Breast Implant Removal

Breast implant removal is a personal choice but many patients who do decide to have their implants removed are; • Not happy with the way their breast implants look. • Have experienced shifting, sagging, or changes due to age, weight fluctuations, or pregnancy. • Have developed a capsular contracture which means the scar tissue around the implants is getting harder or tighter. • One or both implants have leaked or ruptured. • Simply want to return to their original breast size. Deciding if to go ahead with breast implant removal is generally only a decision that you can make, but to help you feel more informed about the procedure and what to expect we recommend booking a consultation with one of our expert breast surgeons who will be able to explain the procedure in more detail and answer any questions that you may have.

Breast implant removal surgery will take place in hospital. After your pre-op checks have been carried out your surgeon will meet with you again to go over what is going to happen and answer any questions. You will then be taken to the theatre and general anaesthetic will be administered.

Whilst under general anaesthetic, the surgical procedure will take place. Your surgeon will aim to remove your implants through your original incision. The implant will be removed and the area cleaned. If requested, a full enbloc procedure will be carried out at this stage. Your incision will then be closed and taped and you will be taken to recovery to recover from the anaesthetic.

After the procedure, you will be returned to your room where you will be under observation until your doctor has cleared you to go. Usually, breast implant removal procedures are performed as a day case procedure so you will be able to return home the same day as your procedure.

We do advise patients to wait for at least 6 months after having a breast augmentation before considering breast implant removal.

However, if you are looking to remove your implants due to complications such as a ruptured implant or capsular contraction then this can be performed as soon as possible to relieve you of any pain or discomfort.

If you are unhappy with the appearance of your breasts following breast implant surgery, then it is important to discuss this with your surgeon. Although the results from breast augmentation are instant, it can take up more than a few weeks for the implants to fully settle and for any swelling to clear before you can see your final results. This is why surgeons do prefer you to wait at least 6 months before deciding on breast implant removal surgery.

Enbloc surgery is when the breast implant and capsule are both removed in one piece. The implant should still be within the balloon of the capsule when it is removed from the body.

This can be a very difficult procedure and there are some cases where an enbloc is not possible. This usually occurs when the capsule is attached to vital tissues, or it is too thin and delicate to be removed in one piece.

When an enbloc is not possible, surgeons will instead work to remove as much as the capsule as possible from the implant before removal and then remove remaining scar tissue from the rest of the breast pocket.

In some cases the removal of the capsule could case damage to vital tissues like the rib cage which could lead to unnecessary damage to the lungs if there is any attempt to remove it. In cases like this, the capsule will remain in place, but surgeons will take steps to allow proper healing including sterilising the remaining capsules.

To find out more about enbloc procedures please contact us to book a consultation with one of our expert breast surgeons.

What is capsular contracture?

All breast implants form a capsule around the implant which is a natural process. Capsular contraction occurs when the tissue of the capsule becomes tight and distorts the shape of the implant. Those that have capsular contracture may find that their breasts change in shape, feel hard and they may also experience pain or discomfort.

Capsular contracture is a rare side effect but is more common in those who have experienced it before which is often why implant removal is advised instead of implant replacement. However implant replacement is still possible, and the full risks and conditions of surgery will be explained in more detail during a consultation with your surgeon.

Capsular contracture is one of the most common reasons for breast augmentation revision surgery and surgeons use a grading system known as The Baker System to assess the severity of capsular contracture on their patients.

• Baker I / Grade 1 – This is when there is scar tissue surrounding the implant but there is no change to the shape, size or texture of the breasts. There is no firmness and breasts should feel soft.
• Baker II / Grade 2 – Firmness may be felt around the implant but there is so change to the appearance of the breast
• Baker III / Grade 3 – Breasts will be form and start to change shape such as becoming rounder, sitting higher or becoming bulgy on the top of the chest.
• Baker IIII / Grade 4 – As well as firm breasts and an abnormal shape, the breasts will also become sore and tender.

How is capsular contracture diagnosed?

Your surgeon will perform a physical examination of the breasts to diagnose capsular contracture. No further testing is required. It is common for capsular contracture to occur within the first 2 years after breast implant surgery. Capsular contracture that is diagnosed after 2 years will often require further testing to ensure there is no rupture to the implant.

Ruptured implants are a big cause of late-onset capsular contraction.

In most cases Baker 1 and Baker 2 do not require surgery but more severe cases of capsular contracture will require surgery of capsular removal and implant removal or replacement.