Breast Implant Removal

Procedure Description:
Sometimes during the course of having breast implants, breast implant removing may become necessary.  Breast implants are, of course, a voluntary cosmetic procedure, however, for medical or personal reasons, an individual may opt to have them removed. Most often, breast implant removal may be needed out of implant malfunction usually involving implant rupture or incomplete healing. Also, the surgery has become common because of implant option such as switching from silicone to saline, or saline to silicone. Depending on the situation, scar tissue may be removed in addition to the breast implants.

Time Required:
Expect breast implant removal surgery to last 30-90 minutes.  The variation in time requirements often depends on the patient's unique case.

In/Out Patient Info:
Outpatient

Side Effects:
Breast implant removal side effects are those typically with any surgery and include temporary discomfort, bruising, and swelling.

Risks:
All surgical procedures carry a risk of infection, bleeding, and reaction to anesthesia. Specific breast implant removal risks can include scarring, decrease or loss in nipple sensation, and sagging skin around the breast

Duration of Results:
Breast implant removal will permanently remove breast implants unless a new breast implant is put in.

Recovery:
Most patients are able to return to work just a few days after a breast implant removal surgery. Recovery from swelling should also take just several days.

Insurance Info:
Because of the cosmetic nature of breast implant removal, insurance usually does not apply. However, if the implant removal is necessary because of complications caused by implant rupture, infection, or other medical reasons, it may qualify for partial or full insurance coverage.

Discomfort Level:
After any surgery, discomfort should be expected.  Breast implant removal discomfort will be minimal if the surgery only involved the removal of the implants. However, if scar tissue was also removed, the discomfort will be similar to the original breast enhancement.

Anesthesia:
The breast implant removal anesthesia of choice can vary. Depending on the extent of surgery, local anesthesia may be used.

Can be Combined With:

For enhanced benefit, breast implant removal can be combined with breast implant replacement, breast lift, or liposuction.

Also Known As:
Removal of Breast Implants, Breast Explant