Breast Implant Removal Becoming More Popular for a Variety of Reasons, NC*

Breast augmentation is one of the most popular cosmetic surgery procedures being performed throughout the US. However, there has been an increase in the number of patients requesting implant removal-without replacement. The reasons given for this request are varied. Local complications such as implant leakage and capsular contracture is a fairly common concern and many women choose not to replace their implants for fear of this complication occurring again in later life . Many women also wish to have removal as they no longer feel comfortable with their implants or feel that their breasts are too large. Removal can be performed with the performance of a mastopexy or breast lift to improve sagging breast tissues. Another reason- breast implant illness- which is an ill-defined entity which has been more extensively investigated by plastic surgeons in the last few years. Women with concerns about this possibility believe that their implants are causing a variety of symptoms such as brain fog, fatigue, joint issues, skin rashes to name just a few. There is not a lot of convincing evidence that this occurs in many women but it remains a possibility . This patient had health concerns about her breast implants and wished to have the capsules removed at the time of removal and lift. The capsules were removed but did not show any evidence of pathology. The patient was pleased with her lifted smaller breast. Although her symptoms did not resolve-she did feel better.