Removal

The reasons women opt for breast implant removal are varied. It may be done for cosmetic reasons or in view of health problems. Change in size and shape of the breasts, deflation, leakage, rupture, or wrinkling of the implant are some reasons. Sagging breasts and asymmetry of breasts may also prompt women to remove breast implants in order to make physical corrections. Painful breast stiffness due to hardening of the scar tissue possibly due to the leakage of the fluid inside the breast implant, also called capsular contraction, is another reason for removal surgery.

Breast implant removal surgery is usually done in an outpatient surgical center under general anesthesia. Dr. Ward will carefully remove the implants through an incision in the inframammary fold under the breast. If there are no complications, the surgery lasts roughly one hour.

Removal of large breast implants can often lead to complications. Cosmetic issues may arise in these cases if the implants are not replaced or further cosmetic surgery is not resorted to. After breast implant removal, the breasts can sag and they may also be smaller than the size they were before the implants were inserted. Other adverse conditions may include the loss of nipple sensation, bleeding and scarring.

Recovery is usually quick after removal of breast implants. Normal activities can be resumed after two weeks of surgery. Full recovery can be expected in four weeks.

Breast Implant Removal FAQ

What is the Recovery Time of Breast Implant Removal?
Patients recover from breast implant removal quickly. Most resume light activities after the second day, and many return to work within a week. The surgeon may request that they wear a surgical bandage until recovery is well in progress. Stitches are removed when the surgical site has closed sufficiently, and bruising and swelling may not dissipate for several weeks.

Do I need Anesthesia for Breast Implant Removal?
Breast implant removal takes approximately one to two hours and is usually done under general anesthesia to aid in avoidance of any unnecessary complications.

Is Breast Implant Removal Safe?
One of the major risks of breast implant removal is excessive scarring. Other important risks to consider are infection and unusual bleeding which can occur with any surgical procedure. Allergic reactions are not common, but do sometimes occur. Rarely, implants may rupture during removal which can cause problems later during mammography. Another side effect sometimes reported by patients who have had breast implant removal is a loss of sensitivity in the breasts.