Breast Implant Removal Melbourne

What is a Breast Implant Removal?

Breast implant removal is a surgical procedure that involves removing one or both breast implants. This may be recommended for individuals who are no longer satisfied with the appearance or feel of their implants or for those experiencing implant related concerns such as rupture, capsular contracture or other complications. In some cases, implant removal may be performed electively due to changes in personal preference or when long-term monitoring indicates an increased risk of implant issues.

This procedure may also be considered in response to changes in the breasts associated with ageing, hormonal fluctuations, or significant weight variation over time.

Breast implant removal, particularly when part of revision surgery, can be a complex procedure that requires careful planning and surgical experience. A thorough understanding of the original surgery is essential to help inform the current approach. Where possible, Dr Carmen Munteanu may seek access to past surgical records or coordinate imaging, such as an ultrasound or MRI, to assess the condition and position of the implants prior to surgery.

Each procedure is tailored to the individual, and detailed discussions will occur during your consultation to explore available options and determine the most appropriate surgical plan.

Why Choose Breast Implant Removal Surgery?

There are times when people who get Breast Implant Surgery are just not satisfied with their results.

• Feeling breast implants no longer suit body shape or lifestyle
• Concerns regarding BII or BIA-ALCL
• Asymmetry– breasts that appear uneven or lopsided
• Bottoming out– the nipple is positioned too high on the breast as the implant has dropped
• Capsular contracture– a complication resulting in hardening of the implant pocket
• Double bubble– a crease across the lower part of the augmented breast
• Rippling or wrinkling– creasing skin texture usually on top of breast
• Ruptured implant– remove, rectify and replace
• Symmastia– implants too close together crossing the midline

When Might Breast Implant Removal Be Considered?

Over time, a person’s goals, preferences, or health circumstances may change and an implant that once felt appropriate may no longer align with their lifestyle, values, or physical needs. There are a variety of reasons why breast implant removal may be considered, including:

• Changes in personal preferences: Some individuals may feel that their implants no longer reflect their desired appearance or lifestyle.
• Physical symptoms or concerns: Some patients report experiencing symptoms they believe are associated with their breast implants. These may include generalised discomfort, fatigue, or other health concerns. While the scientific understanding of these symptoms continues to evolve, some patients pursue removal in response to their experiences.
• Desire for smaller breast volume: Some individuals simply prefer to return to their original breast size, especially if they feel the implants are no longer proportionate to their current body shape.
• Changes in the breast over time: Implants are sometimes used to address concerns such as breast asymmetry or underdevelopment. With time, factors such as pregnancy, weight changes, or ageing can alter the breast tissue, which may reduce the visual or functional impact of the implants.

Each person’s reason for seeking implant removal is unique. During your consultation, Dr Carmen Munteanu (FRACS) will discuss your goals, assess your current breast and implant condition and help you explore suitable surgical options.

Enbloc Removal of Breast implants

En bloc removal refers to a surgical technique in which both the breast implant and the surrounding capsule of scar tissue are removed together, as one unit. This capsule forms around the implant over time as the body’s response to a foreign object. In some cases, this capsule may become thickened or firm, a condition known as capsular contracture. When an implant rupture is suspected or confirmed, the capsule may tighten further to contain the implant material.

En bloc removal aims to remove the entire implant and capsule without opening the capsule or leaving any material behind. This technique may be considered in situations involving ruptured implants, significant capsular contracture, or patient preference following a comprehensive assessment.

It is a more complex and involved procedure than standard implant removal (explantation). The operation may require a longer duration in theatre and involves greater surgical risks. Recovery can also be more challenging. Patients may experience increased discomfort and require the use of surgical drains, as well as a longer hospital stay. The tissue surrounding the implant may be thinner or stretched, and in some cases, there may be visible changes to the breast after surgery.

To perform en bloc removal, a larger incision may be needed. In certain cases, this incision can be similar in size or location to those used in mastectomy procedures. These decisions depend on the patient’s anatomy, the condition of the implants and the goals of surgery.

Choosing between standard implant removal and en bloc capsulectomy requires a careful and informed discussion. Dr Carmen Munteanu has the training and surgical experience required to perform both techniques. She will thoroughly assess your individual situation, guide you through the available options, and help you make a decision that aligns with your personal and medical needs.

Risks and Complications of Breast Implant Removal Surgery

As with any surgical procedure, breast implant removal carries certain risks and potential complications. These may vary depending on your medical history, the type of implant, and whether additional procedures (such as capsulectomy or lift) are performed at the same time.

Possible risks and complications may include:

• Bleeding (haematoma): A collection of blood may form under the skin and may require drainage.
• Infection: Although uncommon, infection can occur and may require antibiotics or further surgical intervention.
• Poor wound healing: Some individuals may experience delayed healing or wound separation.
• Seroma: A build-up of fluid at the surgical site may require aspiration or the use of drains.
• Poor Scarring: All surgery leaves a scar, though the visibility and quality of scarring can vary between individuals.
• Changes in breast appearance: Once implants are removed, the breasts may look flat, or asymmetrical. Additional procedures such as a breast lift may be considered.
• Skin laxity or wrinkling: Particularly in cases where implants have been in place for many years or were large in size.
• Loss of volume or firmness: The actual breast tissue may have thinned or stretched, affecting the final appearance.
• Numbness or altered sensation: Temporary or permanent changes in nipple or breast sensation may occur.
• Anaesthesia-related risks: Reactions to anaesthesia are rare but possible.
• Need for revision surgery: In some cases, additional procedures may be required to address unexpected changes or complications.

All surgical procedures should be discussed thoroughly with your Surgeon. During your consultation, Dr Carmen Munteanu will explain the risks and potential benefits relevant to your individual case and help you make an informed decision about your treatment.

For detailed information about the risks and potential complications of Breast Implant Removal please visit the risks of surgery page.

What are the Potential Benefits of a Breast Implant Removal Procedure?

The potential benefits will depend on the individual’s health status, implant history, and surgical goals. Some of the possible benefits may include:

• Relief from complications: Removal may address concerns such as capsular contracture, implant rupture, discomfort, or persistent pain.
• Alleviate of aesthetic concerns: Patients who are no longer satisfied with the appearance, size, or position of their implants may choose removal to align with their current preferences.
• Stop ongoing care: Some individuals may prefer to avoid future implant maintenance, surveillance, or potential revision procedures.
• Increased comfort: Some patients report increased physical comfort, including relief from heaviness, tightness, or pressure.
• Adaptation to life changes: Changes in lifestyle, self-perception or personal values may influence the decision to remove implants.
• Reduced risk of implant-related complications in future: Removing implants can reduce the risks associated with implant longevity and associated surgical needs over time.

It’s important to note that breast implant removal will result in changes to the shape, volume, and position of the breast. In some cases, additional procedures such as a breast lift (mastopexy) may be considered to address excess skin following implant removal.

A detailed consultation with Dr Carmen Munteanu will help determine whether this procedure is appropriate for your situation and what to expect based on your individual anatomy and health.

Before and After photos

Disclaimer: All before and after photos on this website feature actual patients who have undergone procedures performed by Dr. Carmen Munteanu, with their written consent for use. These images represent individual outcomes and may not reflect the results other patients will achieve. Factors such as genetics, overall health, and adherence to post-operative care can influence individual results. While these images provide a visual representation of potential results, they do not guarantee similar outcomes for all patients.

Breast Implant Removal

Breast Implant Removal + ATF

To see more Photos of Dr Carmen’s Breast Surgery work visit the Photos Page

How Can You Check On Your Existing Breast Implants?

• Attend all follow-up visits after surgery including your Annual reviews
• Be sure to schedule these into your diary and keep your surgeon up to date on changes to your contact information (phone, email address)
• Stay vigilant about any changes to your breast shape or sensitivity. The same recommendations are for all women even those who do NOT have breast implants
• Alert your surgeon immediately if you have any changes to your breast appearance and/or other concerns

Assessing Your Implant Status:

• Discuss review time frames with your Plastic Surgeon and be sure you attend your surgery reviews
• You may be asked to get a scan(s) at certain points in time, such as MRIs or Ultrasounds
• You can also ask to get your implant surgery details registered on the breast prosthesis database if available in your region

Annual Breast Review by Your Plastic Surgeon

• We recommend your reviews be done with your original Surgeon in your local area, if available
• This can be an issue if you have overseas breast surgery with an unknown doctor
• Avoid having surgery overseas because breast surgery patients tend to lack adequate follow-up care and reviews or revision options of their breast augmentation results when they have surgery in overseas facilities.

How Much Is Breast Implant Removal Surgery in Melbourne? Prices & Costs

There is not a fixed fee or a ‘one size fits all’ fee structure. All surgery is individually designed to suit the individual and the particular problem. In the fee structure a number of details will be considered, such as the type of breast revision surgery you are undertaking, the extent of your surgery, the risks associated, the possible complications, the possible necessity for revisional surgery.

The breast implant removal surgery fee will also vary from one hospital to another, and although we only work in accredited facilities, the fee structure can be quite different. The length of your stay can add to the expenses, however we would usually consider a day stay should be sufficient for this type of operation.

At your initial consultation, you will be given a detailed quote which will include, the surgeon’s fee, anaesthetic fee, assistant’s fee and the hospital fees, including theatre and day stay fee.

The fees are inclusive of all postoperative care for the first 6 weeks or however long it takes for healing to occur, if there is a delayed healing circumstance.

Medicare

A Medicare rebate may be available depending on your circumstances for undertaking breast implant removal surgery.

A Medicare rebate may be available for the procedure if you are eligible. If so, it will make a big difference if you are privately insured, as the Private Health insurance might pay more of the hospital and theatre expenses. They can sometimes contribute to the expenses for dressings and garments.

You need a doctor’s referral to receive a Medicare rebate for your initial and subsequent consultations.

If you have the relevant private health insurance you not only receive the Medicare rebate for your procedure, you will receive an extra rebate from your health fund.

Payment plans are available for some patients.

Why Visit Dr Carmen for Breast Implant Removal Surgery?

Dr Carmen Munteanu is a Melbourne-based Specialist Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon with extensive experience in breast surgery, including breast implant removal. She approaches each case with care, clinical insight, and attention to individual circumstances.

Key reasons patients choose Dr Carmen:

• Experience: With over 25 years of surgical experience, Dr Carmen has treated a wide range of cases involving both cosmetic and reconstructive breast procedures.
• Thorough Consultations: Dr Carmen provides comprehensive assessments to understand your goals, review your medical history and determine whether implant removal or additional procedures may be appropriate.
• Personalised Surgical Planning: Whether your concern relates to physical discomfort, changes in breast appearance, or a desire to return to your original breast shape, Dr Carmen develops tailored surgical plans that consider your individual anatomy and preferences.
• Continuity of Care: From your first consultation through to follow-up care, Dr Carmen remains closely involved in every step of your surgical journey, offering guidance and support.
• Advanced Techniques: Dr Carmen is trained in a variety of removal techniques, including total capsulectomy and en bloc implant removal where appropriate. These options will be discussed based on your unique needs and clinical presentation.

Breast implant removal is a personal decision. If you’re exploring your options, a consultation with a qualified Specialist Plastic Surgeon can help clarify the right approach for your circumstances.

Further Reading – Medical References

• Annals of Plastic Surgery- Evaluating the Necessity of Capsulectomy in Cases of Textured Breast Implant Replacement
• Aedit- What Happens When You Have Breast Implants Removed
• Breast Implant Removal (Explant Surgery): What To Expect