Breast Implant Removal Sydney with Dr Kernohan
Breast implant removal or explant surgery can be performed to revise your breast implants due to complications or because you don’t want breast implants anymore. Dr Kernohan can remove the implants and perform a breast lift or fat transfer.
Some patients undergo breast implant removal surgery due to health problems, while others simply no longer wish to have breast 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 an 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
Why Get an Explant Surgery?
Women get their breast implants removed for a variety of reasons. Some of the reasons for breast implant removal surgery are:
- The breasts have begun to drop after dramatic weight loss, pregnancy, breastfeeding or gravity
- There is neck, back and shoulders pain due to the large volume of the breasts
- You are concerned regarded BIA-ALCL (Breast Implant-Associated Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma)
- 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 potential benefits of breast implant removal include:
Easier Mammograms
Breast implants can make breast screening mammograms more difficult. This is the reason why patients with implants should always mention this aspect before getting a mammogram. This issue is elevated after explant surgery.
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 can be a contributing factor to implant rupture. Undergoing breast implant removal eliminates the risk of an implant rupture and the problems that may arise with them.
Relieve the Pressure on your back and 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 caused by heavy implants.
Breast Implant Removal Procedure
The below steps are general in natural, the specifics of the procedure will vary depending on the individual patient.
Step 1 – Anaesthesia
Breast implant removal surgery is a complex surgical intervention that requires general anaesthesia. This is to ensure your stillness and comfort during surgery.
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 one of several different techniques.
When removing the breast implant capsule, a complete capsulectomy or en-bloc technique can be performed. A partial capsulectomy may also be effective and appropriate.
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 protection.
How long does explant surgery take?
- Breast explant surgery can take anywhere from 1 to 2 hours, depending on the specifics of the procedure.
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 reduce 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 your 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 long hot 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
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 lower 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 uneventful recovery period and avoid potential complications.
For more information read Dr Kernohan’s risks of surgery page.
Long 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 and loss all play a major role in the shape and elasticity of your breasts. Therefore, it stands to reason that the results are unique for each patient. Keep in mind that when you choose smaller implants, the chances, extent and impact of gravity on your breasts are much smaller compared to when choosing larger implants.
If your skin’s collagen and elastin levels are good, your breast skin is more likely to retract after explant surgery. If your skin quality is poor, you will likely have excess, loose skin after surgery and may choose to undergo a breast lift to remove excess skin.
How Much Is a Breast Implant Removal Surgery in Sydney?
Breast implant removal surgery can cost $8,000 to $16,000 in Sydney, Australia. Keep in mind that the cost is different for each surgeon depending on their skills and experience, hospital fees and location and the specifics of the procedure. If you undergo a breast lift in conjunction 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.
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 payment 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 original augmentation process. Hence, it is important to choose a plastic surgeon who has the right skills and experience 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 your surgery.
The following suggestions may help you choose the right plastic surgeon for your breast implant removal surgery:
1. Visit Different Surgeon Websites
If you have just started your research, 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.
This 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 may 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. It is important that the surgeon you choose is not only qualified but makes you feel comfortable. 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:
