Breast Augmentation Surgery – Explants and Implants Surgery Examined

In the world of plastic surgery, there are always cosmetic surgery procedures that trend throughout the year and some of these trends last for an extended period of time. In the past few years, some of the most popular cosmetic surgery trends have included Brazilian butt lift (BBL) and buccal fat removal. In addition, there are some plastic surgery choices that remain popular throughout every decade and an example of these procedures includes breast augmentation through the placement of breast implants. The decision to have breast implants has been popular for decades but there could be signs that this ongoing trend might be heading in a downward direction.

Breast Implant Removal – Is There a Decrease in Breast Augmentation?

As shown in the 2020 edition of the Insights and Trends Report from the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, the number of breast augmentation procedures performed in the United States has decreased in the past twenty years. This leads to the question:

If fewer patients are requesting breast implants, is there also a growing desire for breasts that are smaller and more natural in appearance?

The answer to that question is a firm “Maybe.”

Breast Implant Removal – Why Patients Might Choose a “Breast Explant” Procedure

The removal of breast implants is known as a breast explant surgery. The extent of the work that is performed depends on the size of the implants that are being removed, the condition of the tissue surrounding the breast implants, and the amount of time they have been in place in the body.

Here are some of the common reasons that a person might want to remove their breast implants by undergoing a breast explant surgery:

• There might be a time when the person is no longer happy with the current size of their breast implants. The breast implants that are in the body might not be their preference anymore, they might not fit their current lifestyle, and the person might want to gain a more natural look to the breasts. Much like fashion and makeup, the breast size preference of a person can evolve and change over the years.
• There might be an ongoing issue with the current breast implants and these issues can include pain, an inability to wear certain clothing or take part in specific activities, an asymmetrical appearance to the breasts due to implant migration in the body, and capsular contracture (the scar tissue around the breast implants has hardened as well as contracted). T
• he patient might be experiencing health problems related to the breast implants such as breast implant-associated anaplastic large cell lymphoma (BIA-ALCL), breast implant illness (BII), and breast implant-associated squamous cell carcinoma (BIA-SCC). These breast implant health issues have been a growing concern for women who previously had breast augmentation surgery. Patients should consult with their surgeon to discuss the possibility of these heath issues occurring and even be examined by the doctor to see if these health issues are impacting the health of the patients.

Breast Implant Removal – Increased Awareness of Possible Problems

When it comes to the regulation of breast implants, they are approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for both breast reconstruction and breast augmentation surgery. Even though many women do not experience any type of complications with their breast implants, as shown above, there are some health risks that can occur to the point that some women decide to have explant surgery.

The media coverage of illnesses and regulatory actions related to breast implants can also influence the decision-making process. For example, it was reported that the 2019 announcement by the FDA regarding a voluntary recall of specific breast implants was followed by an increase in online searches about that topic. There has also been an increase in the level of awareness of BIA-ALCL which is a potentially life-threatening, but rare, cancer that has a possibility of developing in the scar tissue that surrounds breast implants in the body.

While the information shared in this article can explain some of the reasons why patients are making the decision to have explant surgery, it is still too soon to tell if there is a growing trend towards a preference of a natural look to the breasts. However, there might be a decision to have a decrease in the size of the breast implants in the body due to the some of the information discussed earlier.

Whether a person wants to place breast implants in the body, or they want to undergo breast explant surgery, they need to schedule a consultation appointment with a board-certified surgeon who is experienced in both types of surgeries and is also able to properly diagnosis any health issues related to breast implants. The surgeon can also share the benefits and drawbacks of both large breast implants and smaller breast implants. No matter the type of breast implant surgery, the patient needs to know all about the pros and cons of the desired procedure so they can make an informed final decision about the surgery.

- MA