Is Breast Implant Removal Surgery Dangerous?

Many people who had breast implants years ago are now thinking about having them taken out. Some want a more natural look, some have noticed changes in how their implants look or feel, and others simply no longer want implants. Whatever the reason, one of the first questions we hear at Kat & Co in Edgbaston, Birmingham is whether breast implant removal surgery is dangerous.

The short answer is that breast implant removal, sometimes called explant surgery, is a well-established operation, but like any surgery it carries risks. How significant those risks are depends on the type of operation you need, your general health and whether other procedures are carried out at the same time. This guide explains what is involved, the risks to be aware of and what recovery usually looks like, so you can have a well-informed conversation with your surgeon.

What does breast implant removal involve?

Breast implant removal is usually carried out under general anaesthetic. Your surgeon will often use the scar from your original operation, typically in the crease under the breast, to reach and remove the implant.

Over time, the body forms a layer of scar tissue around every implant, known as the capsule. Depending on your situation, your surgeon may recommend:

• Implant removal only: the implant is taken out and the capsule is left in place.
• Partial capsulectomy: part of the capsule is removed.
• Total capsulectomy: the whole capsule is removed, which may be advised if it has thickened or hardened (capsular contracture) or if an implant has ruptured.

Some people also choose to have a breast uplift at the same time, or at a later date, to reshape the breast once the implant has gone. Your surgeon will talk you through which approach suits you and why.

Is breast implant removal surgery dangerous?

For most healthy people, explant surgery is considered a routine procedure when it is carried out by a qualified plastic surgeon in an accredited hospital. That does not mean it is free of risk. Every operation has potential complications, and it is important to understand them before you decide.

General risks of surgery and anaesthesia

• reactions to the anaesthetic
• bleeding, including a collection of blood under the skin (haematoma) that may need a further operation
• infection
• blood clots in the legs or lungs, which is why you will be encouraged to move around soon after surgery

Risks specific to implant removal

• Seroma: a build-up of fluid in the space where the implant was. Drains are sometimes used to reduce this risk.
• Changes in breast shape: the breasts may look flatter, softer or more deflated, particularly if the implants were large or have been in place for many years.
• Asymmetry: the breasts may settle differently from each other.
• Changes in nipple or skin sensation: these are often temporary but can occasionally be permanent.
• Scarring: although the original scar is often reused, scars can still widen or thicken.
• Further surgery: some people later decide to have an uplift or another procedure to improve shape.

A total capsulectomy is a more involved operation than removing the implant alone. Where the capsule is firmly attached to the chest wall or the ribs, there is a small additional risk to surrounding structures, and the operation may take longer. Your surgeon will weigh up the benefits of removing the capsule against these extra risks in your individual case.

What about breast implant illness?

Some people report a range of symptoms, such as tiredness or joint pain, that they link to their implants. This is sometimes described as breast implant illness. Research in this area is ongoing, and it is not possible to say whether removing implants will improve these symptoms for any one person. If this is part of your reason for considering removal, your surgeon will discuss it with you openly and may suggest you also speak to your GP.

What can make surgery riskier?

Certain factors can increase the chance of complications, including:

• smoking or vaping, which affects blood supply and wound healing
• a high body mass index
• conditions such as diabetes or a history of blood clots
• ruptured implants or severe capsular contracture, which can make surgery more complex
• combining several procedures into one operation

Your consultation is the right time to share your full medical history so your surgeon can give you advice that reflects your situation.

How long is the recovery from breast implant removal?

Recovery varies from person to person, and it is usually longer if you have a capsulectomy or an uplift at the same time. As a general guide:

• The first few days: you are likely to feel sore, tight and tired. Many people go home on the day of surgery or after one night.
• The first two weeks: discomfort and swelling usually ease. You will need to wear a supportive bra, and many people return to desk-based work after one to two weeks.
• Up to six weeks: avoid heavy lifting, strenuous exercise and upper body workouts until your surgeon advises it is safe.
• Several months: swelling continues to settle, and the breast tissue gradually adapts to its new shape. Scars fade over 12 to 18 months.

You should contact your clinic straight away if you notice increasing pain, swelling on one side, redness, a high temperature or any discharge from your wounds.

How to reduce your risks

You can help your recovery by choosing a surgeon on the GMC Specialist Register for plastic surgery, stopping smoking well before your operation, following your pre- and post-operative instructions carefully and attending all your follow-up appointments.

At Kat & Co, breast surgery is carried out by consultant plastic surgeons, including our Clinic Director, Mr Andrej Salibi (MD MRCS MSc (AesthPlastSurg) FRCS (Plast), GMC Specialist Register, BAAPS), and Miss Kerstin Oestreich, who has a special interest in cosmetic breast surgery. You can read more about the procedure on our breast implant removal page. If you would like to restore some volume without implants, you may also want to ask about fat transfer breast enlargement.

Is breast implant removal right for you?

Breast implant removal is a personal decision, and there is no right or wrong reason for wanting it. Understanding the risks, the recovery and how your breasts may look afterwards will help you decide with confidence. A face-to-face consultation gives you the chance to ask questions, examine your options and take time to reflect before going ahead.

Book a consultation at Kat & Co in Edgbaston, Birmingham.