Summary 

Breast implant removal surgery aims to remove breast implants from breast augmentation or breast reconstruction patients. During these procedures, the surgeon may also remove silicone material from implant leaks and the breast capsule, which is the scar tissue that forms after the placement of a breast implant. The scar tissue that forms after installing an implant is often soft and does not need to be removed, but it may harden, causing pain and discomfort. This is often a reason to have the implants and scar tissue removed. Breast implants are not lifelong devices, and it is vital to have them exchanged or removed every 10-15 years. This decision is typically based on the individual and the patient’s needs and desires.

Breast implant removal surgery aims to remove breast implants from breast augmentation or breast reconstruction patients. During these procedures, the surgeon may also remove silicone material from implant leaks and the breast capsule, which is the scar tissue that forms after the placement of a breast implant. The scar tissue that forms after installing an implant is often soft and does not need to be removed, but it may harden, causing pain and discomfort. This is often a reason to have the implants and scar tissue removed. Breast implants are not lifelong devices, and it is vital to have them exchanged or removed every 10-15 years. This decision is typically based on the individual and the patient’s needs and desires. In some cases, the outside shell of the implant breaks down, causing silicone to leak and the scar tissue around the implant to harden. It is essential to understand that your implants should be removed for this reason.

Who is the Right Candidate for Breast Implant Removal?

Breast implant removal surgery is a highly individualized procedure. It should be performed if you have capsular contracture (hardening of the breast), pain with implants, imaging has shown a leak of the capsule, and/or if you no longer desire implants or wish to exchange them.

In general, you may be the right candidate for breast implant removal if:

• You are physically healthy and at a stable weight
• You have realistic expectations
• You are a nonsmoker
• You are bothered by the appearance of your implants
• You have experienced discomfort or pain
• You feel your breasts are too heavy
• You are starting to feel your breast scar tissue is getting harder or tighter.
• Imaging suggests a leak or rupture of implants
• You have experienced a break or leak of implants

If you’re considering surgery, spend some time reviewing before and after photos and learning about what to expect during recovery. Preparation ahead of time helps patients have reasonable expectations and a smoother recovery.

What Should I Expect During A Consultation for Breast Implant Removal?

During your breast implant removal consultation, be prepared to discuss:

• Your surgical goals
• Medical conditions, drug allergies, and medical treatments
• Current medications, vitamins, herbal supplements, alcohol, tobacco, and drug use
• Previous surgeries

Your cosmetic surgeon will also:

• Evaluate your general health status and any pre-existing health conditions or risk factors
• Examine your breasts
• Take photographs
• Discuss your options and recommend a course of treatment
• Discuss likely outcomes of breast implant removal surgery and any risks or potential complications

The success and safety of your breast implant removal procedure depend very much on your complete candidness during your consultation. You’ll be asked several questions about your health, desires, and lifestyle.

Be sure to ask Prof. Moawad questions. It’s imperative to understand all aspects of your breast implant removal surgery. It’s natural to feel some anxiety. Don’t be shy about discussing these feelings with your cosmetic

What are the Risks of Breast Implant Removal?

The decision to have breast implant removal surgery is dependent on many factors, including your overall health, if the implant is leaking, if the implant has ruptured, and your personal desire. You’ll have to decide if the benefits will achieve your goals and if the risks and potential complications of breast implant removal are acceptable.

Your cosmetic surgeon and/or staff will explain in detail the risks associated with surgery. You will be asked to sign consent forms to ensure that you fully understand the procedures you will undergo and any risks or potential complications.

The possible risks of breast implant removal surgery include, but are not limited to:

• Bleeding
• Infection
• Poor healing of incisions
• Hematoma
• Anesthesia risks
• Fluid accumulation (seroma)
• Skin loss
• Numbness or other changes in skin sensation
• Numbness or other changes in nipple/areola sensation
• Skin discoloration and/or prolonged swelling
• Unfavorable scarring
• Recurrent looseness of skin
• Fatty tissue found deep in the skin might die (fat necrosis)
• Deep vein thrombosis, cardiac and pulmonary complications
• Asymmetry
• Suboptimal aesthetic result
• Possibility of revision surgery
• Persistent pain
• Scarring

How Should I Prepare for Breast Implant Removal?

In preparing for breast implant removal, you may be asked to:

• Get lab testing or a medical evaluation
• Take certain medications or adjust your current medications
• Stop smoking
• Avoid taking aspirin, anti-inflammatory drugs, and herbal supplements as they can increase bleeding.

Breast implant removal surgery is typically performed in a hospital or licensed ambulatory surgery setting and will likely use general anesthesia. If your breast implant removal is performed on an outpatient basis, be sure to arrange for someone to drive you to and from surgery and to stay with you for at least the first night following surgery. Address all your questions directly with Prof. Moawad.

What are the Steps of a Breast Implant Removal Procedure?

Step 1 – Anesthesia Medications are administered for your comfort during the surgical procedure. The choices include intravenous sedation and general anesthesia. Your doctor and anesthesiologist will recommend the best option for you.

Step 2 – The incision a breast implant removal requires an incision to be placed along the lower fold of your breast (the inframammary fold) or an incision around or below the areola.

Step 3 – The operation will depend on your surgery and your surgeon. Often, the breast capsules and implants are removed using a combination of techniques.

Step 4 – Closing the incisions sutures, skin adhesives, tapes, or clips close the skin incisions. Your breast implant removal will result in a different shape of the breast profile, which may be flatter or droopier than before surgery and have irregularities and/or indentations. You may also notice that the breast can take on a different shape with indentations depending on how much scar tissue was produced around your implants.

What Should I Expect During Breast Implant Removal Recovery?

Following your breast implant removal surgery, gauze dressings or bandages, and you may have drains. You may be placed in a support bra or surgical garment, and there are times that a compression garment may be used to minimize swelling following surgery. After your procedure, you may need to have small drains, thin tubes temporarily placed under the skin within the pocket to drain any excess blood or serous fluid that may collect.

You will be given specific instructions that may include:

• How to care for your surgical site(s) following surgery
• Medications to apply or take orally to aid healing and reduce the risk of infection
• Specific concerns to look for at the surgical site or in your general health
• When to follow up with Prof. Moawad

Be sure to ask Prof. Moawad particular questions about what you can expect during your individual recovery period.

• Where will I be taken after my surgery is complete?
• What medication will I be given or prescribed after surgery?
• Will I have dressings/bandages after surgery? When will they be removed?
• Will there be drains? For how long?
• When can I bathe or shower?
• When can I resume regular activity and exercise?
• When do I return for follow-up care?

Healing will continue for several weeks as swelling decreases. Continue to follow Prof Moawad’s instructions and attend follow-up visits as scheduled.

What Results Should I Expect After Breast Implant Removal?

The results of breast implant removal surgery will depend on the size of the implants being removed and the quantity and quality of the breast tissue left. The scar tissue that was surrounding your implants also will play a significant role in your overall outcome. Healing can take up to one year before the results are visible. Swelling and postoperative changes will also need time before the results.

The practice of medicine and surgery is not an exact science. With this surgery, the results are not always cosmetic because the breast tissue is thin because of having implants for an extended period. The results can also be affected if the implants have been leaking. It may not be possible to achieve optimal results with a single surgical procedure in some situations, and another surgery may be necessary. It may also be required to have a mastectomy if silicone has gone throughout the breast and the free-floating silicone is no longer within the scar tissue.

When you go home, if you experience shortness of breath, chest pains, or unusual heartbeats, seek medical attention immediately. Should any of these complications occur, you may require hospitalization and additional treatment. Following your physician’s instructions is key to the success of your surgery. It is essential that surgical incisions are not subjected to excessive force, abrasion or motion during the time of healing. Your doctor will give you specific instructions on how to care for yourself.