Breast implant removal, known as explantation, involves the surgical extraction of breast implants. This procedure is often performed for medical or personal reasons, including complications such as capsular contracture, implant rupture, changes in aesthetic preferences, or simply the desire to return to a natural breast size. In some cases, breast lift surgery may also be performed alongside implant removal to improve the overall appearance.
Surgery information
-
Duration of Surgery: 30 minutes to 2 hours
-
Type of Anesthesia: General anesthesia
-
Hospitalization: 3-4 hours
-
Return to Normal Life: 5-7 days
-
Clinic Visits: 3-4 times
-
Stitches Removal: 14 days
Why do women consider breast implant removal?
Women may consider breast implant removal for several reasons:
-
Medical complications: Complications such as capsular contracture, infections, implant rupture, or leakage may necessitate removal.
-
Physical discomfort: The weight of implants can cause back pain or other discomfort.
-
Aesthetic changes: Desire to return to a natural breast shape or changes in aesthetic preferences over time.
-
Personal preferences or lifestyle changes: Changes in lifestyle, such as pursuing a professional sports career, or a desire for a more natural appearance.
Candidates for surgery
Women who have experienced complications, as well as those who wish to change their breast size, restore a natural appearance after age-related changes, pregnancy, or weight fluctuations, are suitable candidates for breast implant removal. It can also be a choice for those who have decided to change their lifestyle or have reevaluated their aesthetic preferences.
Why South Korea?
South Korea leads the world in the number of cosmetic procedures and surgeries performed annually. Local doctors are considered the most educated and competitive globally, as only 0.01% of medical school graduates become plastic surgeons. South Korea’s medical equipment and technology are on par with the USA and Germany, ranking it among the top three countries with the best-equipped clinics.
All breast implant removal surgeries are conducted in accredited clinics that have permission to treat foreign patients and employ in-house anesthesiologists. Surgeons who operate on our patients have between 15 to 30 years of experience specializing in mammoplasty and soft tissue surgeries, performing a maximum of two surgeries per day. Fill out the questionnaire so we can calculate your treatment cost, provide a preliminary consultation, and prepare a plan for your trip to South Korea for mammoplasty.
Preparing for mammoplasty in South Korea
-
Fasting and shower: Refrain from eating and drinking for 8 hours before the procedure. Take a shower.
-
Medication precautions: Avoid taking Aspirin, Ibuprofen (including brands like Advil or Motrin), and other medications that may increase the risk of excessive bleeding for 2 weeks before the operation. Tylenol is prohibited only within 3 days before surgery.
-
Quit smoking: Do not smoke, including hookah and electronic cigarettes. Smoking reduces blood flow to the skin and can slow down tissue healing. Your doctor may recommend quitting smoking before the surgery, as some surgeons refuse to operate on smokers due to the high risk of complications. Avoid being around smokers, including friends and family, and avoid public smoking areas.
-
Medical History review: Review your medical history. Be prepared to answer questions about current and past illnesses, as well as any recent medications you have taken. Please do not hide this information from the surgeon and coordinators.
-
Consultation with the surgeon: Visit the surgeon for an examination. To determine treatment options, the doctor will examine the intended surgical area, including the position of the nipples/areolas.
-
Bring test results: If possible, bring or send the results of mammography or breast biopsy. If this is not possible, necessary tests will be conducted in Korea.
-
Arrange transportation: Ask someone to drive you to the clinic or assist you after the surgery. Driving on the day of mammoplasty is strictly prohibited.
-
Prepare for recovery: Place items near your bed that you may need during rest, such as lip balm, water, a chocolate bar, or your mobile phone.
Surgery process
Before the surgery begins, during the final consultation, the surgeon designs the operation and discusses it with the client. They also answer any questions the patient may have, which may arise during a sleepless night before the operation.
Next, the patient is asked to visit the restroom, confirm the timing of their last food and water intake, and is escorted to the operating room. A catheter is inserted into the arm, and medications used before anesthesia are administered through it. The surgical area is disinfected, and the hands and feet are secured with straps to minimize the possibility of patient movement during sleep. Blood pressure is measured, an anesthesiologist attaches a mask to the patient’s face and checks the indicators, after which anesthesia is administered through the catheter.
Once the medication takes effect and the patient is asleep, the surgeon begins the operation. An incision is made under the breast with a scalpel, and depending on the design, condition of the breast, and the surgical plan, the surgeon removes old implants, if necessary, performing a lift.
After completing the operation and suturing, the breast is wiped dry, a bandage is applied on top to protect it from external influences and to secure the position of the sutures. The patient is awakened and assisted to the recovery room for further rest and recovery.
What to expect after implant replacement surgery
After the surgery is completed, a translator or medical nurses wake you up and help you move to your room. Most patients do not remember this moment, and it may feel like they woke up in a warm bed, thanks to the effects of anesthesia.
In the first 10-20 minutes after waking up, you may experience chills, but this will quickly pass. A warming mattress is placed on your bed to make this period more comfortable. There is minimal pain on the first day, as it is dulled by pain-relief injections and medications used during the surgery. However, you may feel some swelling or even in your abdomen, which is normal as the body begins to regenerate.
The bandage causes the most discomfort, as it can make it difficult to breathe deeply and may feel tight in some places. If you feel this, do not hesitate to ask the coordinator if it’s possible to loosen the bandage slightly in your case. You will stay in the clinic for a few hours after the surgery, with a catheter in your arm and medications administered through it.
After the IV is finished and the catheter is removed, the coordinator and medical nurses will assess your condition. If you do not experience symptoms like dizziness and nausea, you can prepare for discharge: change your clothes, collect your medications, and receive post-operative recommendations.
By evening, the pain may intensify, so be sure to place several pillows around your body to prevent chest trauma during sleep, and take the medications prescribed by the surgeon, as they contain pain relievers. If you experience dull pain or swelling in the chest area, it is normal. Your main task at this stage is to be patient and wait for a few days.
Over the next three days, swelling will increase, but do not be alarmed and continue to follow the rehabilitation rules. After the possible drainage tube is removed (depending on the patient’s case, this can be on the 1st, 2nd, or 3rd day), you can start taking short walks. The more you walk, the faster the swelling will go down, and your body will recover. Try to spend at least 30 minutes outside every day. By the end of the week, the swelling will begin to decrease, and you will feel much better, ready to return to your normal life.
Book a consultation with the clinic coordinator or plastic surgeon today!
You can schedule a consultation by filling out the QUESTIONNAIRE or contacting us via any messenger at +82-10-4214-9603.
Recovery process after breast implant replacement
Immediately after the procedure: Your breasts will be covered with gauze and a surgical support bra. You can leave the clinic within 3-5 hours after the operation if you feel well.
Days 1-2: You may experience some discomfort in your breasts for a couple of days. Wearing a surgical support bra and compression bandages minimizes discomfort and protects the incisions from infection.
Days 3-7: You will be given specific exercises to achieve a natural result and avoid complications. Most patients can return to work and normal life. Avoid bending, lifting your arms, and other physical activities. You can take a shower, avoiding the operated areas.
Days 7-14: Suture removal (if applicable), examination by the surgeon of the surgical area, and post-operative procedures (such as laser treatment for swelling and wound care).
Days 14-21: Most patients can perform daily activities without discomfort. Still, avoid intense workouts and physical exercises. You can take baths starting from the third week.
Days 21-30: Your breasts begin to take their natural position and shape. At this stage, avoid lifting heavy weights and strenuous physical exercises. Sports such as golf, tennis, or horseback riding are also prohibited.
Days 31-60: You can see 80-90% of the results.
Days 60-90: You can start doing physical exercises without restrictions, sleep on your stomach and side.
Days 90-180: The final result of the operation, you can swim in the sea, sunbathe, and consume alcohol without restrictions.