Breast Implant Removal

During your breast implant removal (explant surgery or explantation) consultation, we will devise a breast reconstruction plan to suit your needs. Depending on the circumstances, we can mitigate the loss of the implants and improve the breast’s appearance through the reconstruction of the breasts, nipple and areolas, or with a fat transfer.

We will operate under general anaesthetic, usually as a day case procedure. Your surgeon will use the initial breast implant incision to remove the implants. During the surgery, we will address the problems you’ve encountered due to your previous operation. That may include removing a capsule of scar tissue (capsulectomy) or other materials.

Depending on your preference, your surgeon will then reconstruct the breast and may insert new implants.

You may require surgical drains for a day or two to prevent excess blood and fluid build-up.

You may wish to have revision surgery or implant removal if you’re looking to change your breast shape or size, or have complications of breast implants including:

• Breast, shoulder or back pain
• Capsular contracture
• Bottoming out
• Double bubble
• Extrusion
• Rippling
• Rupture
• Deflation
• Leakage
• Infection

If you opt for a replacement of your breast implants, your breasts will start to settle after around six weeks. It may take several months before the tissues fully heal. It may also take some time for you to adjust to your new breast shape if you choose not to replace your previous implants.

You should be able to return to work and resume normal activities after around one week. Following your implant removal surgery, you may be a little swollen for a few weeks. You should avoid rigorous exercise for up to six weeks.

Implants removal takes around 1-3 hours to perform, depending on the surgical requirements.

• Irregularities in the breast shape, particularly without replacement of new implants
• Asymmetry
• Infection
• Loss of volume and elasticity in the breasts
• Reduction in breast size – the doctor may need to remove a lot of scar tissue or breast tissue
• Loss of sensation in breasts or nipples
• Poor wound healing
• Bleeding
• Seroma
• Pain
• Scarring

The possible complications from a previous breast implant surgery usually present themselves within the first year but can also develop within the first several years. We recommend that prospective patients wait at least six months before considering a revision surgery to minimise future risks.

You may also choose to remove your implants because they are causing you pain and discomfort, or you’re dissatisfied with their appearance.

Removing implants altogether can help to reduce the stress associated with breast implants.