Breast implant removal is a surgical process and a follow-up surgery after breast implant augmentation. Breast implants last for about 10 to 15 years. After that, the patient must get the implants replaced or removed. Your health insurance plans may cover up the cost of surgery, depending on why the implants were inserted and why are they to be removed.
WHEN TO KNOW IT IS TIME TO GET RID OF THE IMPLANTS
There are a variety of reasons one would want to remove the implants.
The average life span of an implant is from 10 to 15 years. Following that period, people should get replaced or remove the implants to avoid complications.
There are many cases where implants may leak. The breast implants made of saline or silicon may rupture or leak. This could misconstrue the shape of breasts. The feasibility of breast implant leakage increases over time.
Another reason to get breast implant removal is the formation of scar tissue around the breast implant. This is also known as capsular contracture. This is a troublesome condition and removal of breast implants often resolves the issue. Infections and other aches around the implants may also facilitate the removal of implants.
In some other cases, people may wish to replace the implants with a different size or shape. Or they may get them removed because they no longer need them.
WHAT DOES RECOVERY LOOK LIKE?
After the breast implant removal surgery, a healthcare worker will provide you instructions concerning:
- How to bathe safely
- What to expect during recovery
- What you can do to reduce pain
- When to contact the surgeon regarding potential complexities
- When to proceed with daily activities
The healing process after the surgery varies from person to person. Yet, it typically takes a few weeks before one can resume their daily activities. Body pain, swelling, and discomfort are common shortly after the surgery. You may even find it difficult to move around your arms.
Contact your practitioner as soon as possible if:
- Pain or swelling does not go away even after a few weeks
- There are any unusual symptoms
- The swelling and pain get worse
POTENTIAL RISKS OF BREAST IMPLANT REMOVAL
As with any other surgical procedure, breast implant removal can pose serious medical threats. Some of these potential risks are:
- Skin discoloration
- Fluid accumulation
- Pain
- Swelling
- Bleeding
- Nausea because of anesthesia
BREAST IMPLANT REMOVAL AND INSURANCE
Medical insurance does not claim for breast augmentation surgery. Yet, there are some circumstances where the insurance company pays for implant removal. This happens when your doctor implies that the removal of the implant is medically necessary.
The insurance company pays all or a part of the surgery if:
– There is a possibility of breast cancer because of implants
– Frequent infections due to breast implants
– Persistent pain or swelling even after weeks of recovery
If the surgery is performed purely for cosmetic reasons, the company is unlikely to claim the payment.
