Among the key reasons for having breast implants removed is personal decision and medical/health reason.

Some people change their minds about their breast implants. This may be because they no longer get the satisfaction they once felt when they got the implants.

Some may choose to have the implants removed in order to change the implant size.

Some choose to undergo breast implant removal for health or medical reasons. The implant may have developed complications such as deflation and implant rupture.

Other complications that might require implant removal include:

• Calcium buildup around the implants
• Bleeding
• Infection
• Development of dead tissues (necrosis) surrounding the implant

If undergoing implant removal for health or medical reasons, obvious pros would be the relief of any symptoms. Examples include elimination of pain and other associated complaints related to infection, rupture and/or bleeding.

Other benefits of breast implant removal includes:

• Reduced anxiety about the possibility of rupture or infection
• Better breast imaging results, such as better and more accurate mammogram results
• Irritability
• No more added cost for regular MRIs (required diagnostic procedure every 2 years to detect implant rupture)
• Eliminates risk for implant complications such as breast pain
• Eliminates risk/resolves scar tissue formation within the breast structure

Some women who had implant removal also reported improved self-image. They feel that after removal, people see them for who they are and not focused on their breast size.

While the surgical procedure may benefit the person’s health in most cases, there are a few risks involved. The procedure, like other surgeries post possible complications such as:

• Infection, usually during the healing period of the surgical wound
• Bleeding, with blood accumulating within the space left after the breast implants were removed
• Seroma or fluid accumulation within the breast area where the implant used to be
• Scarring of the incision site, which can lead to unsightly breast appearance
• Fat necrosis
• Changes in sensation around the nipple and/or areola, including numbness
• Poor wound healing

The cons of the procedure also includes the associated risks when undergoing anesthetic procedure. This may include:

• Headache
• Backache
• Vomiting
• Nausea
• Pain
• Teeth damage

Some may be serious and potentially life threatening such as:

• Hematoma
• Anaphylaxis
• Hypothermia

These can be due to man factors during the surgery, such as an adverse reaction to the anesthetic agent used.

The removal of the implant results in a seemingly “empty” space in the breast area. This can lead to sagging of the skin over the breasts.

This can lead to unflattering breast appearance. This can also contribute to loss of self-confidence.

The entire implant removal procedure consists of 4 phases. It starts with the induction of anesthesia, incision, removal of implant, and wound closure.

Sometimes, follow up surgeries may be necessary. This may usually be to treat complications following implant removal.

Examples of additional surgeries include:

• Hematoma drainage – removal of blood that accumulates where the implant used to be
• Infection- possibly from poor wound healing or complications during the post-surgical period
• Removal of breast capsule or release of scar tissue, which might have formed in the area surrounding the implant
• Wound or scar revision- to improve the appearance of the surgical area

Enhancing breast size and appearance is quick and highly effective with implants. However, there are many things that can happen which might prompt breast implant removal.

Going through one surgery for putting the implants can already be an anxiety-filled situation. Getting another can even be more nerve-wracking.

There are many alternative ways to improving breast size without surgery. These natural alternatives offer less anxiety about having implants that can rupture at any moment.

These alternatives are also less expensive than surgeries. However, the effects are not as instant as breast enhancement surgery.

Another potential issue with non-surgical breast enhancement options is choosing the right product.

What ingredient/s to look for? What type of product to use- pills, creams, serums? Are the most expensive ones the most effective?

One of the most studied and effective ingredients in many successful breast enhancement products in the market is phytoestrogens.

Basically, these are estrogen-like compounds found in plants. When eaten, it can help promote functions similar to what the body’s natural estrogen does.

This includes promoting breast enlargement.

These phytoestrogens get absorbed into the body. These, then bind to receptors, such as those within the breast tissues.

Once bound, these phytoestrogen can help in promoting larger breast size. It can also have many other benefits such as:

• Improvement of health status of the cardiovascular system
• Improvement of health of the bone structure
• Improvement of some menopausal symptoms such as reduced frequency of hot flushes

Phytoestrogens are found in many kinds of plant-based foods. The list includes:

• Legumes, such as soy beans
• Some types of grains
• Fruits
• Vegetables

There are a few claims that consuming phytoestrogens can be bad for health. Some say these plant compounds are linked to higher risks for developing certain health conditions such as breast cancer.

Not quite. A lot of current research found that the risks linked to phytoestrogen depends on how it is consumed, for what, by whom, and from what.

The key here is to keep consumption to moderate levels. Experts also advice taking phytoestrogens from real food.