MAKING THE DECISION TO HAVE YOUR IMPLANTS REMOVED DUE TO SILICONE BREAST IMPLANT ILLNESSES.
Mytien Goldberg, MD, FACS • November 26, 2023
MAKING THE DECISION TO HAVE YOUR IMPLANTS REMOVED DUE TO SILICONE BREAST IMPLANT ILLNESSES.
Mytien Goldberg, MD, FACS • November 26, 2023
Recently Danica Patrick, a former NASCAR car driver, opens up about illness she has attributed to her silicone breast implants. According to Danica, she got her breasts implant in 2014 because “she wants to have it all”. Like so many women in our early 20s and 30s, Danica admitted to having body image issues and has openly discussed it on her social media page. She was fit but “did not have boobs” and decided to have breast augmentation and for a while she loved them. However, “the wheels came off” 2 years ago when she noticed her menstrual cycle was irregular, weight gains, and her hair and skin changes. She got every clinical tests under the sun and listed her symptoms which included the following:
Hypothyroidism, heavy metal toxicity, dysiosis (gut imbalance); severe leaky gut, hypoglyemic, low estrogen, adrenal fatigue, swollen lymph nodes in her neck, and dizziness, achy hands, dry skin and scalp, and finally capsular contracture. She made the ultimately decision to have her implants removed. As documented on her social media page, she immediately feels better with “more energy and ability to take deeper breath.”
What Is “Breast Implant Illness” Or “BII”?
BII is used to describe a constellation of symptoms reported by some women following reconstruction or augmentation with breast implants.
They include, but are not limited to, fatigue, problems with memory or concentration (“brain fog”), joint and muscle pain, hair loss, rash,
inflammation weight changes and anxiety/depression. The appearance of such symptoms has been reported with all types of breast implants regardless of filling, shape or surface characteristic, and their onset anywhere from immediately after implantation to years later.
The largest retrospective cohort study examining connective tissue disease in relation to silicone breast implants published in 2018 by Conroneos et al., looked at over 99,000 women with silicone breast implants with a follow up period of 2-7 years. The study found statistically significant increased incidence of autoimmune/rheumatic disorders, Sjogren’s syndrome, systemic sclerosis, and sarcoidosis in women with silicone breast implants.
Many women after years of experiencing BII symptoms that no clinical tests or doctors could give an explanation for them, have decided to have their breast implants removed. It is a personal choice. When consulting a patient who has decided on removal of their breast implants, a plastic surgeon should council patients on the risks and benefits of breast implants explantation procedure as well as the physical defects often left following breast implant removal.
Breast implants removal involves not only removing the implant itself but also the removal of the capsule (scar tissue) that is formed around the implant.
Not all breast implants explantations are created equal. There are four different types of breast implant explantation.
- En bloc explanation – this is when the plastic surgeon leaves the capsule tissue intact on the breast implant and removes and capsule and implant as one unit. This is often performed through an incision on the inframammary fold of the breast because it allows for better visualization. More and more women seeking en bloc explantation for potentially less contamination of the silicone. Routinely, Dr. Goldberg performs en bloc explantation in ruptured implants or implants with thick calcified capsule.
- Explant with total capsulectomy – the plastic surgeon removes the implants and then removes all capsule tissue. This is not necessarily performed as one piece or en bloc fashion. This is the best option when the implants are very large which can be very difficult to perform as en bloc procedure.
- Explant with partial capsulectomy – the plastic surgeon removes the implants and then removes a portion of the capsule tissue. Often the posterior capsule on the chest wall is left behind due to the risks of injuring the lung or removal of the posterior capsule can result in chest wall deformity. This is rarely performed by Dr.Goldberg. It is only in rare instances whereby the capsule is densely adherent to the ribs and removing the capsule can potentially injure the lung creating pneumothorax.
- Open capsulotomy – capsule or scar tissue surrounding the implant is released surgically and left in the patient. As a rule, Dr. Goldberg does not leave behind the capsule when performing implant explantation.
In Cases Of ALCL Or Ruptured Implants With Thick Calcified Capsule, A Total Capsulectomy Is Mandated.
In writing this blog, Dr. Goldberg hopes to give women more information regarding breast implant illness and available up to date scientific data. If a woman chooses to remove her breast implants it is important to find a board-certified plastic surgeon with expertise in breast surgery and breast reconstruction. It is the job of the plastic surgeon to support his or her patient’s decision by providing up to date facts regarding health risks associated with silicone breast implants and the removal procedure.
This month’s spotlight is on a 20-year-old woman who sought improvement for breast asymmetry and excess size . Her left breast was one cup size larger than her right, leading to discomfort and dissatisfaction with her appearance. She desired smaller, lifted, and more symmetrical breasts while maintaining a natural shape and youthful cleavage . The Procedure Dr. Goldberg performed the Goldberg’s Superior-Medial Pedicle Breast Reduction , a specialized technique that: - Removes excess breast tissue from the side and underside - Preserves fullness in the upper and inner breast for a natural look - Enhances cleavage while minimizing visible scarring Before & After Results (4 Months Post-Surgery) - Balanced & lifted breasts with improved symmetry - Smaller, youthful nipples for a rejuvenated appearance - Natural, long-lasting results with hidden scars This patient is thrilled with her transformation , enjoying newfound confidence and comfort. If you're considering a breast reduction and lift , schedule a consultation with Dr. Goldberg today! #GoldbergTechnique #BreastReduction #BreastLift #BeforeAndAfter #BreastAsymmetry #PlasticSurgeryResults
Are you considering breast implant removal options but still want natural breast enhancement after implants? Do you wonder what your breasts will look like without implants? If so, you're not alone—and there are solutions to help you achieve a beautiful, natural shape. Embracing Your Body at Every Stage As we enter our 50s and 60s, we become more in tune with our bodies, appreciating the journeys they’ve carried us through—whether it’s childbirth, breastfeeding, or simply the ups and downs of life. Over time, some women find that breast implants no longer feel right. They may seem like a foreign material that no longer aligns with their bodies, prompting the decision to remove them and seek a more natural alternative. However, many women feel uncertain about breast explant surgery and how their breasts will look post-explant. Will they be saggy? Will they still have cleavage? These concerns are valid because, at any stage of life, we want to feel confident, empowered, and beautiful in our own skin. The good news? There are several breast implant removal options that allow women to maintain fullness and a natural shape using their own tissue. Your Options for Breast Implant Removal with Natural Fullness Option 1: Breast Implant Removal with Local Breast Tissue Rearrangement If you have a good amount of breast tissue with some skin laxity, this technique could be ideal for achieving natural breast enhancement after implants . The procedure involves removing the implants through a small incision in the breast fold. Dr. Goldberg then uses the lower breast tissue to enhance fullness and create natural cleavage. This method offers a soft, natural result without the need for artificial implants. Option 2: Breast Implant Removal with Lateral Chest Fat Transfer For women who do not have enough breast tissue for the first option, this approach utilizes excess fat from the sides of the chest to restore fullness after breast explant surgery with flap transfer (living fat tissue) . Many women in their 50s and 60s have loose tissue on the lateral side of the breasts. This excess fatty tissue is repositioned into the breast to restore volume and projection. The benefit of this technique is that the tissue is a living tissue which is different than fat transfer . It is simply a superior technique. The result? A fuller, natural-looking breast while simultaneously sculpting the sides for a sleeker contour—truly a win-win! Option 3: Breast Implant Removal with Abdominal Tissue Transfer (DIEP Flap Reconstruction) This is the ultimate solution for women seeking a full-body transformation while achieving breast reconstruction after implant removal . Dr. Goldberg removes excess lower abdominal tissue and repurposes it as living tissue to reconstruct the breasts. This technique provides long-lasting fullness while also improving abdominal contour—similar to a tummy tuck, but with the added benefit of breast reconstruction. It’s a fantastic option for women experiencing issues like Breast Implant Illness (BII), recurring capsular contracture, or those desiring a "natural" mommy makeover. Your Journey to Natural Confidence If you're ready to say goodbye to implants and hello to natural breast enhancement after implants , you're not limited to just one approach. With modern techniques like breast explant surgery with microsurgical flap transfer , you can achieve a youthful, confident look that aligns with your body’s natural beauty. Dr. Goldberg specializes in breast reconstruction after implant removal and natural enhancement techniques, helping women regain confidence and comfort in their bodies. 🔹 Ready to explore your options? Schedule a consultation today to discuss the best breast implant removal options for you!
What is a lumbar artery perforator flap in breast reconstruction?
What is a lumbar artery perforator flap in breast reconstruction?
What is a lumbar artery perforator flap in breast reconstruction?
What is the recovery from a LAP flap look like?
6 Minute Read: I received radiation treatment as part of my breast cancer treatment. What is the best breast reconstruction option for me: implant or autologous tissue breast reconstruction? If you have received radiation as part of your breast cancer treatment, I hope this blog is informative for choosing the best option for your breast reconstruction. After mastectomy, the goal of breast reconstruction is to recreate an aesthetic breast mound plus or minus the nipple and to establish symmetry with the remaining breast.
A breast lift is a surgical procedure that raises the breasts and restores their firmness and youthful appearance. It can be done with or without breast implants. As a woman ages, her breasts may sag due to a natural loss of skin elasticity, pregnancy, breast feeding, weight changes, and gravity. Breast sagging is completely natural, but it’s also reversible with a breast lift. You might be asking, what is a breast lift and how does it differ from breast implants? Breast implants make the breasts bigger and, by default, they can fill up any excess skin to cause the breasts to lift. A breast lift is a procedure that has the specific goal of raising the breasts, usually using the existing tissue. Implants are not necessary for a breast lift, though some women may choose to get them. A breast lift without implants is for women who are comfortable with the size of their breasts or women who would like a small reduction in their cup size. This procedure is also called mastopexy. During surgery, the doctor removes excess skin and tightens the surrounding tissue to reshape and support the new breast contour. The volume of the breast that fills a bra is left in tact, but their shape and position will be noticeably improved. A breast lift may be part of a ‘mommy makeover’ to reverse the affects of pregnancy and breastfeeding on a woman’s body. Since no implant is added during mastopexy, the results can be quite natural looking. Every woman is different. An individualized approach is taken for each patient to ultimately give her back youthful, firmer breasts.
Saline breast implant deflation occurs on average 4.3 to 6% at 10 years. A Study on silicone rupture rate (Inamed Silicone Breast Implant Core Study Results at 6 Years rupture rate published in Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery: December 2007 – Volume 120 – Issue ) was 3.5 percent overall at 6 year. Overall, the rupture rate of both silicone and saline implants are equivalent. The difference is detection of rupture. For saline implants, the rupture is detectable by the patient and physician almost immediately. However in case of silicone implants, the rupture is silent. It would require a radiographic study such as MRI or an ultrasound to detect silicone implant rupture. Retrospective study showed untreated silicone gel fill implants are harmless conditions (Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery: July 2004 – Volume 114 – Issue 1). Unlike a silicone implant, saline implant ruptures result in an immediate deflation of the implant and skin envelope of the breast. If the deflation goes untreated, the breast skin envelope would retract back while the other breast envelope continues to be expanded. Over time, you would have significant asymmetry in your breast that may require additional procedure to the unaffected breast such as a lift. Therefore, if you have breast implants and note any changes in your breast shape or size, you should consult your plastic surgeon soon for diagnosis and treatment. If it is a breast implant rupture, the two major breast implant manufacturers in the United States (Allergan and Mentor) provide a lifetime warranty for all of their implants. If an implant fails or ruptures during the first 10 years, both companies will provide a new implant and $1200 applicable toward operating room and anesthesia costs which can be upgraded to an extended plan providing up to $2400 for a small fee prior to surgery. All implants have a lifetime guarantee and will be replaced by the manufacturer if the problem is related to the implant.
In America and throughout the world, both men and women are expected to look healthy and young well into their 30’s, 40’s, 50’ and 60’s. While diet and exercise can play a large role in looking younger, the use of modern cosmetic surgery has become one of the most popular ways to beat back the clock. Getting surgical cosmetic procedures has become very commonplace, with an ever-growing percentage of the population opting in to get cosmetic surgery. Yet there is a large divide between women and men, and what procedures are most popular for each of the sexes. The American Society of Plastic Surgeons today released top line data from its 2011 plastic Surgery Statistics Report. The latest data shows breast augmentation is still the most common cosmetic surgery procedure for 2011. There were 307, 180 breast augmentation procedures performed in 2011, up 3.7% since 2010. Many of the common signs of aging that occur to a woman’s breasts as she gets older can be very devastating to her self esteem. Yet with today’s modern surgical options, there is a viable option for women to change the way they look. Second to breast augmentation, rhinoplasty is the most popular cosmetic procedure, with a total of 243,772 procedures being performed in 2011. The growing number of cosmetic procedures is an indication that even in this tough economic climate, more consumers are choosing cosmetic surgery as a way to look younger and feel better about themselves. We certainly see the same trend in our practice. More and more women are seeking improvements in their look. We support this trend as many of these procedures equate to improvements in their overall self-confidence and quality of life.
A new study published in the Archives of Facial Plastic Surgery in February 2012, looks at perceived age after facial plastic surgery. This novel study attempts to quantify the degree of perceived age change after facial plastic surgical procedures . A total of 60 patients were enrolled in the study and divided into 3 groups: Group 1 patients had only facelift and neck lift (total of 22 patients); Group 2 patients had facelift, neck lift, upper and lower eyelid surgery (total 19 patients); and Group 3 patients had facelift, neck lift, upper and lower eyelid surgery, and brow lift (total 21 patients). The investigators then asked a group of first year medical student to estimate the patient’s age based on the Before and After pictures of each patient. The researchers tried to standardize the photographs by asking participants to not wear makeup. The researchers found that on average, the raters estimated that the patients looked 1.7 years younger than their actual age before surgery, and 8.9 years younger afterward. On average, the estimated age dipped by 5.7 years in group 1 (patients with neck and face lift), and by 8.4 years in the third group (patients with neck, face lift, upper and lower eyelid and brow lift). Therefore, the author of the study concludes that facial rejuvenation surgeries demonstrate a significant and consistent reduction in perceived age. This effect is more substantial when the number of surgical procedures is increase. The desire to improve one’s physical presentation and to maintain a youthful appearance is intrinsic in our evolution. Physical appearance and how we are perceived by others have implications for social and psychological functioning, as well as our sense of well-being, self-esteem, and self-confidence. Before you seek to have plastic surgery procedures, do your homework and check that the doctor is board-certified in plastic surgery. There is a lot of white-coat deception. Virtually any kind of doctor legally claims to be a plastic surgeon without any formal training in plastic surgery. As a board certified plastic surgeon, I have seen increasing numbers of patients who present with complications and unsatisfactory outcomes after having procedures done by non board certified plastic surgeon.