Breast implant removal is a surgical procedure to remove previously placed breast implants. Women may choose this surgery for a variety of reasons, including discomfort, changes in breast appearance, personal preference, or medical concerns. During the procedure, our surgeon carefully removes the implants and may also address any changes in breast tissue or skin. In many cases, a breast lift is performed at the same time to restore a natural, youthful shape and improve overall breast contour after the implants are removed.
Implant removal surgery can treat a range of issues that an individual might experience after a breast augmentation, such as:
Scar tissue (capsular contracture)
Implant malfunction
Unhappiness with the breast implants
No matter the reason, breast implant removal can change the results of a previous breast augmentation treatment. Before your surgery, our board-certified plastic surgeons will discuss your preferences and determine the best way to help you reach your cosmetic goals.
Breast implant removal is typically performed under general anesthesia, which means you will be completely asleep and free of pain during the surgery. In some cases, depending on the complexity of the procedure and your surgeon’s recommendation, local anesthesia with sedation may be used. Anesthesia ensures safety, comfort, and a smooth surgical experience.
The surgeon will make carefully planned incisions to access the implants. These incisions are often placed in the same location as the original breast augmentation scars – commonly under the breast (inframammary), around the areola (periareolar), or in the armpit (transaxillary). The goal is to remove the implants while minimizing visible scarring and preserving the natural contour of the breasts.
Once the incisions are made, the surgeon carefully removes the breast implants. The technique used can vary depending on the type of implant (saline or silicone), whether it is placed above or below the muscle, and the condition of the surrounding tissue. During this step, the surgeon ensures that any capsule (scar tissue that naturally forms around the implant) is addressed. In some cases, part or all of the capsule is removed – a process called capsulectomy – to improve breast shape or address medical concerns.
After the implants are removed, the surgeon evaluates the remaining breast tissue and skin. Because the skin and tissue may have stretched over the years, adjustments are often needed to restore a natural, lifted shape. This may involve performing a breast lift (mastopexy) to remove excess skin, tighten tissue, and reposition the nipple and areola for a more youthful contour.
Finally, the incisions are carefully closed using sutures designed to minimize scarring. The surgeon may also use surgical adhesives or tape for additional support. Proper closure helps maintain the new breast shape and ensures that the healing process produces smooth, discreet scars.
After taking out the implants and any scar tissue, we can perform a breast lift, fat transfer, or both. There are also several options to replace volume following an implant removal to improve the shape of the breast. We can discuss these options during your consultation.
Recovery time for breast surgery will vary for every patient. After the implant removal, small drains may be placed to decrease swelling and fluid retention. For the first few weeks, patients should limit strenuous exercise until instructed otherwise. Optimal results occur 4-6 months following the operation. Here is a more detailed timeline:
During the first 24 hours after breast implant removal, most patients experience some discomfort, swelling, and bruising. Pain medication prescribed by your surgeon can help manage discomfort. Patients need to rest, keep the upper body elevated, and avoid any movements that strain the chest muscles or incisions.
In the first week, swelling and bruising may begin to improve, and patients can move around the house with ease. Most women simply continue to take it easy, avoiding lifting heavy objects or raising their arms above their heads. It’s normal for the breasts to feel firm or tight as the body adjusts to the absence of implants.
By the second and third weeks, swelling continues to decrease, and many patients can return to light daily activities. They start to feel more comfortable in normal clothing, although strenuous activity should still be avoided. The body is still healing internally, so support garments or surgical bras are often recommended.
During weeks four through six, patients notice significant improvement in swelling and overall breast appearance. They begin gradually resuming low-impact exercise or light chores, but any strenuous activity should still be postponed until cleared by the surgeon. The body is strengthening and reshaping itself, so gentle movements are encouraged.
After six weeks, patients can safely return to most forms of exercise and daily activities, including strenuous activity if approved by their surgeon. We continue to monitor healing and follow any long-term care instructions. By this stage, the body has largely adapted to the changes, and scars begin to mature and fade.
Women who have previously undergone a breast augmentation procedure and are experiencing discomfort, dissatisfaction with their results, or want to remove their implants for personal reasons may be candidates for breast implant removal at Forma Plastic Surgery. Of course, it is important to consult with our board-certified plastic surgeon to discuss your options and determine if breast implant removal is the right choice. Women in good overall health with realistic expectations for results are ideal candidates, but please keep in mind that each patient is unique and may require a different approach.
Breast implant removal performed by our doctors may assist you with finding a renewed aesthetic and an elevated amount of comfort with quite a few amazing advantages, some of which are:
Lets you reevaluate implant shape or totally take them out
Takes care of capsular contracture and associated pain
Eases spinal discomfort
Takes out painful scarring
Takes care of ruptured implants
Benefits movement and physical activity
Takes away fears of rupture and health risks
Makes mammograms less obstructed and more readable
No more replacing implants every 10-15 years
Downtime is relatively brief
The cost of breast implant removal in Scottsdale typically ranges from $4,000 to $8,000, depending on factors such as anesthesia fees, operating room charges, and whether additional procedures like a total capsulectomy are needed. Prices can vary based on the surgeon’s experience, the complexity of the surgery, and the extent of breast tissue or skin adjustment required. Most patients find that discussing these details during a consultation helps them understand the full cost and plan accordingly.
Lots of circumstances could cause you to feel dissatisfied with your existing breast implants. Whether they’re the wrong shape, size, or texture, Forma Plastic Surgery can help you attain the look you desire with breast implant removal. At your consultation, we will speak with you about your choices to improve the look and feel of your breasts. To receive additional information, please contact our office in Scottsdale, AZ.
Yes, you are. Breast implant removal surgery at Forma Plastic Surgery is performed under general anesthesia.
Yes. Should you desire to increase the size of your existing implants, your surgeon at Forma Plastic Surgery can remove the current breast implants and put in larger ones. During your consultation, discuss your goals with your doctor so they fully grasp the outcome you want.
Preparing for surgery includes following pre-operative instructions, such as avoiding certain medications, arranging for transportation after your removal procedure is complete, and making lifestyle adjustments to aid with recovery.
Recovery times can vary, but most patients can return to normal activities within a week, though complete recovery may take several weeks. Swelling, bruising, and discomfort are common initially but should diminish over time.
After recovery, maintaining a stable weight through a healthy diet and regular exercise can help sustain the aesthetic results of surgery and overall breast health.
Many patients opt for a breast lift during the same surgery as implant removal to improve the appearance of sagging breasts and ensure a more youthful contour post-procedure.
Breast implant illness (BII) is a condition that some patients report experiencing after breast augmentation. While the exact cause is not fully understood, it is believed that immune system reactions, implant complications, or underlying autoimmune disease may contribute to common symptoms, such as fatigue, joint pain, and brain fog. For this reason, many women decide to remove breast implants to alleviate these symptoms and improve their overall well-being.
En bloc removal is a surgical technique in which the implant and surrounding capsule tissue are removed together as one unit, preserving the integrity of the implant and breast tissue. This approach is often recommended for cases involving implant rupture, silicone leakage, or other complications. Many women choose this method to ensure that the capsule tissue is fully removed. En bloc removal can be more complex than standard removal, but the entire process helps minimize the risk of leaving behind problematic tissue and provides optimal outcomes. This procedure can be performed for both silicone and saline implants, depending on the patient’s needs.
Yes. To ensure excellent results after breast implant removal, Scottsdale residents should seek board-certified plastic surgeons experienced in surgical procedures involving the breasts. These surgeons carefully remove implants, address surrounding scar tissue, and restore the natural contour of augmented breasts. Depending on the patient’s goals, procedures may also involve adjustments to implant size or fat grafting to enhance shape. Whether women remove implants due to health concerns or personal preference, the advanced skills of our board-certified surgeon help them feel confident in their results. Schedule a consultation today to discuss your options and create a personalized plan.
