Explant surgery, also known as breast implant removal surgery, is a procedure that removes breast implants from the body. During this procedure, the surgeon will remove the implants and any scar tissue surrounding them. The amount of time it takes to complete the surgery depends on how many implants are being removed and what type of incision was used to place them.
Preparation for the Procedure
Before undergoing explant surgery, you should discuss your medical history with your doctor and any medications you are taking. Your doctor may advise you to stop taking certain medications prior to the procedure. It’s also important to arrange for a ride home after the surgery and have someone available to help you out around the house while you recover.
What to Expect During and After Explant Surgery
During explant surgery, general anesthesia or local anesthesia with sedation may be used depending on your preference and the complexity of the procedure. Afterward, you can expect some discomfort and swelling in the area where the implants were removed. pain medication may be prescribed to manage any pain or discomfort during recovery. You may also need to wear a compression garment for a few weeks following the procedure.
Risks Associated with Explant Surgery
As with any surgical procedure, there are risks associated with explant surgery including infection, bleeding, scarring, asymmetry between breasts, pain at incision sites, numbness of nipples or breasts, and changes in sensation in breasts. Your surgeon will discuss all potential risks before performing the procedure so that you can make an informed decision about whether or not it is right for you.
Stop taking certain medications, arrange for transportation/help, follow surgeon’s instructions, get plenty of rest, consult with nutritionist/dietitian, listen to body, wear compression garment, understand recovery timeline may vary.
Tips for a Smooth Recovery After Explant Surgery
Explant surgery, also known as breast implant removal, is a procedure in which the surgeon removes the breast implants and any scar tissue that has formed around them. It is typically performed under general anesthesia and may be done for a variety of reasons, such as implant rupture, capsular contracture, or simply to remove implants for personal reasons. Preparation for explant surgery includes obtaining medical clearance from your doctor, avoiding certain medications prior to the procedure, and arranging for transportation and help following the surgery. During the procedure, patients can expect to feel some discomfort and soreness afterwards.
Stop Taking Certain Medications
It’s important to stop taking certain medications before undergoing explant surgery. This includes over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen and aspirin, as well as any herbal supplements or vitamins that could increase bleeding during the procedure. Additionally, patients should avoid smoking at least two weeks before and after their surgery in order to reduce their risk of complications.
Arrange for Transportation and Help
Since you will be under general anesthesia during your explant surgery, it is important to arrange for someone to drive you home afterwards. Additionally, you will need help with activities such as bathing or cooking meals while you are recovering from your procedure. Make sure you have someone available who can assist you with these tasks during this time.
Follow Your Surgeon’s Instructions
Your surgeon will provide detailed instructions on how to care for yourself after your explant surgery. It is important to follow these instructions closely in order to ensure a smooth recovery process. This may include taking prescribed medications, keeping the incision site clean and dry, wearing an appropriately fitted compression garment for a minimum of two weeks after your surgery, avoiding strenuous activities such as exercise or lifting heavy objects, and more.
Get Plenty of Rest
Getting plenty of rest is essential for a successful recovery after explant surgery. Aim for 8 hours of sleep per night if possible in order to give your body time to heal properly. Additionally, try to avoid activities that cause pain or discomfort such as long periods of standing or sitting up straight; instead take frequent breaks throughout the day if needed in order to rest your body.
Consult With a Nutritionist or Dietitian
Consulting with a nutritionist or dietitian can be beneficial during recovery from explant surgery since proper nutrition is important for healing wounds and maintaining overall health. A nutritionist can help develop an individualized plan that meets your specific needs based on factors such as age, activity level, current health status, dietary preferences/restrictions etc., so you can get the most out of your recovery period.
Listen To Your Body & Wear an Appropriately Fitted Compression Garment
It’s important to listen to your body when recovering from explant surgery and avoid activities that cause pain or discomfort; this includes physical activities like exercise but also everyday tasks such as prolonged standing or sitting up straight without taking breaks throughout the day if needed in order to rest your body. Additionally, wear an appropriately fitted compression garment over the surgical site for a minimum of two weeks; this will help reduce swelling and promote healing by providing support while also helping minimize scarring from forming around the incision site post-surgery.
Understand The Timeline Of Recovery May Vary Depending On The Individual
The timeline of recovery after explant surgery may vary depending on several factors including but not limited to: type of implants used (e.g., saline vs silicone), size of implants removed (e.g., large vs small), other medical conditions present (e.g., diabetes), age of patient etc.. Therefore it’s important to understand that each person’s recovery process may differ slightly from another due these various factors.
Breast Implant Illness
Breast implant illness (BII) is a term used to describe a variety of symptoms that some women experience after receiving breast implants. While the exact cause of BII is unknown, many believe it is caused by an immune system reaction to the foreign material present in the implants. It is important for women who have had breast implants to be aware of the potential signs and symptoms of BII so they can seek medical attention if needed.
Definition of Breast Implant Illness
BII is not an officially recognized medical condition, but rather a term used to describe a set of symptoms that some women with breast implants experience. Common symptoms associated with BII include fatigue, headaches, joint pain, muscle weakness, hair loss, cognitive issues, digestive problems, skin rashes, and autoimmune diseases such as lupus or Sjogren’s syndrome. Additionally, some women may experience changes in their menstrual cycle or fertility.
Symptoms of Breast Implant Illness
The most common symptom associated with BII is chronic fatigue. Other symptoms may include headaches, joint pain, muscle weakness, hair loss, cognitive issues such as difficulty concentrating or memory problems, digestive issues such as bloating or constipation/diarrhea, skin rashes or other skin issues such as acne or eczema, and autoimmune diseases such as lupus or Sjogren’s syndrome. Women may also experience changes in their menstrual cycle or fertility.
Causes of Breast Implant Illness
The exact cause of BII is unknown; however, many believe it is caused by an immune system reaction to the foreign material present in the implants. Some theorize that toxins from the silicone or saline used in the implants can leak into the body and cause inflammation which leads to immune system dysfunction and various health issues. Additionally, some believe that biofilms formed around the implant can lead to infection and inflammation which can contribute to BII symptoms.
Diagnosis and Treatment Options for Breast Implant Illness
There are no specific tests available for diagnosing BII; however your doctor may order blood tests to check for inflammation markers and other lab tests as needed based on your individual symptoms. If you suspect you have BII it is important to speak with your doctor about your concerns and discuss treatment options which could include removal of the implants (explant surgery), antibiotics if infection is present, anti-inflammatory medications such as corticosteroids or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), hormone replacement therapy (HRT) if there are hormonal imbalances present due to BII, dietary modifications including elimination diets if food sensitivities are suspected, supplements for nutritional deficiencies, lifestyle changes such as stress management techniques, and alternative therapies such as acupuncture. Ultimately each individual case will be different so it is best to discuss all possible options with your doctor before making any decisions regarding treatment.
Conclusion
Explants are a major surgery that requires extensive preparation and recovery. It is important to understand the risks associated with the procedure, as well as the potential for breast implant illness. Taking necessary precautions before and after the surgery can ensure a smooth recovery.
It is essential to take all medications as prescribed by your doctor and follow their instructions for post-operative care. This includes getting plenty of rest, avoiding strenuous activities, wearing an appropriate compression garment, and consulting with a nutritionist or dietitian if needed.
Breast implant illness is a condition that is still being studied and researched by medical professionals. Symptoms may include fatigue, brain fog, joint pain, rashes, hair loss, and more. If you suspect you have breast implant illness, it is important to speak with your doctor about diagnosis and treatment options.
Overall, explant surgery can be a positive experience when done safely and properly. Taking the right precautions before and after the surgery can help ensure a smooth recovery process and reduce the risk of complications.
