Breast implant removal is surgery to take out silicone or saline implants. You may have the operation because you no longer want implants. Or you may choose surgery because you have complications with your implants. Often, people choose implant removal because scar tissue has hardened around the implant, causing a capsular contracture.

​

What is breast implant removal?

​

Breast implant removal is surgery to take out breast implants. During the operation, a surgeon may also remove scar tissue or silicone from implant leaks.

You may want your surgeon to remove old implants and replace them with new ones. Or you may no longer want implants at all. Sometimes, people need the surgery because they have had implant complications.

​

Some people opt for breast implant removal because the shape of their breasts has changed since their breast augmentation. Breast appearance may change due to:

• Age.

• Breastfeeding.

• Pregnancy.

• Weight changes.

 

Who needs to have breast implant removal?

​

In some cases, breast implant removal or replacement is medically necessary. The most common reason to remove implants is that scar tissue hardens around the implants. This hardening is known as capsular contracture. It can cause pain, discomfort or breasts that look different than they once did.

You may also want implant removal because of:

• Breast implant-associated anaplastic large cell lymphoma (BIA-ALCL), a rare cancer that occurs in scar tissue around an implant. BIA-ALCL is associated with textured implants. You should check with your plastic surgeon to see if you’ve ever had textured implants placed.

• Calcium buildup around the implant.

• Leaking of the implant.

• Movement or shifting of the implant.

 

Procedure Details

​

What happens before breast implant removal?

​

Before breast implant removal, your healthcare provider will give you specific instructions to help you prepare. You may need to:

• Adjust current medications or start new ones.

• Avoid medicines that increase bleeding risks, such as anti-inflammatory drugs or certain herbal supplements.

• Stop smoking or using tobacco products.

Usually, breast implant removal is an outpatient surgery, meaning you can leave the same day. Before the operation, you will need to arrange transportation to return home.

​

What happens during breast implant removal?

​

When it’s time for surgery, a doctor who specializes in pain control (anesthesiologist) gives you medicine. This medicine will help you remain numb during the surgery. You may have:

• Intravenous (IV) sedation to help you feel calm and relaxed.

• General anesthesia to put you in a sleep-like state.

During the operation, your surgeon:

1. Makes an incision around the circle of darker skin around your nipple (areola) or under the lower fold of your breasts (inframammary fold).

2. Removes implants and scar tissue.

3. Places new implants, if you are also having implant replacement.

4. Uses stitches, tapes or skin adhesives to close the incisions.

What happens after breast implant removal?

After surgery, you receive specific instructions for recovery. Your provider tells you:

• How to care for your incisions.

• Activity restrictions.

• What medications to take.

• When to follow up with your plastic surgeon.

For a few weeks, you may wear a special support bra or a compression garment to reduce swelling. You may also have small tubes called drains placed underneath your skin. These tubes ensure that you drain excess fluid or blood. These drains usually come out after a few days but may stay in place for up to 10 days or more.