Breast Implant Removal

Breast implant removal is a plastic surgery procedure to remove implants due to cosmetic concerns or complications.

Breast Implant Removal Overview - 799

The Skinny


Average Recovery

2 weeks

Permanence

Permanent

Application

Surgical Procedure

Surgical

Yes

Cost

$1000 - $5000

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Before & After Images by Provider

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Breast Implant Removal Before, Female 46 - 4172Breast Implant Removal After, Female 46 - 4172
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Breast Implant Removal Before, Female 31 - 420Breast Implant Removal After, Female 31 - 420
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Breast Implant Removal Before, Female 37 - 2276Breast Implant Removal After, Female 37 - 2276
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The Specifics


What is a breast implant removal?

A breast implant removal surgery is a plastic surgery to correct undesirable aesthetic following a breast augmentation with implants or for safety due to complications with the implants. Capsular contracture, implant rupture, or shifting may necessitate removal, as can asymmetry, poor projection, or undesirable breast size.

The Anatomy of the Female Breast

Female Breast Anatomy Cross Section Illustration

Following breast implant removal, patients may choose to pursue a breast lift to correct volume loss and skin sagging. Some candidates undergoing breast implant removal choose to have new implants placed after the old are removed.

What cosmetic concerns does a breast implant removal procedure treat?

  1. Breast Shape & Size: Incisions along the initial implant procedure line limit scarring and allow the plastic surgeon to remove the breast implants.

Who is the ideal candidate for a breast implant removal procedure?

The ideal candidate for a breast implant removal procedure is dissatisfied with their breast implants, or has experienced complications like implant shifting, wrinkling, rupture, deflation, asymmetry, and capsular contracture. Additionally, individuals may require implant removal due to breast cancer or anaplastic large cell lymphoma (ALCL) diagnoses. Breast Implant Removal is not recommended for those who have undergone an augmentation in the past six months who are not experiencing complications, but are only dissatisfied with appearance.

What is the average recovery associated with a breast implant removal procedure?

Most patients experience a week or two of acute recovery following a breast implant removal. Drainage, pain, swelling, bruising, and numbness are expected for the first few days to weeks. Candidates typically return to work in one to two weeks, and avoid strenuous activities and physical contact with the breasts for four weeks.

What are the potential side effects of a breast implant removal procedure?

Possible side effects following a breast implant removal procedure include decrease in breast volume, sagging skin, permanent changes in nipple sensation, infection, swelling, bleeding, and bruising.

What can someone expect from the results of a breast implant removal procedure?

The results of a breast implant removal are immediate and permanent improvements to the size and shape of the breast. Some individuals may experience volume loss and skin laxity necessitating a breast lift procedure.

What is the average cost of a breast implant removal procedure?

A breast implant removal can cost anywhere from $1,000 to $5,000. The actual cost of a breast implant removal is dependent upon location, board certified plastic surgeon, and length and involvement of the plastic surgery.

thumbs-upPros

  • Fix Complications
  • Fix Capsular Contracture
  • Fix Implant Dissatisfaction

thumbs-downCons

  • Decrease In Breast Volume
  • Sagging Skin
  • Loss Of Sensation To The Nipple

Invasiveness Score

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Invasiveness is graded based on factors such as anesthesia practices, incisions, and recovery notes common to this procedure.

What to Expect


Patients choose to have breast implants removed for a variety of reasons ranging from implant malfunction to dissatisfaction with results. Here is a quick guide for what to expect before, during, and after a breast implant removal procedure.

The Takeaway


A breast implant removal procedure is a type of breast revision surgery to correct poor aesthetic or complications arising from breast implant placement.

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Source List

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AEDIT uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.

  1. Mayo Clinic Staff Breast Reconstruction with Implants mayoclinic.org
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