Silicone explant: the trend that conquered celebrities

A trend among celebrities and influencers, the silicone explant is one of the most sought after cosmetic surgeries by women. However, is it safe? Why did this procedure go viral? Doctors Mariana Cioffi and Priscilla Lotierzo answer these questions, and many others, below. Check out!

What is silicone explant

The silicone explant is the definitive removal of breast implants en bloc, with the complete removal of the fibrous capsule formed by the body after implantation. Surgery can be performed for both cosmetic and disease reasons.

“The silicone explant, in some cases, can be performed through the same scar where the breast implant was inserted, so patients don’t have to worry about new scars. As with any surgical procedure, the explant must be performed in a hospital environment, under anesthesia”, explains Priscilla Lotierzo.

Self-acceptance and appreciation of natural beauty

The increase in demand for silicone explants draws a lot of attention, because, according to the SBCP, until recently, breast implant surgery was the most performed in Brazilian territory.

According to Dr. Mariana Cioffi, the movement of the natural body is totally related to the increase in demand for implant surgery. “Currently, there is a movement of women for more natural bodies and this also has an impact on the relationship with the breasts. Today, the trend is for more natural and smaller breasts, different from what was fashionable a few years ago, when women were looking for large-volume prostheses”, says the doctor.

In addition, social networks have a huge impact on deconstructing the standard of beauty. After all, more and more celebrities and influencers perform the procedure and share it with their followers. ASIA Syndrome (learn more in the next topic), according to Dr. Mariana, is also a factor that directly influences the decision-making of women who opt for surgery.

7 reasons to perform the silicone explant

From self-esteem to problems caused by prostheses, there are several reasons to perform a silicone explant. Below, check out the main reasons that are leading many women to perform the procedure:

1. Non-adaptation to prostheses

When the organism does not adapt to the prostheses, the natural reaction is rejection. After all, the body sees the implant as a foreign element and ends up repelling it, forming a kind of fibrous membrane around the prostheses.

2. Awareness and life change

Cosmetic procedures are closely related to the standard of beauty (thin women with large breasts). However, currently, there is a greater awareness of the diversity of bodies. Therefore, many women decide to remove their dentures. A decision that, in addition to aesthetics, is a major life change.

3. Capsular contracture

Capsular contracture occurs when the body reacts to the synthetic silicone material, creating a thick capsule that forms a fibrous, rigid membrane around the implant. Contracture can cause breast stiffness, pain, discomfort, etc. Therefore, in this case, it is necessary to explant the prosthesis, which can be replaced by another if the patient wants to.

4. Rupture of the prosthesis

When prosthesis rupture occurs, explantation is mandatory. The main symptoms are pain, formation of nodules, change in consistency and change in breast size.

5. Presence of Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma (ALCL)

Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma occurs when anaplastic cells form in the breast capsule. Dr. Priscilla explains that this lymphoma “is an unusual type of cancer of the immune system. As it is a rare condition, there is still a lot to learn about this pathology.” Currently, the best form of treatment is removal of the capsule and implant.

6. Silicone Disease

Silicone Disease, unlike ASIA, is not an autoimmune disease. It is caused by the toxic substances present in the denture gel. The symptoms are joint pain, hair loss, psychological problems and excessive tiredness.

There are still no laboratory or radiological tests to diagnose silicone disease. Thus, the diagnosis “is made through the evaluation of the signs and symptoms presented by the person. The decision to remove this prosthesis should be entirely up to the patient, based on the severity of her symptoms and how much they interfere with her life”, explains Priscilla. In addition, the doctor points out that, according to the Brazilian Society of Plastic Surgery, silicone disease is not considered a disease, but a set of symptoms.

7. Development of Adjuvant-Induced Autoimmune/Inflammatory Syndrome (ASIA).

“Adjuvant-Induced Autoimmune/Inflammatory Syndrome (ASIA) is a set of nonspecific symptoms, such as muscle pain, hair loss, joint pain, chronic fatigue and neurological changes, triggered by adjuvants (autoimmune inflammatory diseases, infections, some types of vaccines). , hormones, aluminum and silicone). It is still considered a rare syndrome and there is no specific test to detect the disease. Because of this, the diagnosis ends up being of exclusion of other pathologies and for fulfilling some already established criteria”, explains Mariana Cioffi.

Dr Priscilla explains that despite media hype, this disease is extremely rare and is only common in patients who have a genetic propensity to develop autoimmune diseases. “Patients diagnosed with ASIA Syndrome should be followed up with the plastic surgeon and the rheumatologist. And sometimes just removing the silicone may not lead to a cure.” Therefore, it is only recommended to withdraw in severe cases of the disease.

How the procedure is done

As with silicone implant surgery, the explant also presents risks and can leave scars even greater than those that appeared with the insertion of prostheses. In addition, depending on the size of the implant, removal may leave excess skin, giving the breasts a sagging appearance. In this case, mastopexy is indicated, which may or may not be associated with fat grafting.

“The removal is done in one piece, with the complete removal of the fibrous capsule that surrounds the silicone prosthesis. The remodeling of breast tissues can vary according to the patient’s own wishes, who may choose to just remove or perform a mastopexy to treat the remaining breast sagging, explains Dr. Mariana.

According to Dr. Priscilla Lotienzo, there are two types of procedure: “removal of the silicone implant and the capsule that surrounds it (en-block capsulectomy) – a more complex technique, but necessary when the explant is indicated for health reasons (Patient with anaplastic lymphoma induced by Silicone BIA-ALCL or with Silicone Disease or with more Severe Contractures); and removing only the silicone, keeping the capsule that surrounds it because it is healthy”.

As for the postoperative period, Mariana Cioffi explains that it is very similar to that of mammoplasty. Thus, the patient needs to take some precautions, for example, limitation of arm movements for about 15 days. In addition, “the patient will need to change the dressings daily and use the surgical styler. It may also be necessary to use drains in the breasts”, concludes Priscilla.

4 impressive accounts of who made the silicone explant

In this selection of videos, 4 women report why they decided to have a silicone explant. In addition, they tell you about the postoperative period and healing. If you still have doubts, this is the time to write down all the information and tips. Check out!

Silicon can be a ticking time bomb

The influencer Renata Meins explains why the decision to remove the implants after 16 years with the prostheses. An exciting story, with several scientific notes and indications of sources for research. Check out!

Know the before and after of the silicone explant

In this video, the same influencer, Renata Meins, shows the before and after of the silicone explant. In addition to talking about the process, she talks about self-esteem and how the operation changed her life.

natural is more beautiful

Years ago, Carol decided to opt for a more natural lifestyle. In addition to veganism, she seeks self-knowledge and personal appreciation of her body. Thus, removing the prostheses is part of the influencer’s new phase. Check out!

Silicone explant and mastopexy

In this video, check out another account of a woman who decided to have a silicone explant. Marjorie Vicentin explains her reasons for removing the prosthesis and why she opted for mastopexy.

Scars left by surgery

If you want to have a silicone explant, but you are worried about the postoperative period, this video will be very useful. Evelyn Regly shows off her scar after surgery and answers her followers’ main questions. watch

In search of natural breasts, many women choose to remove the silicone, which was once a dream (and has become a nightmare). Now that you know a little more about the silicone explant, also check out the article about mastopexy, a procedure performed by influencer Marjoreie Vicentir.