Breast Implant Removal Surgery

Gain the Confidence that Comes Along with Looking and Feeling Your Best.

Breast Implant Removal

While advances in implant technology make it easier than ever to refine or completely change the look of existing implants, more and more women are opting to undergo a breast implant removal (explantation) procedure instead of an implant exchange.

Should I remove my breast implants?

There are many reasons a woman may want to remove her implants including personal reasons such as a change in lifestyle and goals or for health reasons such as a major illness or painful capsular contracture. Whether you have decided on breast implant removal as a personal choice or because it is medically necessary, we will address your specific condition, concerns and goals.

Will my breasts droop after breast implant removal?

The unfortunate answer is yes; there will be some degree of breast droop once breast implants are removed. The amount of sagging or deflation after breast implant removal can vary based factors such as 1) the size of breast implants removed, 2) how much natural breast tissue you had prior to having a breast augmentation, and 3) the current tone of your skin and breast tissue. The good news is that you do not have to live with a sagging or deflated look. Once the decision to remove your implants is made, options to address excess skin, maintain lift and add any desired volume can be explored.

What are my options after breast implant removal?

Breast implant removal affects breast appearance, therefore women who undergo breast implant removal will often times desire another procedure to maintain the appearance of their breasts. Suitable options to maintain lift and volume may be discussed during the initial consultation. The most commonly performed procedures after breast implant removal are:

1) A Breast Lift (Mastopexy). A breast lift will raise the breasts into a higher and more youthful position, reshape the breast tissue and reduce sagging of the breasts.

2) A Breast Augmentation with Fat Transfer. Fat from the abdomen, flanks, and hips is collected by liposuction and transferred to the breasts in order to add back the volume lost from removing the implants. The added volume from fat can also give the effect of lifting and shaping the breasts.

Both of these procedures can enhance the appearance of the natural breast and can be done in conjunction with the breast removal.

Do you remove the capsule during breast implant removal?

Yes, the capsule surrounding the breast implant is removed at the same time as the implant. This procedure to remove a breast implant capsule is called as a capsulotomy. Performing a capsulotomy by removing the full capsule allows the breast tissue to properly heal and imparts a more natural look to the breasts once the breast implants are removed. Additionally, any secondary procedures, such as a mastopexy or fat transfer to lift or shape the breasts, will not be limited by the presence of a capsule.

What can I expect during and after breast implant removal surgery?

Breast implant removal is done on an outpatient basis under light general anesthesia for your comfort and safety. The breast implant removal procedure takes approximately one hour to complete. If possible, the old breast augmentation scar is used. In addition to removing the implant, we will remove the breast implant capsule, any internal scar tissue and prepare the breast pocket for any additional procedures, such as a breast lift or fat transfer to the breasts, to be performed either immediately or in the future.

Following implant removal, minor discomfort and soreness is standard, but basic daily activities may be resumed in as soon as 24 hours. Most patients will be back to normal, non-strenuous activities without discomfort after one week, but strenuous activity and exercise will be prohibited for 4-6 weeks to allow proper healing of the breast tissue.

Can other procedures be done at the same time as a breast implant removal?

Breast implant removal can be performed alone, but is often combined with other female breast and body procedures including liposuction, breast lift, breast augmentation with fat, and tummy tuck.