Carmen "I am extremely happy with the result"
Have your implants changed over the years?
Carmen had breast implants for 26 years that had become encapsulated and lost their natural shape. After weighing the pros and cons with her surgeon, she opted for implant removal (breast explant). The procedure resolved the capsular contracture and restored a natural aesthetic, with a result that the patient is very satisfied with. Breast explant is indicated when capsular contracture occurs, the prosthesis ages, or simply the desire to live without implants arises.
Carmen went to the Javier de Benito Institute after 26 years with the same breast implants. Over time, the implants had become encapsulated and her breasts had taken on a shape she described as unflattering. It's a common situation: no breast implant lasts a lifetime, and in the long term, aesthetic changes and discomfort can lead to considering a replacement or definitive removal.
In the initial assessment, Dr. Marina García explained all the options to Carmen, both the pros and cons, without creating false expectations. According to the patient herself, that honest conversation was key to making the decision with peace of mind.
What is breast explant and when is it considered
Breast explant is the surgery to remove breast implants. It can be performed for various purposes: to remove old or damaged prostheses, resolve a capsular contracture, or accompany the patient's desire to regain their natural breast without replacing implants.
Common reasons for removing implants
- Capsular contracture: the tissue capsule surrounding the implant hardens and deforms the breast.
- Age of the implants: prostheses placed many years ago that have reached the end of their useful life.
- Aesthetic changes: loss of natural shape or a result that no longer matches what the patient desires.
- Personal decision: wanting to live without implants, with or without removal of the capsule.
Carmen's process, step by step
Assessment and planning
Before the procedure, Carmen had a consultation with the surgeon and, on the day of the surgery, an assessment by the anaesthetist. Just before entering the operating theatre, Dr. Marina García made marks on the breast to plan the approach. This prior marking is a decisive step: it defines where to work to achieve a harmonious result.
The intervention
Both implants were removed and the capsule that had formed around them was treated. The aim was not only to remove the implants but to restore a natural and balanced appearance to the breast, resolving the contracture that had altered the aesthetics over the past years.
Recovery and follow-up
The patient's cooperation in the postoperative period is as important as the surgery itself. As summarised by Dr. Marina García, it is essential that the patient understands what they need to do and follows the medical instructions. Carmen followed the guidelines in detail, which contributed to an incident-free recovery.
In Carmen's words
"You explained everything to me, both the pros and cons. You advised well, the reality. I am extremely happy with the result, with the treatment and with the whole clinic." -Carmen, patient of Instituto de Benito
Carmen highlights that she went into the operating theatre nervous but calm, because she felt she was in good hands. And she emphasises a message for future patients: listen to the surgeon in everything they indicate, because the result also depends on it.
The result
After 26 years, Carmen has regained a natural-looking breast, without the deformity caused by the capsular contracture. Beyond aesthetics, she especially values the honest information received before deciding and the support throughout the process. Her final assessment of the Javier de Benito Institute and Dr. Marina García is, in her own words, of being delighted with everything.