“Get these toxic implants out of my body, NOW!”
It’s a common plea on the PIP support forums and one that many surgeons are currently all too familiar with. If you have confirmed PIP implants and these words ring a bell, have you thought any further than simply getting your implants out? For example…
- Do you just want them removing, but not replacing with new implants
- Would you prefer a Removal and Replacement (the ‘R&R’) where new non-PIP brand implants are used to replace the ones taken out?
- Do you have other needs that you’d like addressing at the same time? Perhaps you need an uplift or some corrective surgery to your nipples, areolas or existing scars?
Explantation of Breast Implant Removal
Did you know that you don’t need to have implants put back into your body once your PIP implants are removed? Explant surgery is the removal of implants without replacing. This procedure has typically received far less publicity than the Removal and Replacement – sceptics might say that’s because of its lower price tag – but most good surgeons do offer it.
Why Might You Consider An Explant?
If all the talk of toxic implants and health risks (proven or not!) has put you off having any form of implant in your body, an explant might be a good option for you. Some women didn’t realise initially just how much of a lifetime commitment breast implants are: all brands, regardless of the PIP crisis, need changing approximately every 10-15 years. If you do not fancy more breast surgery throughout your lifetime then perhaps consider explantation. Or maybe you have just had enough of your implants and feel this is a good opportunity to return to a more natural look? Little further scarring should be created as the implants can be removed via an incision along your previous breast surgery scar.
Would I Suit an Explant?
Explants are generally better suited to women with naturally smaller busts (pre-breast enlargement surgery) and good breast tissue / skin elasticity. You should be thoroughly counselled through the process and 100% realistic about your expectations.
Factors to Keep In Mind if Considering Explant Surgery
Explantation of PIP Implants is not straightforward. Often, your surgeon will recommend that you need an Uplift (mastopexy) to accompany the procedure in order to maintain an aesthetically pleasing appearance. This is why women with smaller busts and better elasticity make more successful explant candidates. Removing implants does create potential for the dreaded ‘droopy boobs’! So listen very carefully to the advice of your surgeon…be true to your gut instinct if this is what you want and wary if you feel somebody is trying to sell you “add-ons” but this is one case where you really might need that extra procedure to get good results. Also, some Explant PIPettes have reported feelings of loss and depression after their implants are removed. This isn’t always the case, but is something to keep in mind: make sure you are certain about what you want and in a happy place emotionally before proceeding. Having a thorough consultation with your surgeon to set your expectations of your results should really help with this.
A fantastic resource if you are considering breast implant explantation is Lynne Hayes’ Breast Explant Info – the site is Australian but has lots of helpful info regardless of your country.
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