Breast implant removal surgery is typically performed for one of three reasons:

• The patient no longer wishes to have implants.
• Implants have worn out after an extended period, usually 15 or more years following the original procedure.
• A relatively rare complication has occurred.

Dr. Steven Varkony is a leading board-certified plastic surgeon who has dealt with all aspects of breast augmentation over his decades-long career. He is here to resolve issues that may come up after problematic procedures by other physicians or that may have occurred due to the passage of time.

Most breast augmentation patients experience no issues once post-operative swelling and discomfort have subsided. A relatively small subset of patients, however, may experience issues that they feel can be resolved by having an implant removed and replaced, or simply removed.

Often, these issues are of a strictly personal nature. Some patients who have had their implants for some time may prefer to have their implants removed for personal reasons such as the desire to have smaller breasts as they get older. Others may want to remove and replace their breast implants in order to “go larger,” correct breast skin sagging as they get older, or to correct breast implant hardening known as capsular contracture which can arise over time in a small minority of patients.

The procedure is a relatively simple one that focuses on safely removing the implant in such a way as to deal with the issues that made the patient want to remove it. Many patients, however, may wish for a revision procedure in which a new implant is placed and other issues involving the shape of the breast are dealt with, perhaps through a breast lift. Breast implant removal and replacement is an out-patient procedure. The patient stays in the recovery room for about an hour after the surgery is completed and then goes home or to a recovery facility, if desired.

The procedures are typically performed at a certified outpatient surgery center. A board-certified anesthesiologist will be involved at all times to ensure the patient’s safety and comfort.

Regardless, it is important that patients not be left alone their first night following a procedure; in most cases, patients simply have a close friend or relative stay with them, although private nursing is also available.

Recovery

Recovery time varies according to the procedure performed. After undergoing breast implant removal, removal and replacement of breast implants, with or without a breast lift, most patients can return to a desk job within three days.