Explant of animated implants - will the animation stay if the scar tissue is left inside?

Question

I have implants for 30 yrs, the last set is under the muscle and they animated from about the 2nd month of healing. I have hated them and finally decided to get them out. The PS wants to leave the scar tissue in and not address the muscle issue. I have very thin skin, no tissue and only had small implants in. I am afraid the animation will stay as the muscle is grabbed onto my skin. If the results fail, am I able to revise it later and if so, how long do I wait to seek another PS?

Tyler Frew, MD · Answer

Hi there,
After 30 years and implants you've never liked, it makes sense that you want them out. For most people, removing the implant takes away most of the animation, because the muscle no longer has an implant to squeeze and push around. So there's a good chance you'll notice a big improvement even if the muscle isn't repaired.
To be honest, though, it isn't guaranteed. When the muscle has scarred down to thin skin, some pulling or tethering can stay, and that tends to show more when there's very little tissue covering it. Here are a few things worth knowing:
- Leaving a thin, normal capsule behind is a common and reasonable choice. It often softens or partly fades on its own. Removing it is usually saved for a capsule that's thick, hardened, calcified, or causing problems.- Some surgeons reattach the pectoral muscle during explant specifically to reduce leftover animation. It's fair to ask your surgeon whether that's an option for you, or why they don't think you need it.- If some animation does remain, it can usually be improved later, for example by releasing the scarred area, repairing the muscle, or fat grafting for thin spots.- There's no set rule for timing, but most surgeons want you fully healed and settled first, which is often around 6 months or more, before planning a revision.
Ask your surgeon how they'll handle it if the capsule looks thick or abnormal once they're in there, and plan for follow-up imaging if the capsule is left. An in-person exam is needed for personal advice, so your surgeon will tailor this to your tissue.
All the best!

Explant of animated implants - will the animation stay if the scar tissue is left inside?

Answers (1)

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