Breast augmentation has long been a popular cosmetic procedure, but in recent years, there’s been a noticeable trend in the opposite direction: breast implant removal. A percentage of patients are opting to have their breast implants removed for a variety of reasons.
At Winds of Change Cosmetic Surgery in Houston, Texas, highly skilled cosmetic surgeon Dr. Kristi Sumpter is ready to address your concerns and help you explore the possibility of breast implant removal through a personalized one-on-one consultation.
Our expert team is dedicated to guiding you through every stage of the process, ensuring that your journey toward the results you've always desired is smooth and hassle-free.
In the meantime, we delve into the why behind the breast implant removal trend and the factors driving this choice.
The first and perhaps most critical reason for breast implant removal is health and safety concerns. You may decide to remove your implants due to:
This includes issues like leakage, rupture, or implant displacement, which can lead to discomfort or health risks.
You might experience a range of symptoms that you attribute to your breast implants, including fatigue, joint pain, and memory problems. Although there’s an ongoing debate in the medical community, some patients believe that removing their implants can alleviate these symptoms.
With breast implants, there’s a risk of complications over time, such as capsular contracture or implant rupture. You may choose removal to avoid potential future issues.
Options when deciding to proceed with breast implant removal
Breast implant removal, also called an explant procedure, includes an en bloc or total capsulectomy. In an en bloc capsulectomy, all of the scar tissue surrounding the breast implants is able to be removed while still wrapped around the implants. The alternative to an en-bloc capulectomy is a total capsulectomy. In a total capsultectomy the same result of removing all surrounding scar tissue is achieved, but, due to patient anatomy, cannot be done while still wrapped around the implants.
Over the past 5 years Dr.Sumpter has seen numerous breast implant removal patients. Some are happy with just the implant removal. Some patients choose to have a lift or mastopexy with breast implant removal. Others choose to have liposuction and fat transfer to the breasts to replace the volume. This decision is up to each individual patient and Dr. Sumpter will consult with each patient to determine what will provide the best result. The mastopexy or fat transfer may be performed during the same surgery as the breast implant removal or may be performed at a later date.
Beauty ideals and personal preferences change over time, and some individuals decide to have their implants removed to better align with their evolving sense of beauty. Reasons for this choice can include:
A desire for a more natural appearance and to return to your pre-implant look.
Aesthetic preferences may shift, leading you to decide that you no longer wish to have larger breasts.
Some active individuals may find that breast implants hinder their physical activities, prompting the decision to remove them.
Life is full of changes, and these can prompt you to rethink your breast implant choices:
Some women may choose to remove their implants before, or after pregnancy and breastfeeding to ensure the best outcome for their breast health.
Career opportunities or personal growth may influence your decision to remove your breast implants, especially if you feel your implants are no longer aligned with your image or goals.
Financial situations can change, and the cost of maintaining or replacing implants may become a burden.
The choice to have breast implants removed is deeply personal and often motivated by a combination of factors, including health concerns, changing aesthetics, and evolving life circumstances. For many individuals, it's about prioritizing their well-being and happiness above all else.
Whether you're considering breast implant removal or breast augmentation, your decision should be based on your individual needs, goals, and well-being. If you’re ready to learn more, contact us to book an appointment with Dr. Sumpter today by calling our office or scheduling online at any time.
