Breast Implant Removal

What is a Breast Implant Removal Procedure?

Breast implant removal surgery is a surgical procedure that reverses breast augmentation. 

Why is Breast Implant Removal Performed?

Breast Implants may need to be removed for several cosmetic or medical reasons, including:

• Age, 
• Damage or a build-up of calcium,
• Breast implant rupture,
• Capsular contracture occurs when scar tissue that normally forms around the implant tightens and squeezes the implant resulting in the hardening of the breast,
• Infection and/or bleeding,
• Necrosis or the development of dead tissues around the breast implant.
• Breast implant-associated anaplastic large cell lymphoma (BIA-ALCL)
• Sometimes, people need the surgery because they have had implant complications. 

How Is Breast Implant Removal Surgery Performed?

A Breast Implant Removal involves removing the breast implants without replacement. The procedure involves the following steps:

• Breast implant removal surgery is performed under general anaesthesia. 
• An incision is made in the existing scaring. 
• The implant, along with its surrounding capsule, is removed together (where possible). 
• A drain is routinely inserted. The incision is closed with dissolvable sutures. The procedure takes around three hours.

Associated Procedures With Breast Implant Removal

Your doctor can remove the prosthesis/implant and also perform several other procedures to achieve the best result for your individual needs.

Many women who have had breast implant removal surgery may opt for another breast implant revision procedure. These procedures include:

• Capsulectomy (removing granulomas or scar tissue that had formed around the rear implant),
• Breast Implant resizing and/or reshaping,
• Breast implant replacement - mastopexy, and
• Other breast reconstruction procedures such as repositioning the existing implants

It is strongly recommended you have a consultation with a Specialist Plastic Surgeon if you are considering the replacement of your implants or a breast lift.

Appearance After Breast Implant Removal?

After surgery, your breasts may initially look deflated. It can take three weeks for the breasts to regain volume.

Your breasts will not look identical to your original breast implant surgery. After implant removal, the shape and weight will be different. Tissue stretches from the breast implants will most likely be apparent, and some patients notice changes in the rib area. 

Younger women may revert to their original appearance, whereas older women’s breasts are less likely to revert.

Recovery After Breast Implant Removal Surgery?

Hospital Stay

Most patients go home on the day of surgery. It is recommended that you be accompanied home by a carer who will stay with you (or very close by) for the first 24 to 48 hours.

Wound Care & Dressing

The stitches are dissolvable, and the dressing is waterproof so that you can shower as normal. Please do not bathe or swim until it has been cleared by your surgeon.

After two weeks, your wounds should be healed, and you can remove your dressing. Typically no further dressings. 

Post Op Massage

Perform wound massage for three weeks using moisturiser and firm movements twice daily for 10 minutes.

Return to Work

Depending on your surgery and job, you may need a time off work. Most patients have their surgery on Friday and are back to work on Monday.

Post Op Driving

You need to be able to make an emergency stop safely. As the seatbelt crosses your chest, you will need to wait a week before you can drive safely.

Gym & Exercise

A week before you start back at the gym as usual. You can do lower body exercises such as cycling and walk almost immediately. Listen to your body and if it hurts, stop and wait a few days before trying again. Avoid ‘breast bounce’ for four weeks.

Risks Of Breast Implant Removal Surgery?

All surgery has risks despite the highest standard of practice. The following possible complications are listed to inform not to alarm. There may be other complications that are not listed.

• Bleeding
• Infection
• Scarring
• Numbness to the breast area
• Breast deformity or sagging