Breast Implant Removal
Breast implant removal in Brisbane is a procedure that involves reopening the breast implant pocket and removing existing breast implants. This surgery can be performed as a standard removal or full capsulectomy. The most common reason for undergoing this procedure is due to the natural aging process and patients wishing to remove their implants to prevent the need for any further surgery as they get older. Other reasons for breast implant removal include complications such as rupture or capsular contracture, or personal health or lifestyle factors. Dr. Richardson is highly experienced in this procedure and tailors his approach to the individual to achieve optimal aesthetic outcomes. The different surgical approaches are defined by their interference with the breast implant capsule during the procedure.
What is the breast implant capsule?
When a breast augmentation is performed, the patient’s body will respond to the breast implants by forming a “capsule” around the implant. This breast implant capsule is made from scar tissue and collagen fibers. The capsule plays an important role in stabilising the breast implant and maintaining position. In some cases, if too much scar tissue develops capsular contracture can arise.
What is a standard breast implant removal?
A standard breast implant removal involves an incision made along the inframammary fold (usually guided by the incision from the original breast surgery), and through the implant capsule to remove the breast implant. This approach leaves the capsule in the pocket where it naturally shrinks in size and reabsorbs naturally.
What is a full capsulectomy or an en bloc capsulectomy?
A full capulectomy involves the removal of the breast implant, and subsequent removal of the capsule. An en bloc capsulectomy refers to a removal of the breast implant and capsule together at the same time. The enbloc capsulectomy is Dr. Richardson’s preferred method of capsulectomy. Some patients may not be a suitable candidate for en bloc capsulectomy depending on the state of their implants and the capsule as well as the proximity of the capsule to the rib cage. Dr. Richardson will also take the safest route for each patient.
Why would a capsulectomy be recommended instead of a standard removal?
A capsulectomy is recommended in a number of circumstances. Firstly, patients can request a full capsulectomy and they may do this due to personal preference or peace-of-mind. More commonly, capsulectomy is recommended to patients that have intracapsular rupture and a capsulectomy is the most effective way to remove any leakages. If a patient has capsular contracture where the capsule is restricted and excessive scar tissue has formed, a full capsulectomy may be most appropriate. In extremely rare cases of conditions such as BIA-ALCL, the removal of the capsule is also recommended.
What happens if I leave the capsule?
The most common approach to breast implant removal is the standard approach, leaving the capsule. If the capsule is normal, thin, and there are no complications such as capsular contracture or rupture then the capsule will shrink and may leave some minimal residual scar tissue. This should not affect the aesthetics of the breast nor interfere with mammograms in the future.
Breast Implant Removal Brisbane
Dr. Richardson has performed over 7,000 breast procedures in the past decade. You can find out more about the journey with Dr. Richardson, chat to real patients and see real progress photos on our secret Facebook group “The Dr. Phil Society”.
Breast Implant Removal Costs
Breast implant removal is considered a medical procedure and there are Medicare and private health rebates available. The cost will depend on whether a patient is having a standard removal or full capsulectomy. Would you like a quote and more information about available consultation dates? Click here.
Before and After Photos
You can view our gallery here, and view more patient photos and content on our Instagram. We post daily to Instagram and have hundreds of patients that share their journey and photos on this platform. This is a great resource for anybody considering breast revision surgery in Brisbane.
Payment Plans
We are happy to now offer Zip Pay and Zip Money to our patients who are seeking financing options. Zip Pay provides interest free repayments for purchases up to $1000, and Zip Money offers 6-months interest free repayments for purchases over $1000. Contact us to find out more about our payment options.
