Breast Implant Removal Procedure: Due to public concern about the perceived health risks of silicone-gel breast implants, a number of women continue to seek implant-removal surgery. When a woman decides to have her silicone-gel implants surgically removed or replaced with saline-filled implants, she may also opt for removal of the scar tissue barrier or "capsule" that naturally forms around the implants when they are inserted. This procedure is called a capsulectomy. Implant removal and capsulectomy are not generally recommended for women whose gel-filled implants are intact and trouble free. The Food and Drug Administration has stated that the risk of removing trouble-free implants is potentially greater than the risk of leaving them in. Length: 1 to 2 hours. Anesthesia: General Anesthesia. In/Outpatient: Outpatient. Risks: Even if every effort is made to place incisions in inconspicuous areas, the implant-removal procedure may leave a longer scar than that which resulted from the original implant-placement procedure. Breast sensation may be diminished or altered. Silicone gel that leaks from an implant and is retained in the breast tissue may interfere with cancer detection because it can block X-rays and interfere with mammography. Silicone shadows that are viewed on a mammogram may have to be biopsied (just like benign lumps of any kind) to make sure they do not hide a cancer. Larger quantities of gel that escape from a ruptured implant and migrate into surrounding tissues may form lumps called "granulomas," which while benign, may be difficult or impossible to remove without causing deformity. Capsulectomy, in which the scar capsule is removed along with the implant, is generally a more involved operation than simple implant removal. The surgery usually takes longer, may be more expensive, and more often requires general anesthesia. On the other hand, simple implant removal without capsulectomy may leave scar tissue behind which may be detectable by touch, mammography, or other imaging studies. Patients should be aware that to date, there is no convincing scientific evidence that the gel contained in silicone-filled implants is harmful or toxic. Studies involving millions of women have produced no evidence that links gel-filled implants to any known autoimmune disease or cancer. Recovery: Most patients are up and around within a day or two and back to work and light activity within one week. Gauze dressings that may have been applied will be removed at the surgeon's discretion. Likewise stitches will be removed when the physician deems it appropriate. Patients who had replacement implants may be required to wear a surgical bra while the stitches heal. Some bruising and swelling may persist for three or four weeks. Duration of Results: Permanent |
| Vinings Surgery Center 1900 The Exchange Building 300 Suite 300 Atlanta, GA 30339 Phone: (770)-955-9000 Fax: (770)-955-9009 |
