Breast Implant Removal

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.

You should be able to move around soon after having breast enlargement surgery. It can take a few weeks to fully recover from surgery, so you should take a week or 2 off work. You should not drive for at least 1 week. Some surgeons recommend wearing a sports bra 24 hours a day for up to 3 months after breast surgery (check with your surgeon). Avoid heavy lifting or strenuous exercise for at least a month. - After 1 or 2 weeks: your stiches will be removed (unless you had dissolvable stitches). - After 6 weeks: you should be able to return to most of your normal activities. Your scars should also start to fade. - After a few months: your breasts should start to look and feel more natural. You may be able to stop wearing your sports bra. It's safe to sunbathe and fly if you have breast impla

*Reference text adapted from NHS UK under the Open Government Licence v3.0.*