What is Removal of Intact Mammary Implant: Overview, Benefits, and Expected Results

Definition & Overview

The removal of an intact mammary implant is a medical procedure used to remove a breast implant. A breast implant is a prosthetic gel or fluid-based material that is used to increase the size and fullness of breasts. They are used for two purposes: reconstructive and cosmetic.

There are two types of breast implants in use today. They are:

• Saline breast implants – These are made of a silicone elastomer shell and are filled with medical-grade saline.
• Silicone-gel implants – These are made entirely up of a silicone elastomer exterior and are filled with a transparent silicone material. Some of them have a fluorosilicone layer to add strength.

Who Should Undergo and Expected Results

The removal of an intact mammary implant is used for both cosmetic and medical purposes.

Cosmetically, the procedure is for patients who wish to replace their implants with one of a different type or size. It is also beneficial for people who have changed their minds about getting a breast enlargement. Removing the intact implant will restore their breast size back to normal.

Some, however, need to have them removed for medical purposes, such as if they experience some breast implant complications like:

• Capsular contracture
• Recurrent or severe infections that do not respond to antibiotic treatment

Capsular contracture cases are also graded prior to implant removal. Only Baker grade III and IV are considered for intact implant removal. The grading system is as follows:

• Grade I – The breast is still soft but some thickening can be felt.
• Grade II – The breast is a little firm but there are no visible changes in its appearance.
• Grade III – The breast is firm and a little distorted in shape.
• Grade IV – The breast is hard and is severely malpositioned or distorted. It may also cause the patient some pain and discomfort.

Furthermore, patients who experience the following symptoms should consider having their implants removed even when it is intact:

• Inability to reach out or reach overhead
• Difficulty to comb one’s hair

Other medical reasons for the removal of intact mammary implants include:

• Interference with breast cancer screening (such as a mammography)
• Breast cancer

Patients who undergo a mastectomy for the treatment of breast cancer sometimes have breast implants placed. However, the implants may need to be removed at a later time if breast cancer treatment so requires.

How is the Procedure Performed?

The removal of an intact mammary implant is performed under general anaesthesia as an outpatient procedure. For simple intact removals, the procedure can last for up to an hour. However, for complex implant removal and replacement, the procedure can last longer.

The procedure follows the steps below:

• The patient is placed under anaesthesia.
• The surgeon makes an incision, usually in areas that are hidden so that the scars will not be visible.
• Through the incision, the surgeon accesses the implant and removes it from the breast pocket.
• When the implants are removed, the surgeon closes up the incision with sutures.

After the removal of an intact mammary implant, patients may need to take at least a week off from work. They are also required to stay away from heavy exercise for at least three weeks. They are also given a special bra to wear during the initial recovery period. It is also necessary to take care of the incisions or surgical wounds until they heal.

Possible Risks and Complications

As a surgical procedure requiring anesthetics and an incision, the removal of an intact mammary implant can cause some complications, such as:

• Infection
• Bleeding
• Allergic reaction to anaesthesia
• Blood clot
• Post-surgical wound pain
• Adhesions
• Scarring

Excessive bleeding and signs of a possible infection should be brought to the attention of a physician. The same is true for adverse reactions to the anaesthetics used during the procedure. Post-surgical pain, however, can be managed with pain medications.

Adhesions and scar tissue are not always a cause for concern. They can sometimes be broken up with regular breast massages. The scar tissue may soften, but the process may take several months. Patients may talk to their surgeon about this.

The appearance of the breasts after the removal of a breast implant depends on several factors, such as:

• The size of the implant
• How long it has been in place

• The thickness of overlying breast tissue
  
  References:

• “Breast repair/reconstruction not following mastectomy.” https://www.unitedhealthcareonline.com/ccmcontent/ProviderII/UHC/en-US/Assets/ProviderStaticFiles/ProviderStaticFilesPdf/Tools%20and%20Resources/Policies%20and%20Protocols/Medical%20Policies/Medical%20Policies/BreastRepair_NotFollowingMastectomy.pdf

• Angell M. “Evaluating the health risks of breast implants: The interplay of medical science, the law, and public opinion.” N Engl J Med 1996; 334:1513-1518. http://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJM199606063342306#t=article

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## What is Removal of Intact Mammary Implant?

Removal of intact mammary implant is a surgical procedure that is performed to remove a pre-existing breast implant​ to improve or restore the size and shape of a woman’s breasts. The surgical procedure is typically performed in a hospital setting ⁢and most often requires a general anesthetic ‌or ‍local anesthetic, plus sedation.



The removal of an intact mammary implant may‌ be necessary if the implant is causing medical problems or the woman wishes to change the ‍size of her breasts. ‌This procedure is very similar to⁢ the breast implant replacement procedure,‌ but instead of replacing the ​existing ⁤implant ⁣with a new one, the surgeon ‌will remove⁤ the intact breast implant from the patient’s body.



## Overview of Removal of⁤ Intact Mammary Implant



The process of removal of an intact mammary​ implant​ typically involves inflating the implant with a saline solution and ⁢then carefully removing⁤ it from the patient’s body.‌ The implant is then removed from the body in its entirety and sent for ⁤testing to determine if any leakage‌ or other integrity problems exist with it. If⁢ the tests come back negative, then the ⁣implant can be ⁢recycled or thrown away depending on the patient’s wishes.



Once the implant is removed, the surgeon will then assess the patient’s natural breast size. If ⁤the patient⁣ desires a⁣ larger size, then they⁤ may need ‍to‍ opt for a new implant or a‍ mammoplasty. In some cases, the patient may opt to have ​a breast lift instead, depending on how sagging the skin has become.



## Benefits of Removal ⁤of Intact​ Mammary Implant



The removal of an⁣ intact mammary implant has several benefits for a woman ‍with pre-existing breast implants. ⁤These include:



– Improved ​aesthetics: After removal ‌of the ⁤implant, the woman will have more natural-looking breasts with fewer visible scars, wrinkles, or rippling.



– Enhanced confidence: Women may feel ⁢more comfortable with their appearance after the removal of their intact mammary implants.



– Reduced risk of infection: By removing the implant,⁤ the woman is removing the potential ⁤for infection‍ due to‌ bacteria‌ entering⁤ the implant site.



-⁣ No‌ “bottoming out”: Removal of ​an intact mammary implant will prevent the implant‍ from “bottoming out” ⁢or becoming displaced over⁣ time. This can be a common problem with breast implants that are left in too long.



## Expected Results of Removal of Intact‌ Mammary Implant



The expected results of removal of an intact mammary implant are improvement in the size and shape of the patient’s breasts,⁢ as well as a reduction in the visible signs of aging. ​The patient should expect to experience some ⁣pain and swelling after the surgery, as well as some discomfort while the skin adjusts. However, these ⁤should all subside within a⁣ few weeks.



Recovery time is typically shorter than it‍ is for implant replacement, ⁤as the patient ‍does not have to wait‍ for new implants. In most cases, the patient can return to their normal activities within a few days of the surgery. If the patient has​ opted⁣ for‌ a breast lift or mammoplasty at the same time,⁤ then the⁤ recovery time may be a bit longer.



The results‍ of‌ removal of an ‌intact mammary implant will last for up to 10 years, depending on the woman’s body and lifestyle. It is important to keep in mind ​that the breasts will still be subject to aging and weight fluctuations over time. A ⁣woman should⁣ take steps to maintain her breast shape and size by living a healthy⁤ lifestyle and maintaining a good weight.



## Conclusion

Removal of intact mammary implant is a⁣ viable option for women who ⁢wish⁣ to improve or⁣ restore the size and shape of their breasts. The procedure is⁢ relatively simple, ⁢and the expected⁢ results are usually positive. However,‍ it is‍ important to understand the risks involved and to discuss them with your surgeon before the procedure. The expected results⁤ can ⁢be‌ long-lasting, but it is important ⁣to maintain​ a healthy​ lifestyle and weight to⁢ ensure that the ​results are maintained for as long as ‌possible.