What is Breast Implant Removal?

Breast implant removal, or explant surgery, involves removing breast implants from a previous augmentation or reconstruction. Patients may choose this procedure for aesthetic preferences, implant-related complications, health concerns, or lifestyle changes. At Nairobi Sculpt Aesthetic Centre, Dr. Mukami Gathariki specializes in personalized explant surgery, using advanced techniques to restore a natural breast appearance while minimizing scarring. The procedure can be performed alone or combined with a breast lift or fat grafting to enhance shape and contour, tailored to each patient’s anatomy and goals.

Dr. Mukami’s approach prioritizes patient comfort, safety, and satisfaction, ensuring a balanced, natural outcome that aligns with your vision.

Reasons for Breast Implant Removal

• Aesthetic Preference: Desire to return to natural breast size, shape, or feel.
• Implant Complications: Issues like rupture, leakage, capsular contracture, or implant malposition.
• Health Concerns: Symptoms associated with breast implant illness (BII), such as fatigue or joint pain.
• Lifestyle Changes: Shifts in activity level, fitness goals, or personal style.
• Aging Implants: Implants reaching their lifespan (typically 10–15 years) or showing wear.
• Discomfort: Pain or heaviness caused by implants affecting daily activities.

Who is a Candidate for Breast Implant Removal?

Ideal candidates for breast implant removal include individuals who:

• Are in good overall health with no active infections or serious medical conditions.
• Experience discomfort, complications, or dissatisfaction with their current implants.
• Have realistic expectations, understanding that skin elasticity and breast tissue affect outcomes.
• Are at a stable weight, as significant fluctuations can impact results.
• Are non-smokers or willing to quit before and after surgery to promote healing.
• Are not pregnant or breastfeeding and have no immediate plans for pregnancy, as it may alter results.
• Are committed to following Dr. Mukami’s pre- and post-operative care instructions.

During your consultation, Dr. Mukami will assess implant condition, skin elasticity, and your goals to recommend the best surgical plan.

Types of Breast Implant Removal Techniques

Dr. Mukami customizes the procedure based on implant type, condition, and patient needs:

• Simple Implant Removal: Implants are removed through existing incisions, ideal for patients with good skin elasticity and minimal sagging.
• En Bloc Capsulectomy: Removes the implant and surrounding scar tissue capsule as one unit, often for health concerns or severe capsular contracture.
• Total Capsulectomy: Removes the implant and capsule separately, addressing complications or implant illness concerns.
• Implant Removal with Breast Lift: Combines explantation with a lift to address sagging and reshape the breast for a natural, lifted appearance.
• Implant Removal with Fat Grafting: Uses fat transfer to restore volume and shape post-removal, enhancing natural contours.

The Breast Implant Removal Procedure

Performed under general anesthesia, the procedure typically takes 1–3 hours, depending on complexity:

1. Consultation and Planning: Dr. Mukami evaluates implant condition, breast tissue, and skin elasticity, designing a tailored surgical plan.
2. Anesthesia: General anesthesia is administered for comfort and safety.
3. Procedure Execution:
   • Incision: Incisions are made, often using previous scars to minimize new scarring.
   • Implant Removal: Implants are removed, and the capsule is addressed (e.g., en bloc or total capsulectomy) if needed.
   • Additional Procedures: A breast lift, fat grafting, or tissue reshaping is performed if planned.
   • Closure: Incisions are closed with sutures, and a surgical bra or dressings are applied to support healing.
4. Completion: Patients are monitored in recovery before discharge.

Dr. Mukami’s precision ensures minimal scarring and a natural breast appearance, customized to your aesthetic goals.

Recovery and Aftercare

Recovery varies by patient and procedure extent, with this general timeline:

• First Week: Swelling, bruising, and mild discomfort, managed with prescribed medications. Wear a surgical bra to support healing and reduce swelling. Light activities are encouraged, but avoid strenuous movement.
• Two Weeks: Swelling subsides, and patients can return to non-strenuous work. Sutures may be removed, if applicable.
• One Month: Breasts begin to settle, and light exercise (e.g., walking) can resume. Avoid chest-intensive activities.
• Three to Six Months: Final results emerge as swelling resolves and scars fade. Resume all activities, including exercise, with clearance.
• Long-Term: Scars continue to fade over 12–18 months. Follow-ups ensure optimal healing.

Dr. Mukami provides detailed aftercare instructions, including:

• Wearing a surgical bra or compression garment for 4–6 weeks.
• Keeping incision sites clean and dry to prevent infection.
• Avoiding heavy lifting, pushing, or strenuous exercise for 6–8 weeks.
• Monitoring for complications (e.g., excessive swelling or pain) and reporting them promptly.
• Attending follow-up appointments to assess recovery.

Combining Breast Implant Removal with Other Procedures

Breast implant removal can be combined with other procedures to enhance results and achieve comprehensive aesthetic goals, such as:

• Breast Lift: Addresses sagging to create a lifted, youthful breast shape.
• Fat Grafting: Restores volume using your own fat for natural contours.
• Liposuction: Contours areas like the abdomen or flanks for a balanced physique.
• Tummy Tuck: Tightens the abdomen for a sculpted torso.
• Non-Surgical Treatments: Botox or fillers to rejuvenate the face, complementing body enhancements.

Dr. Mukami will discuss combination options during your consultation to create a tailored treatment plan.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Will my breasts sag after implant removal? Sagging depends on skin elasticity and tissue volume. A breast lift can address sagging if needed.
• Can I replace my implants during the procedure? Yes, implant replacement or revision can be discussed during your consultation.
• Are scars visible after surgery? Scars are minimized by using existing incisions and fade significantly over 12–18 months.
• How long is the recovery period? Most patients return to light activities in 2 weeks and full activities in 3–6 months.
• Is breast implant illness (BII) a concern? Dr. Mukami can address BII symptoms with en bloc or total capsulectomy, tailored to your health needs.