Breast Implant Removal

Breast implant removal surgery is a highly individualized procedure. It should be performed if you have capsular contracture (hardening of the breast), pain with implants, imaging has shown a leak of the capsule and/or if you no longer desire implants or wish to exchange them.

In general, you may be a good candidate for breast implant removal if:

• You are bothered by the appearance of your implants
• You have experienced discomfort or pain
• You feel your breasts are too heavy
• You are starting to feel your breast scar tissue is getting harder or tighter
• Imaging suggests a leak or rupture of implants
• You have experienced a rupture or leak of implants

• Get lab testing or a medical evaluation
• Take certain medications or adjust your current medications
• Stop smoking
• Avoid taking aspirin, anti-inflammatory drugs and herbal supplements as they can increase bleeding

The procedure is performed under general anesthesia. To remove a breast implant, an incision is made either along the lower fold of your breast (the inframammary fold) or around/below the areola, depending on your specific surgery and surgeon’s approach. Often, a combination of techniques is used to remove both the breast capsule and implant. The incisions are closed with sutures, skin adhesives, or tapes.

After your breast implant removal, your chest will be wrapped in gauze or bandages, and you might have drains to remove excess fluid. A support bra or compression garment may be used to reduce swelling. Drains, if used, are small tubes placed under the skin to help drain blood or fluid that could build up post-surgery.

You’ll receive detailed care instructions, including how to care for the incision sites, any medications (oral or topical) to aid healing and prevent infection, signs to watch for regarding complications, and when to schedule a follow-up with your surgeon.

After implant removal, your breasts may appear flatter, droopier, or have indentations, especially if there was significant scar tissue around the implants. The final outcome depends on the implant size, remaining breast tissue, and the extent of scar tissue. Swelling and changes post-surgery take time, and full results may take up to a year to show.

Since surgery isn’t an exact science, results aren’t always purely cosmetic, especially if the breast tissue has thinned or the implants leaked. In some cases, multiple procedures may be needed, and in severe cases, a mastectomy might be required if silicone has spread beyond the scar tissue.

The possible risks of breast implant removal surgery include, but are not limited to:

• Bleeding / Haematoma
• Fatty tissue found deep in the skin might die (fat necrosis)
• Fluid accumulation (seroma)
• Infection
• Numbness or other changes in skin & nipple/areola sensation sensation
• Persistent pain
• Poor healing of incisions
• Suboptimal aesthetic result / Possibility of revision surgery
• Recurrent looseness of skin, skin loss
• Scarring, Skin discoloration and/or prolonged swelling
• Unfavorable scarring