Breast Implant Removal

Did you know that 1% of women over 18 have breast implants and that the average life span of an implant is 10 to 20 years.

Most women develop more natural breast tissue with age and many feel out of proportion.

This can

  • Make it difficult to exercise
  • Limit clothing choices
  • Cause posture issues often with neck and back pain

There are many reasons you might choose to have your implants removed;

  • Implant type
  • Ptosis (sagging breasts)
  • Asymmetry
  • Capsular contracture
  • Time or age
  • BII (Breast Implant Illness)

If you fit into any of these categories, then do you know what your options are ?

Removal (explant) only

Generally removing your breast implants is a very effective treatment if you have:

  • Sufficient natural breast tissue thickness
  • Moderate amounts of excess skin and minor lowering of your nipple (breast ptosis/droop)

Remove and capsulectomy

Capsular contracture is caused by your implant’s capsule tightening and compressing the implant a little like a swim hat. This occurs in around 5% of women with implants.

Capsular contracture can cause firmness, a change the the appearance of your bust, and pain. A capsulectomy procedure removes the capsule which is the lining around your implant.

I use a FAP score (Firmness, Appearance, Pain) grading to determine the appropriate course of action. A FAP score of 0 would mean your breasts are normal and if you have a a score of 8 or above, you might be suitable for surgery. 

 

Firmness

Appearance

Pain

R

0-5

0-5

0-5

L

0-5

0-5

0-5

Remove and replace

Breast implants have been used in the UK since the 1960’s and it is estimated that over 400,000 women in the UK have them.

With an average life span of 10-15 years many women are looking to exchange their implants. The reasons for this include:

  • Changes to the breast shape with weight change, pregnancy, and hormone alterations
  • Women considering changing to a smaller or larger bust
  • Upgrading older implants to improved technology
    Issues with the implants themselves. These include rupture, movement, and rippling
  • Your body’s reaction to implants- becoming firmer due to capsular contracture (tightening of the lining capsule which surrounds your implants)

Auto-augmentation

This procedure combines:

  • Removal of your breast implants
  • Tightening and remodelling of your own breast tissue

 

Auto-augmentation is ideal if you:

  • Feel your bust is too heavy after breast enlargement
  • Have significant breast droop (ptosis)
  • Have sufficient natural breast tissue to remodel

Which option is for me ?

To find out the options for your we would recommend the following steps:

Schedule a virtual consultation – This is our preferred way of meeting initially.  It will allow me and my team to discuss your aims and concerns and run through options.  Following this I will send you a letter summarizing our discussion and outlying a proposed treatment plan.  You will also receive a quote for surgery and specific information about your proposed procedure.

We may then schedule an in-person consultation if you feel you may wish to consider surgery.  In this meeting I will take detailed measurements and we will discuss the pros, cons & risks of surgery.

During the virtual and/or face-to-face meeting you will be introduced to your personal patient coordinator who will:

  • Give you further information specific to your proposed procedure
  • Discuss possible dates for surgery
  • Take you through your journey from consultation to your 6 week post-op appointment

Procedure Info

APPROX GUIDE PRICE

  • Removal £5,620
  • Removal and capsulectomy £8,100
  • Remove and Replace £7,510
  • Auto-Augmentation £12,420
  • Auto-augmentation with capsulectomy £13,500

 

HOSPITAL STAY
5 -6 Hours 

ANAESTHETIC TYPE
General Anaesthetic: TIVA 

OPERATION TIME
1 – 2 hours 

DRIVING
1 week 

EXERCISE
6 weeks 

TIME OFF WORK
1 – 2 weeks 

FULL RECOVERY TIME
6 weeks

   2023 Adrian Richards