What will happen to my breasts once the implants are removed?


When you decide to get breast implants I’m sure the last thing on your mind is what will happen if you decide to remove them. You may be surprised to know that it has been reported that  253,594 people worldwide had breast implant removal surgery in 2021 [1].

Why Breast Implant Removal?breast-implant-exchange-the-private-clinic

  1. Cultural trends: Cultural Trends are often a big reason behind implant removals. Many women feel that their implants no longer fit with their lifestyles and so they wish to have them removed.
  2. Capsular Contracture or Rupture: There is a risk of capsular contracture or implant rupture following surgery and often when this occurs a patient may decide to remove them rather than have them replaced
  3. Change in appearance: Ageing, weight fluctuations, and pregnancy can all cause a change in the appearance of the breasts which may result in sagging of the breast. Slight changes like this can alter the appearance of the implants and cause women to seek removal or replacement of the breast implants.
  4. Change of mind: Some patients simply just don’t want breast implants anymore and wish to have them removed.

Find out more about why women choose to have their breast implants removed here.

Will my chest be flat after breast implant removal?

The outcome of implant removal can vary significantly from person to person. There are several factors which can affect the final result. Removing a 200cc implant is going to be different from removing a 600cc implant for example.

There are several factors which can determine the result of your natural bust after implant removal;

  • The quality of your skin’s elasticity –  The better your skin elasticity, the better the skin will bounce back.
  • The size of the implants used – The bigger the implant, the more your skin may have stretched.
  • The amount of breast tissue present – Your natural breast tissue may have reduced or increased since before you had the implants inserted.
  • Pregnancy or weight gain/loss – Lifestyle changes have the potential to increase/decrease your natural breast tissue.

implant-removal-before-after-adrian-richards-the-private-clinic-web
Breast Implant Removal before and after photos

What will my breasts look like after implant removal?

Immediately after implant removal surgery, your breasts will look and feel empty but try not to panic too much. Despite their slightly deflated balloon appearance now, on day 3 your body will realise that the implants have been removed and your breasts will start to regain their former shape.

It can take 3-4 weeks before you can see the final results. it is amazing how much your breast and skin can rebound from the stretching caused by the implants.

What are the options if I am worried about sagging after breast implant removal?

  1. Breast Uplift – Many patients are happy with how their breasts look after the implants have been removed but others may feel they wish to lift the breast with mastopexy surgery. This can be done at the same time as implant removal, or you can wait to see how your natural breasts heal first before committing to further surgery.
  2. Breast Auto Augmentation, or reshaping / reconstruction of the breast – A Breast Auto Augmentation procedure relocates the existing natural breast tissue to take the place of the implant that has been removed. By doing this, it helps the patient to retain volume to the upper portion of the breast without the use of an implant. It can achieve a similar breast size to what you had with implants. This procedure is best performed at the same time as your implant removal procedure. 

before and after results following breast auto augmentation after removing breast implants
Breast Auto Augmentation Before and After Results

After breast implant removal side effects

Your plastic surgeon will go through the risks, side effects and complications associated with breast implant removal surgery. The most common side effects include a change in shape and/or size of the breast.

Like any type of surgery, there may be some side effects which include infection, bleeding, poor healing, fluid accumulation, swelling, asymmetry and deep vein thrombosis.

Side effects following breast implant removal are rare. If you are feeling concerned at any point during your recovery, you will be able to contact The Private Clinic 24/7 to get expert advice and care from our medical team.

Breast Implant Removal at The Private Clinic

The Private Clinic is renowned for setting high standards in the cosmetic industry and we value our excellent reputation for patient safety and satisfaction.

  • The Private Clinic has been treating patients for over 40 years with thousands of women placing their trust in us each year.
  • Top UK specialised best breast surgeons with decades of experience.
  • Dedicated care with your expert breast surgeon and nursing team, and a 24 hour help line.
  • We have state of the art hospital facilities.
  • We are able to offer a variety of procedure options to suit you.
  • 5 Star Trustpilot Rating
  • We believe that our experience and medical expertise will make your surgical journey a reassuring one.

Useful Links

Expert Surgeons

From the first consultation through to your first-class aftercare. We have some of the most experienced and well-respected consultant plastic surgeons in the industry as part of our breast implant removal team including:

Get in touch

To find out more please call 0333 920 2471 or use our online breast removal contact form to request a consultation with one of our expert breast surgeons.

Sources:
  1. American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS)