Breast augmentation surgery is a very common plastic surgery procedure. Despite its popularity, there are times when you may need or want to have your implants removed.
Breast implant removal surgery involves the removal or replacement of existing implants. As with any surgery, it is important to understand what is involved and any potential risks.
In this article, we’ll take a closer look at why breast implant removal surgery may be needed, as well as the risks, costs, and considerations of the procedure.
Although breast implants do not expire, they do have a limited lifespan. The American Society of Plastic Surgeons states that implants should be removed or replaced every 10 to 15 years.
One of the most common reasons why breast implants may need to be removed or replaced is because scar tissue can harden around the implants. It can cause pain and discomfort and also change the appearance of the implants. This is known as capsular contracture.
Breast implant removal may also be needed because of:
- breast implant leakage
- accumulation of calcium deposits around the implant
- autoimmune response to the implant
- necrosis or death of tissue around the implant
- pain associated with implants
- displacement or movement of one or both implants
Some people also have their breast implants removed because their breasts have changed over time, affecting the appearance of the implants. Age, pregnancy and breastfeeding can all change the shape, size and weight of the breasts.
And sometimes people just don’t want to have their implants anymore or have different cosmetic goals and want to change their implant size.
A plastic surgeon usually performs breast implant removal surgery in a surgery center, hospital, or other operating room facility.
You will have a consultation with your plastic surgeon beforehand to discuss the reason you want to replace or remove the implants and the desired goals of the surgery.
Your surgeon will ask about any medical conditions you may have, previous surgeries and medications you are taking.
During the consultation, your surgeon will:
- examine your breasts and take pictures
- provide recommendations and options based on your goals
- assess your health and discuss any risks or complications
Before surgery, you will receive instructions on how to prepare for the procedure. This may include instructions on:
- when you should refrain from eating or drinking before surgery;
- how to bathe before surgery
- what to avoid wearing when referring to the pre-operative area
The process itself will likely include the following steps:
- Anesthesia. Most breast implant removal procedures are performed under general anesthesia. This means that you will be asleep and will not be aware that the procedure is taking place. You will receive medicine for pain and nausea during and after the procedure.
- Skin preparation. A nurse or other assistant will apply antibacterial soap or cleansers over your breasts to prevent infection and prepare the surgical sites.
- Making an incision. Your plastic surgeon will make an incision that will allow them to access the breast implant. Where this incision is made depends on where or how your implants were originally placed and scar tissue considerations. The incisions are often made under the breast or around the areola.
- Removal of the implant and tissue capsule. This part of the procedure depends on the implant problems or the goals of the surgery. Over time, scar tissue naturally grows around an implant, creating a tissue capsule. Some surgeons will remove only the implant and leave the tissue capsule. Others will remove the capsule—a more time-consuming process—or part of the capsule.
- Incision closure. Once your surgeon has removed or replaced the implants, they will close the incisions using sutures or special glue-like adhesives. They will place bandages or bandages around your chest to protect the incisions. Sometimes drains may be needed. They help reduce swelling by allowing blood or fluid to drain away from the breasts.
- Post-operative rehabilitation. You will wake up from general anesthesia and be taken to a recovery room. There, a nurse will closely monitor your vital signs, pain levels, and dressing points for any potential complications. Your surgeon will decide when you can leave their care. You will need to have someone drive you home after surgery.
A nurse or other health care provider will give you a discharge and self-care instructions before you go home. This will include information about:
- what you can expect in terms of recovery
- how to care for your incisions (and drains, if you have them)
- how to bathe safely
- what you can do to relieve any pain
- when to call your doctor about possible complications
- how long you will have to wait before resuming your daily activities
Although the healing process can vary, recovery from breast implant removal usually takes several weeks.
It is normal to have some pain, discomfort and swelling shortly after surgery. It will also be difficult to move your arms and upper body like you normally do. You should have more mobility and less pain within a few weeks.
To minimize any complications, it is important to rest and follow your surgeon’s instructions during the recovery period.
See your surgeon as soon as possible if:
- the pain or swelling does not go away within several weeks
- the pain and swelling get worse
- you have unusual symptoms
Breast implant removal surgery is not without potential risks, like any procedure. It is important that your surgeon discusses the potential risks with you so that you can decide whether surgery is the right choice for you.
Possible complications of breast implant removal include:
- Bleeding
- contamination
- ongoing pain
- scars
- skin discoloration
- fluid accumulation
- nerve damage, which could inhibit nipple sensation
- complications from anaesthesia, such as nausea or an allergic reaction
If your surgeon removes the scar tissue around the implant, there is a small chance of lung injury.
Over time, breast implants can thin the surrounding tissues and possibly even the sides to the point where removing the scar tissue behind the implants leaves an opening to the lungs and surrounding area. This is usually recognized in the operating room and repaired immediately. In rare cases, it can cause breathing and circulation problems.
Another concern is that you may not like the aesthetic appearance of your breasts when the implants are removed.
If you are not satisfied with the appearance of your breasts, your surgeon may recommend an implant-free approach. Options that may improve the overall appearance of your breasts without implants include fat grafting or a breast lift.
The American Society of Plastic Surgeons estimates that the average breast implant removal surgery costs $2,641.
This represents the cost of the operation, including the surgeon’s fee. It does not include additional costs such as anesthesia and facility fees.
Keep in mind that you may also incur additional post-surgery costs, such as medications for your recovery and post-surgery bras.
While medical insurance usually does not cover the cost of breast augmentation surgery, there may be cases where your insurance will pay for implant removal.
This can happen if your doctor determines that removing the implants is medically necessary because keeping them in poses a threat to your health.
Your insurance company may pay for all or part of your breast implant removal surgery if you have:
- breast cancer in the implanted breast;
- frequent implant-related infections;
- severe scarring that interferes with your ability to have a mammogram
- persistent pain, impaired healing or swelling after surgery
Your insurance company likely has a policy on what it will reimburse for breast implant removal surgery.
However, if you wish to have the procedure for purely cosmetic reasons, insurance is unlikely to pay.
Breast implants are not meant to last a lifetime. It is recommended that they be removed or replaced every 10 to 15 years or so.
One of the most common reasons why breast implants may need to be removed or replaced is due to scar tissue that can harden around the implants.
If you are considering breast implant removal surgery, be sure to have a thorough discussion with your surgeon about expectations, the recovery period, and any potential complications.
