If you desire to have your breast implants removed, your reasons are entirely personal—and there is no “wrong” reason. For some women, this procedure is necessary to address a complication, such as capsular contracture; for others, it is simply time for a different aesthetic that fits their current body type or lifestyle.

Whatever your reason, we understand how personal this decision can be. Our goal is to create a surgical plan that offers you natural-looking results and peace of mind after breast implant removal.

About the procedure

During breast implant removal, the implant is removed along with all, some, or none of the scar tissue (“capsule”) that naturally forms to hold your implant in place. Depending on your treatment goals, there are different removal options:

• Implant removal, leaving the capsule of scar tissue intact

• Partial capsulectomy, in which the implant is removed, followed by removal of a portion of the scar tissue

• Total capsulectomy, in which the surgeon removes both the implant and entire the capsule
  
  

You surgeon will work with you to customize your surgical plan. Often, fat grafting can be performed at the time of the procedure to help maintain some volume to the breast after implant removal. If your breast implants have been present for a long time, you may also benefit from a breast lift at the time of implant removal. A breast lift will help recreate a youthful breast shape by tightening the skin and repositioning the nipple areola complex, as your tissues have been stretched by the implant.

Breast implant removal alone can be performed in our office surgical suite. This 45-minute procedure can be performed with local anesthesia and sedation. More detailed breast revision surgery is generally performed under general anesthesia. Learn about which procedure or procedures are right for you by scheduling a personal consultation.

Recovery after breast implant removal

Although the recovery time can vary based on the details of your procedure most patients are back to work within a few days. You will need to wear a tight-fitting bra for a few weeks and limit your exercise to light activity for three to four weeks following your procedure.

What will my breasts look like after breast implant REMOVAL?

If you have good skin elasticity, recently placed implants and modestly sized breasts, your breasts will most likely look about the same as they did before your implants were placed. You are more likely to have some degree of sagging or ptosis, if your implants have been in place for many years, your skin has lost elasticity, you have experienced pregnancy or menopause, or you a have naturally large breasts, as each can affect the size of your breasts and skin elasticity.

Patient left with sagging or ptosis of the breast may choose to undergo a breast lift (mastopexy) to restore a youthful breast shape. This procedure may be staged 6 months following breast implant removal. This allows your breast tissue to adjust to no longer having the implant and you to see if your breast tissue “bounces back”. However, in some cases it is possible to perform a breast lift at the same time of the implant removal.

Learn more by scheduling your personal consultation.

Before & After Gallery