskey gave me many options and I had an enbloc capsulectomy explant and a breast lift. Recovery wasn’t bad and he and his staff were there to talk me through the process. Once my drains came out I felt like a new person. Also, I look great! The lift was worth it. Many of my symptoms have improved and I feel better every day. 5 stars doc!” -K.D.
Breast Implant Removal Surgery
If you have concerns regarding breast implant illness, you may undergo a breast implant removal surgery. Dr. Paul McCluskey will perform your procedure at an accredited surgery center in an outpatient setting. Dr. McCluskey’s first choice will be to perform the removal using the existing incision lines from your original breast augmentation. This will minimize any new scarring.
Depending on the condition of your implants, sometimes it may be necessary to place an additional incision to remove the total breast capsule along with the implant. The capsule is made of scar tissue that would have naturally formed around your implant. Following the removal of the capsular tissue and the implant, Dr. McCluskey will carefully close the incisions and cover the area with compression bandages.
En Bloc Capsulectomy
This is an advanced breast implant removal technique that may be used in some cases where the patient has concerns about breast implant illness. Dr. McCluskey will review the condition of your breast capsule in the operating room to determine whether it is feasible to perform an en bloc capsulectomy. In this procedure, the entire capsule is taken out along with the breast implant as a single unit (one piece).
In other words, the implant remains intact inside the capsule throughout the surgical procedure, and gets removed together with the capsule. The advantage of this technique is that it will minimize the risk of silicone gel spreading outside the capsule. But this technique may only be used where the capsular tissue has not become deeply attached to the chest wall.
Breast Lift and Breast Implant Removal
In normal circumstances, old breast implants are replaced with new implants to restore the natural breast appearance. But in case of breast implant illness, if you only require implant removal, it may cause the breasts to sag or deflate.
Depending on your condition, Dr. McCluskey may recommend a breast lift plastic surgery as an additional procedure, which can be performed at the same time when your implants are removed. This can help restore a youthful and attractive breast appearance after the implant removal.