What is the definition of “breast implant alternatives”?
Breast Implant Alternatives are a menu of procedures to lift the and enlarge breasts without implants. Implants may be removed for many reasons. They may no longer fit into a lifestyle or body-image. Breasts may grow with age, menopause or weight gain and may now be too large. There may be a capsular contracture, implant rupture, asymmetric or uncomfortable breasts. Other reasons for removing implants are the presence of textured implants and concerns about the risk of developing BIA-ALCL. Breast Implant Illness is a poorly defined condition but may also be a reason for implant explantation. Sometimes patients simply want to have their implants removed. Surgery can include removal of the implants and capsule removal (capsulectomy).
Capsulectomy is not mandatory for patients without symptoms. Capsulectomy adds substantially to the surgical risk and the cost. Implant removal or an exchange for smooth implants without a capsulectomy is an acceptable choice for women with no capsular contracture. However, a capsulectomy is done in cases of a thickened or a calcified capsule or if there are symptoms or surgical findings suggesting BIA-ALCL. En- bloc resections are reserved for patients diagnosed with BIA-ALCL.
If implants are removed without replacement a breast auto-augmentation™ (BAA™) is performed simultaneously. This is called a Simultaneous Salvage Auto-Augmentation™ or SSAA™. Breast augmentation using the patient’s own fat may also be done at the same time as SSAA. The fat is harvested from the thighs, hips or tummy and then filtered and reinjected into the breasts.