Breast Implant Removal: Causes & Symptoms to Look Out For

Women who undergo breast augmentation surgery need to consider every aspect of their future with implants. While it is rare, complications can arise due to breast augmentation surgery. In some of these cases, a surgeon can perform a breast implant revision to address symptoms and fix any issues that arise. However, in other cases, this isn’t enough and breast implant removal becomes necessary. There are three main instances when breast implant removal becomes necessary: capsular contraction, rupture, and infection. Before choosing to undergo a breast augmentation procedure, you should be aware of these risks and what they entail. Symptoms for each of these three issues are easily identifiable. Becoming familiar with these risks and associated symptoms allows you to set appropriate expectations for your future with breast implants.

Main causes of breast implant removal

As mentioned, there are three main causes for breast implant removal. The three causes are capsular contracture, rupture, and infection.

Capsular contracture

Capsular contracture is the most common breast augmentation complication that can result in breast implant removal or revision. This occurs when the scar that forms around the implant, also known as the capsule, develops improperly. In 20-25 percent of women who undergo breast augmentation, the capsule either does not develop sufficiently or over-develops.

An insufficient capsule (one that is too small) can cause the implant to become unstable and slide out of place. Although this can be inconvenient, it can usually be fixed in one operation. During the repair operation, the original incision is reopened, the implant is removed and the weakened tissue is plicated (folded like a fan) to strengthen the tissue and hold the implant in place. The same implant, unless damaged, is then replaced.

Cases in which a capsule becomes too large are known as capsular contracture. In capsular contracture, the capsule becomes too firm or thick and the skin around it may tighten or pucker. This can be uncomfortable and may even become painful for the patient. It may also cause the implant to change shape or position. A minor capsular contracture may not require any intervention. However, severe cases can be fixed by temporarily removing the implant and removing the scar, then replacing the same implant if it is intact.

Symptoms to look for include the following.

• Unusual firmness
• Unusual pain
• Change in size or shape of the breast

Rupture

There are two types of implants: saline and silicone. In the case of silicone implants, rupture and leakage are a concern.

The important thing to note is that that this is not harmful to your health, as silicone does not get absorbed into the body or cause any health issues. In fact, many implants that rupture and leak don’t need to be treated at all if the leak isn’t too severe. Provided there are no aesthetic issues, surgeons will often simply monitor them to make sure they don’t worsen.

However, rupture and leakage can distort the shape and size of a breast implant, which can change the appearance of the breast. The silicone that leaks may cause a localized inflammation reaction in the capsule, which causes a thicker or more firm capsule. This can cause aesthetic issues, which may be grounds for breast implant removal.

Symptoms to look out for include the following.

• Changes in shape and size of the breast
• Increased firmness
• Unusual swelling
• Unusual pain

Infection

Infection is the final potential cause of breast implant removal. It is important to note, however, that this is by far the least likely complication to occur. Breast augmentation, like all surgical operations, carries a risk of infection. Although infections can occur at any point during or after the surgery, most occur within two to three weeks of the operation.

In the case of infection, your surgeon will likely prescribe oral antibiotics. If your symptoms do not subside within a day or two, your surgeon will require that you undergo breast implant removal surgery. This is for your safety, as leaving the implant in your body during the course of an infection can cause further harm. Any implant removed because of infection cannot be replaced immediately. In cases of infection, it is standard practice to wait three months after breast implant removal for replacement surgery.

Symptoms to look out for include the following.

• Fever
• Redness at the incision site
• Itching at the incision site
• Unusual or unexpected pain

Dr. Berlet can answer your questions