Breast implant removal: what to expect

One of the most frequently asked questions about breast augmentation is what will happen if you ever decide to remove your implants. The honest answer is: it depends.

Changes in your tissues will depend on several factors: the size and profile of the implants, the plane where they were placed, and the way they were placed. These are the most important points.

Large or very high-profile implants

When implants exceed 350 cc or have an extra-high profile, removing them or replacing them with smaller ones — the more common choice — often requires a breast lift and its associated scars. Using even larger implants to compensate is not a good idea.

Moderate- or low-profile implants

Additional scars can often be avoided, even when these implants are removed completely. Techniques to manage the capsule, reinforce the tissues from within and add fat can restore breasts that look very similar to how they did before surgery, without a lift. Not everyone is a candidate, so each case needs careful assessment.

That's why it's so important to think long-term from the first surgery: a moderate-sized implant leaves more options open for the future.

Elective removal differs from removal for a medical reason

Capsular contracture — when the tissue around an implant hardens and tightens — is one of the most common reasons for another operation. The tissue is inflamed, and sometimes the most sensible approach is to remove the implant and part or all of the capsule, then wait before placing a new implant. This allows the tissue to heal properly and reduces the risk of the contracture returning soon afterward.

When problems keep returning

If you have had several implant exchanges and repeated capsular contracture, and the problems persist, the best option is to remove the implants without replacing them immediately. Allowing at least a year for the tissue to recover provides a fresh start, with a better chance of avoiding further operations.

Frequently Asked Questions