There are several options for breast implant removal surgery, depending on the patient’s anatomy and desired outcomes. Options for breast implant removal include: removal with implant replacement, removal with a breast lift, or implant removal only.

1. Breast implant removal with implant replacement.

Many women choose to remove an existing implant and replace it with a new breast implant. This is commonly performed for patients who have had complications with their breast implant but still want the fullness of a breast augmentation. Additionally, many patients chose to undergo breast implant removal with replacement when wanting to create a fuller projection with a larger implant or a smaller projection with a smaller implant. More information can be found regarding breast implant exchange click here.

2. Breast implant removal with a breast lift.

Depending on how large the implants are, the breast tissue and overlying skin may be stretched out, lacking the needed elasticity for a firm shape. Sometimes a breast lift is indicated to remove the loose skin and sagging breast tissue after implant removal. Removing large breast implants form small breasts with loose skin that has poor elasticity will more likely require a breast lift than removing a small implant from larger breasts with firm skin.

During this procedure, the surgeon will surgically remove the breast implant and then perform a breast lift. The breast lift will remove excess skin and breast tissue, and surgically support the breast in a manner than creates a round and pleasing shape.

3. Breast implant removal only.

Some women choose to have an implant removal without an additional surgical intervention. In general, removing smaller breast implants from larger breasts that have firm skin, will not necessarily require a breast lift. Additionally, women who have larger implants removed may not choose to have a lift or further alteration, choosing to allow their breasts to appear as they would be aging naturally.

The procedure for removing breast implants is technically simpler than the original breast augmentation surgery. When removing the breast implant, the surgeon will create a small incision along the lower breast crease, beneath the breast. The implant will be removed through this incision. If there is any thick or hardened scar tissue, the surgeon will also remove this during the same time. For saline implants, an incision can be made around the areola. The saline implant can be deflated and then removed through this small incision.

Typically, the implant removal surgery only takes approximately one hour to complete. After the implant is removed, the surgeon will either close the incisions or continue with the additional surgeries of implant replacement or breast lift, depending on the treatment plan.

The surgeon aims to utilize the same incisions to complete all aspects of the breast surgery in order to reduce scarring. The breasts are bandaged and drain tubes may be put into place. The recovery will take anywhere from 2-6 weeks, depending on which procedures were performed. The patient should avoid heavy lifting activities during the recovery phase, in order to allow the breasts to heal and the swelling to subside.

Some women choose to undergo breast implant removal as a two part process. First, the surgeon removes the breast implants and allows time for breast healing. After 6-12 months, the shape and appearance of the breasts can be reevaluated by the patient and the surgeon. At that time, the patient and surgeon can decide whether or not to pursue a second surgery in the form of a breast lift or an additional breast augmentation with implant placement.

For patients with saline breast implants, there is a unique opportunity to see what the breasts may look like after removal, while in the office. The saline implants can be deflated with a local anesthetic and a needle syringe. The surgeon can deflate the implant in the office, allowing the patient and surgeon to preview the shape and presentation of the breast before removal.

This may help to determine whether or not a breast implant is indicated. Of course the implant must be removed and cannot remain deflated in the breast. If the deflated implant is left in place too long, it can fold, erode and break through the skin. This preview is done right before surgery, so as not to risk infection.

Breast implants are not lifelong devices. It is quite likely that if you have had breast augmentation surgery with breast implants you will need an additional breast implant correction surgery at some point in your future.