Understanding Breast Implant Removal
Breast implant removal, or explant surgery, involves taking out implants and can be combined with a breast lift or immediate replacement. During consultations, our surgeons will discuss your goals to ensure you receive suitable treatment and meet your expectations.
What is breast implant removal?
Although silicone and gel implants do not have a set expiry, they typically last 10-15 years, sometimes up to 20 years. Often, revision surgery for implant replacement is due to changes in natural breast tissue, such as sagging or scar tissue forming around the implant, known as capsular contracture, rather than issues with the implant itself.
In some cases, implants are removed for medical reasons, but many women opt for replacements to enhance body image, confidence, and psychological well-being. This procedure allows the opportunity to update your implants to better match your preferences or to have them removed altogether.
Procedure at a glance
Benefits of implant removal & replacement
Comfort
Over time, implants may move or rotate, causing discomfort, pain, or complications such as scar tissue forming around the implant (capsular contracture), rupture, or displacement. By removing and replacing the implants, we can address these issues, alleviate pain, and enhance the overall health of your breasts.
Cosmetic Appearance
You may feel that your breast implants are too large, too small, or uneven. Removing and replacing implants can help adjust their size, shape, and projection. Over time, natural ageing may alter breast size or shape as implants shift, creating a deflated look. Implant removal and replacement can address these concerns effectively.
Body Confidence
Cosmetic and personal goals can shift over time, making additional surgery an option to adjust your breasts to fit your current aspirations. This change in appearance can improve your confidence and self-esteem, resulting in a natural look.
High-Quality Implants
You might be considering upgrading your current implants, and implant replacement surgery allows for this. Many women opt to have additional procedures at the same time to achieve their desired outcomes.
Why remove or replace breast implants
Women come to Beverley Clinic for their breast implant removal surgery for many reasons. Some of the most common include:
Pricing Guide
Implant removal procedure process
Our surgeons will perform the surgery while you are under general anaesthesia, and it will take between 1-3 hours. Although breast implant removal is typically an outpatient procedure, an overnight hospital stay might be needed depending on the complexity. Recovery is similar to that of breast augmentation and will require a suitable post-surgery bra or compression garment. We will guide you through each stage of recovery and advise on how to prepare before the procedure.
Request a no-obligation call with one of our surgeons
Take the first step towards achieving your desired look by booking a consultation with one of our experienced surgeons today
Discuss with a surgeon
If you are thinking about breast implant removal or have questions about the procedure, discussing it with a surgeon at Beverley Clinic can provide valuable insights specific to your needs.
Our experienced team is committed to helping you understand your options and reach your aesthetic goals, ensuring you feel confident and informed every step of the way.
Our clients experience at Beverley Clinic
Breast Implant Removal Patient
I’m still in disbelief I have had no pain at all no sickness!
I am 9 days post op for an implant removal with capsulectomy and an uplift with Mr Pieri, thank goodness I found him. I had my implants in for 20 years I knew I had capsules I was so unsure if I could get them removed and live happily with my new look or get further implants. My face to face consultation with Andrew Pieri was excellent I left that appointment feeling calm and sure about the way forward. I decided on implant removal with uplift without further implants . Andrew has a nice relaxed positive and personal way with his patients. The day of surgery loomed yes I had some nerves as two breast ops in the past left me in pain feeling sick and distressed after the ops. I’m still in disbelief I have had no pain at all no sickness! A feeling of tightness and some soreness I have to stop myself from doing too much as I feel so well. The team were also great working together in a calm environment. Such a feeling of relief after dreading this procedure for so long, I’m embracing my new smaller breasts in fact I think I look better as they are more in proportion to my body type.
Frequently asked questions
Our FAQs section provides comprehensive answers to the most common inquiries regarding our procedures, helping you to make informed decisions and gain clarity on what to expect throughout your journey at Beverley Clinic.
What are the main risks?
In rare cases the point at which all the scars meet under the breast the wound can separate slightly which needs dressings for a few more days. When the breast is moulded back in to a round shape small areas of your fat under the skin can become firm as it heals – this generally settles over a few months and is rarely visible with the naked eye. Occasionally the nipples can be numb for a period, but rarely forever.
When can I wear a proper bra?
We generally advise 8 weeks in a sports bra and then the swelling will have sufficiently settled to allow you to get measured for a proper bra.
If implants aren’t replaced, what will my breasts look like?
After implant removal surgery, your chest may initially appear empty as your body adjusts and tissues begin to reshape. Your breasts might look slightly deflated and could sag or have excess skin. A breast lift can address these issues, improving the appearance.
Will I feel better after having my breast implants removed?
If you are experiencing chronic pain due to implants, removal might be a suitable solution. This procedure can address issues such as uneven breasts, pain, deflated implants, and visible wrinkling or rippling. Additionally, if you’ve changed your mind about your appearance, this surgery offers a way to achieve your desired look and improve satisfaction with your appearance.
How to know if I have capsular contracture?
Capsular contracture refers to the formation of a scar tissue capsule around foreign material in the body. This leads to excessive fibrosis, which involves the hardening of tissues, including collagen, beyond normal protective layers. Over time, this layer can encase the entire surface of your implants. Symptoms may include breast pain, firmness, tightness, and uneven breasts or nipples.
About 10% of breast augmentation patients experience capsular contracture, with 75% noticing it within the first two years after scar tissue has healed. If you suspect capsular contracture, schedule a consultation with Mr Pieri to discuss options for implant removal and replacement.
How long is breast implant removal recovery?
Full recovery from your surgery will take up to 6 weeks. You can return to work after seven days, but should avoid heavy lifting and strenuous exercise. Between 4 and 6 weeks post-operation, you can gradually resume normal activities, while still taking care during your recovery.
Initially, your breasts may appear swollen and feel tight, but this should decrease within the first six weeks as healing occurs. You will need to wear a post-operative support bra to help with healing, reduce the risk of infection, and minimise swelling. Mr Pieri will also prescribe pain medication to provide relief and comfort during your recovery.
Will the NHS remove breast implants?
Breast augmentation and implant removal are cosmetic procedures primarily aimed at achieving personal preferences, not addressing health issues, and are typically not offered on the NHS. Exceptions include cases where PIP implants were provided by the NHS for self-esteem or if an implant ruptures (although replacement or uplift won’t be covered). Generally, breast implant removal is not available on the NHS, so you would need to consult a private surgeon like Mr Pieri.
How much is breast implant removal surgery?
Breast implant removal in Newcastle is tailored to your specific needs and cosmetic goals. Mr Pieri conducts an assessment to understand any existing breast issues, allowing him to provide an accurate and fixed price.
To receive a quotation for breast implant removal, replacement, or a removal with a breast lift, please book a consultation. You can also find more information about the costs involved.
Will I have scars after my implant removal?
The scar tissue from breast surgery varies depending on the procedure. For implant removal and replacement, the same incision as your previous surgery, typically under the breast crease, is used. This allows for old implants to be removed and replaced. If implants are removed without replacement, the same approach is followed, but new implants are not added.
Some choose to combine implant removal with a breast lift to reshape natural breast tissue. This may require new incisions around the nipple and towards the breast crease to achieve desired results.
This combined approach is common as skin can stretch around implants, leaving excess loose skin once they are removed. Combining surgeries can lead to higher satisfaction and better alignment with cosmetic goals.
Do gel and saline implants have different shelf lives?
Breast implants are made to be durable and long-lasting. Silicone, saline, and gel implants typically last 10-20 years. The lifespan is generally determined by how your body responds to the implants rather than any fault in the implants themselves.
Do saline implants need to be replaced?
Both silicone and saline implants can last up to 20 years, with some individuals keeping them longer. Some women may only need 1-2 removal or replacement surgeries in their lifetime. This varies due to external factors affecting health and implants.
Older implants can become less durable over 20 years, increasing the risk of rupture or leaks. Fortunately, modern implants are less likely to rupture. The choice to replace implants often depends on personal body goals and natural events like weight changes, pregnancy, and ageing.
How often should my breast implants be replaced?
Breast implants typically last 10-15 years, but some patients may exceed this timeframe. You do not need to routinely remove or replace them unless you notice an issue, a change in appearance, or wish to achieve a different cosmetic goal. Therefore, aesthetics and health concerns are the primary reasons for deciding on implant replacement or removal, rather than the age of the implants or the surgery itself.
