Yury Trafimovich
Breast implant removal surgery is a procedure that involves removing or replacing existing implants. The surgery is typically carried out due to medical complications or a change of heart. The procedure can be performed in several ways, including simple breast implant removal, total capsulectomy with breast implant removal, or any approach combined with a breast lift. The recovery period for breast implant removal surgery typically takes several weeks, and patients may experience some pain, discomfort, and swelling.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Reasons for removal | Lifestyle change, capsular contracture, animation deformity, pain or discomfort, breast implant illness, leaking of the breast implant, buildup of calcium deposits, autoimmune response, necrosis, shifting or movement of implants, change in the look of implants, no longer wanting implants |
| Procedure time | 1.5-3 hours |
| Anesthesia | General anesthesia or IV sedation |
| Incision location | Under the areola, around the areola, or under the breast |
| Removal options | Implant only, implant and part or all of the capsule |
| Closure method | Adhesives, stitches, or clips |
| Drains | Surgical drains placed for 1-3 weeks to prevent fluid buildup |
| Recovery time | Several weeks |
| Recovery instructions | Rest and limit physical activity for 1-3 weeks, no heavy lifting, strenuous exercise, or excessive arm/shoulder movement |
| Scars | Initially red and raised, then flatten and fade to white or pale pink |
| Cost | $2,641 on average, but can vary depending on additional costs and insurance coverage |
What You'll Learn
Breast implant removal surgery options
Breast implant removal surgery is carried out to remove breast implants and any scar tissue that has formed around them. The surgery is often performed as an outpatient procedure, meaning patients can return home the same day.
Reasons for Removal
There are several reasons why people may opt for breast implant removal surgery. These include:
- Complications with implants, such as capsular contracture (hardening of scar tissue around the implant), which can cause pain and changes in breast shape
- A desire to return to one's natural state or change implant type, size, or material
- Medical conditions, such as breast implant-associated anaplastic large cell lymphoma (BIA-ALCL), a rare cancer that can occur in scar tissue around textured implants
- Personal lifestyle changes
Pre-Surgery Preparations
Before the surgery, patients may be instructed 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
During the Surgery
During the operation, the surgeon will:
- Administer intravenous (IV) sedation or general anesthesia to ensure comfort
- Make an incision around the areola or under the breast fold
- Remove implants and any scar tissue or leaked silicone
- Place new implants if desired and/or medically appropriate
- Close the incisions with stitches, tapes, or skin adhesives
Post-Surgery Care
After surgery, patients will receive specific instructions for recovery, including:
- How to care for their incisions
- Activity restrictions
- Medications to take
- Follow-up appointments with their surgeon
To ensure optimal healing, it is crucial to follow the surgeon's instructions and allow sufficient time for recovery.
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Reasons for removal
There are several reasons why someone may want to have their breast implants removed. One of the most common reasons is capsular contracture, where scar tissue hardens around the implants, causing pain, discomfort, and a change in the shape of the breasts. Other medical reasons for removal include infection, leaking implants, and implant movement or shifting.
Some people may also choose to remove their breast implants due to a change in lifestyle preferences, such as wanting to return to their natural state or try a new type of implant material. Additionally, some individuals may experience breast pain, discomfort, nipple sensitivity, or soreness, prompting them to consider implant removal.
In some cases, breast implant removal may be necessary following a mastectomy or for reconstructive reasons. It is also recommended that individuals with breast implants consider removal or replacement every 10 to 15 years, as implants do not last a lifetime.
Breast implant removal surgery can be an outpatient procedure, typically taking 1.5 to 3 hours, depending on the specific case and any additional replacement or reconstruction desired.
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Preparation and recovery
Preparation
Before breast implant removal, your healthcare provider will give you specific instructions to help you prepare. You may need to adjust your current medications or start new ones. You should avoid medicines that increase bleeding risks, such as anti-inflammatory drugs or certain herbal supplements. It is also important to stop smoking or using tobacco products.
You will also have a consultation with your plastic surgeon to discuss the reasons for your implant removal, as well as your desired goals. Your surgeon will ask about your medical history, previous surgeries, and medications. They will examine your breasts, take photographs, and provide recommendations and options based on your goals.
Recovery
Breast implant removal surgery typically takes one and a half to three hours, and you will be discharged from the hospital on the same day as your surgery. You will need someone to drive you home, as you will be unable to drive after the procedure.
After surgery, you will receive specific instructions for your recovery. Your provider will tell you how to care for your incisions, what medications to take, and when to follow up with your plastic surgeon. You will need to rest and limit physical activity for one to three weeks, including heavy lifting, strenuous exercise, and excessive arm or shoulder movement.
You may experience some pain, discomfort, and swelling shortly after your surgery, and it will be difficult to move your arms and upper body as you normally would. You should have more mobility and less pain within a few weeks. Make sure to follow your surgeon's instructions during the recovery period to minimize any complications.
The recovery period for breast implant removal with a lift is about the same as the recovery time for a breast implant removal without a lift. However, the risks are slightly greater, including decreased sensation in the areola, reduced feeling in the nipple, difficulties with breastfeeding, and delayed wound healing.
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Risks and complications
While breast implant removal surgery is generally considered safe, it does carry some risks and potential complications. The specific risks and complications may vary depending on the individual's health status, the type of implants, and other factors. Here are some possible risks and complications to consider:
- Infection: Post-surgical infections can occur at the incision sites or within the tissues surrounding the implants. Proper wound care and antibiotic prophylaxis are crucial to minimizing this risk.
- Pain: Pain is a common complication following any surgical procedure, and breast implant removal is no exception. Your surgeon will prescribe appropriate pain medication to help manage discomfort during the recovery period.
- Hematoma: A hematoma is a collection of blood outside the blood vessels. It can occur as a result of bleeding during or after the surgery. Hematomas can cause pain, swelling, and bruising and may require additional treatment or surgical intervention.
- Scarring: While surgeons try to minimize scarring by strategically placing incisions, some scarring is inevitable. In some cases, unsightly scars may develop, requiring further treatment or revision surgery.
- Seroma: Seroma refers to the collection of bodily fluids in the space where the implant was removed. This can cause swelling and discomfort and may require drainage or additional procedures to resolve.
- Numbness or changes in nipple sensation: Altered sensation in the nipple area is a possible complication of breast implant removal surgery. This may include numbness, tingling, or increased sensitivity.
- Dissatisfaction with appearance: The final cosmetic outcome of breast implant removal surgery may not always meet the patient's expectations. This can be due to factors such as the amount of remaining breast tissue, the quality of breast tissue, and the presence of scar tissue.
- Breast sagging: Removing breast implants can result in breast sagging, drooping, or a misshapen appearance. This is particularly common when large implants are removed, as the skin may have stretched to accommodate their size. A breast lift (mastopexy) can be performed in conjunction with implant removal to address this issue.
- Capsular contracture: This complication occurs when scar tissue hardens around the implant, causing pain, discomfort, and distortion in the shape of the breast. It is often a reason for implant removal, but it can also occur after removal if scar tissue continues to harden.
- Breast Implant Illness (BII): BII is a controversial condition where patients attribute various systemic symptoms to their breast implants. These symptoms can include joint and muscle pain, chronic fatigue, memory and concentration problems, sleep disturbances, headaches, depression, anxiety, and hair loss. While the link between implants and BII is not yet fully understood, implant removal with capsulectomy has been shown to improve symptoms and patient satisfaction.
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Cost and insurance coverage
The cost of breast implant removal surgery varies. The American Society of Plastic Surgeons estimates the average cost of the surgery to be $2,641, while the latest statistics from the same organisation place the figure at $3,979. This price does not include additional costs such as anesthesia, facility fees, prescriptions for medication, post-surgery garments, and medical tests and x-rays. The final fee will be determined by your plastic surgeon's office.
Many plastic surgeons offer patient financing plans for breast implant removal if health insurance does not cover it. Your insurance company may pay for all or part of the surgery if you have breast cancer in the implanted breast, frequent infections related to the implant, severe scarring that interferes with your ability to get a mammogram, or persistent pain, affected healing, or swelling postsurgery. However, if you wish to have the surgery for purely cosmetic reasons, insurance is unlikely to pay.
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Frequently asked questions
Breast implant removal surgery is a procedure to remove breast implants that were inserted for cosmetic or reconstructive reasons.
There are several reasons why someone might want to get breast implant removal surgery. Some common reasons include lifestyle changes, capsular contracture, animation deformity, pain or discomfort, and breast implant illness (BII).
During the surgery, the surgeon will make an incision to remove the implant and possibly the scar tissue capsule. The incision is usually made under the breast, around the areola, or in the inframammary fold. The procedure typically takes around one and a half to three hours.
The recovery process typically takes several weeks, during which you will need to rest and limit physical activity. You may experience some pain, discomfort, and swelling, as well as reduced mobility in your arms and upper body.
Yes, as with any surgery, there are potential risks involved. Some possible complications include fluid accumulation, nerve damage, and complications from anesthesia. There is also a small risk of lung injury if the scar tissue around the implant is removed.
