Breast implant removal is a surgical procedure that is performed usually for cosmetic or health reasons.
For some women, removal is a cosmetic issue as they have become dissatisfied with the size and shape of their implants.
For other women, they need their implants removed as poor-quality implants have deteriorated or even leaked, making women vulnerable to serious health problems.
As one of the UK’s few female cosmetic surgeons, Elena Prousskaia brings a woman’s perspective to all her breast procedures. Elena’s skill and experience will ensure that both the cosmetic and health issues leading to implant removal will be resolved to the patient’s satisfaction.
Women often choose removal for aesthetic reasons. As body contours change over time, perhaps after childbirth, the original implants may no longer be as flattering as they were. Some women decide that they would prefer to have breasts more in line with their original cup size.
Other issues can develop over time. Scar tissue can form around implants, called a capsular contracture. This condition eventually causes discomfort and affects the appearance of the breasts. In rare cases, an implant can fold or deflate.
There is always the risk of infection after any surgical procedure, including breast enhancement, which could require the removal of an implant.
For women who had PIP implants between 2001 and 2010, the need for removal can be both a cosmetic and medical issue.
PIP implants contain industrial-grade silicone, which is unsuitable for use in the human body. Leakage of the silicone into the surrounding tissues has caused health problems for many women. This issue is now widely acknowledged, and thousands of women have had their PIP implants removed.
Ms Prousskaia only uses premium products in her treatments and never used PIP implants as they were of poor quality.
The incisions created to insert the implants will be used again to remove them, minimising scarring.
If breasts additionally require reshaping or uplift it can be achieved with an “anchor” scars uplift. The surgeon will remove the implants and any scar tissue, then close the skin incision again.
The surgery will take place under general anaesthetic. Its duration will depend upon the condition of the implants. Most operations are straightforward, but extra care is required if an implant has ruptured or leaked, and the surgery will take longer. For most patients, an overnight stay in hospital will be required.
Removing unsatisfactory or dangerous implants will solve one problem but won’t always provide a cosmetic result that will please every woman.
To address this issue, Elena also offers additional procedures like breast uplift and remodelling, or implant replacement to replace the original implants with premium quality, safe implants.
During your consultations with Elena, you can decide together what would be the best way forward to make you happy with your results.
Since December 2018, many regulatory bodies around the world have issued statements regarding their own position and some have limited the distribution of other textured devices. The advice does vary from country to country because the research data available is limited and not conclusive. None have called for the precautionary removal or replacement of textured devices that are already inside patients’ breasts.
Breast implants however are not lifelong devices and in general will need removal or replacement at some point. In an effort to have more robust data about both conditions, the Breast and Cosmetic Implant register (BCIR) collects breast implant data for patients in England and Scotland. The MHRA continues to collect and analyse UK information through a reporting system. It also has links with up to date information from international public health organisations. The most recent advice from MHRA on BIA-ALCL was updated on the 4th April 2019.
Ms Prousskaia is a world-class cosmetic surgeon who has been making patients feel better about themselves and their bodies for over twenty years. She has had a successful career in the NHS as a Consultant Plastic Surgeon, specialising in microsurgery and breast reconstruction for women affected by cancer. Elena has travelled widely to discover the most pioneering treatment for her patients, and she has been recognised for her own contribution to the fields of plastic and cosmetic surgery. Elena is renowned for her approachability and her empathetic approach. She always puts her patients at ease, and it is her mission not just to operate on her patients’ bodies but also to help them rediscover their confidence and self-esteem. Elena is renowned for the artistry of her work, and she will achieve the best aesthetic result after the removal of your implant. Elena now has several successful private clinics in the UK offering the highest level of expertise and aftercare available. Please see the testimonials tab above to see comments from some of Elena’s delighted patients.
Elena will have two in-depth consultations with you before your implant removal surgery. She always makes sure that her patients have all the information they need about the procedure and that she understands their expectations. She will carefully examine your breast to assess the condition of the implants to be removed and advise you if there are any issues that could make surgery complicated. Elena and her team will also take a complete health history from you and conduct a health assessment to ensure that you are fit and healthy enough to undergo the procedure. You will be asked to refrain from eating for six hours before surgery on the day of your procedure. When you come to the clinic, you will be introduced to your anaesthetist, who will discuss the type of anaesthetic to be used. There is no need to feel anxious before surgery as you are in expert hands, but we understand that some patients are nervous, and we can give you medication to make you feel calmer if you would like.
It is normal to feel stiff and sore for a few days after surgery. Painkillers are available if required. It is essential to rest for a few days after surgery to allow your body to heal, and it would be beneficial to schedule time off work. Elena will tell you when you can resume your normal activities at your follow-up appointment after one month.
The period after your surgery is crucial to your recovery, and the team will ensure that you know exactly how to care for your breasts before you leave the clinic. Any medications, pain killers, or antibiotics to avoid infection will be provided with clear instructions on their use. You will be invited to follow-up appointments for up to a year after surgery to check your progress.
All surgical procedures carry the risk of bleeding, infection, bruising, and scarring. However, in Ms Prousskaia’s expert hands and with the clinic’s excellent aftercare, these risks are much reduced.
There will be some discomfort as there is after all surgical procedures. However, most of our patients find that their pain is well managed by pain killers.
Some women choose to have their original implants removed and new implants inserted simultaneously. Elena only uses the highest quality implants that will not cause the problems encountered with inferior products. Decisions about other cosmetic procedures can be discussed thoroughly with Elena during your initial consultations when she can advise you on achieving the appearance that will make you happy.
Please scroll down for details of costs.
Elena does not operate on patients that regularly smoke or vape. To be considered for this procedure you must refrain from smoking or vaping for 3 months before and after your surgery.
The total cost of the surgery will be confirmed after the first consultation.
The cost includes the hospital, surgeon and anaesthetic fees. It also covers all post-operative visits. The initial consultation fee will be invoiced separately. The prices apply only at the time of publication and are subject to changes without notification.
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