# Breast Implant Removal

> Citation bundle for Breast Implant Removal on The Treatment Registry.
> URL: https://thetreatmentregistry.com/procedures/breast-implant-removal
> Bundle URL: https://thetreatmentregistry.com/api/citations/procedures/breast-implant-removal

- Category: cosmetic-surgery

## Description

A breast implant is a prosthesis used to change the size, shape, and contour of a person's breast. In reconstructive plastic surgery, breast implants can be placed to restore a natural-looking breast following a mastectomy, to correct congenital defects and deformities of the chest wall or, cosmetically, to enlarge the appearance of the breast through breast augmentation surgery.

## Overview

Breast implant removal, also called explantation, is the surgical removal of one or both breast implants that were previously placed for reconstruction or for cosmetic augmentation. A breast implant is a prosthesis used to change the size, shape and contour of the breast, and implants come in several types defined by their filler, including saline, silicone gel, structured and composite designs. Removal is often prompted by complications that can arise with long-standing implants. Among these are capsular contracture, in which scar tissue tightens and hardens around the implant, and capsular rupture; both are monitored with MRI scanning and physical examination. Other reasons include breast pain, altered sensation, infection, implant rupture, visible wrinkling, asymmetry, thinning of the overlying breast tissue, symmastia and a fluid collection around the breast. A rare but significant indication is breast implant-associated anaplastic large-cell lymphoma (BIA-ALCL), a cancer of the immune system associated with textured-surface and polyurethane-foam-covered implants. Explantation is not unusual over the lifetime of an implant: reported figures indicate that about 20 percent of women with cosmetic implants and 50 percent of those with reconstructive implants required removal by the ten-year mark. Complications and re-operations related to implant surgery can also cause unfavourable scarring in a small proportion of patients.

## Common risks

- thick, obvious scarring
- the breast feeling hard because scar tissue has shrunk around the implant (capsular contracture)
- creases or folds in the implant
- the implant rotating within the breast, resulting in an abnormal shape
- when breastfeeding, producing slightly less breast milk than you would without implants
- bleeding and clots – blood clots can be life threatening

## FAQs

### How much breast enlargement costs?

In the UK, breast implant surgery costs around £3,500 to £8,000. This does not usually include the cost of consultations or follow-up care.

### What to think about before you have a breast enlargement?

Before you go ahead, be sure about why you want breast implants. Take time to think about your decision.

### How long breast implants last?

Breast implants do not last a lifetime. It's likely they'll need to be replaced at some point.

### What a breast enlargement involves?

Breast implant surgery is usually carried out under [general anaesthetic](https://www.nhs.uk/tests-and-treatments/general-anaesthesia/).

### What could go wrong?

Breast implants can sometimes cause problems, including:

### What to do if you have problems?

Cosmetic surgery can sometimes go wrong, or the results may not be what you were expecting.