Breast Implant Removal: Before and After, Results and Recovery

Breast implants do not necessarily need to remain in place forever. Some women choose to have them removed because their preferences have changed, while others may be experiencing discomfort, implant complications or changes to the appearance of their breasts.

Whatever the reason, one of the most common questions patients ask is: what will my breasts look like after implant removal?

The answer varies considerably from person to person. Your results will depend on factors including the size of your implants, how long you have had them, the amount of natural breast tissue present and whether the skin has stretched.

This guide explains what to expect from breast implant removal, including possible results, recovery and whether you may benefit from combining removal with a breast uplift.

Why do people choose to have breast implants removed?

There are many reasons why someone may consider breast implant removal, also known as explant surgery.

These can include:

• A change in personal preference
• A desire to return to a more natural breast size
• Discomfort caused by large or heavy implants
• Capsular contracture
• Implant rupture or leakage
• Implant movement or changes in breast shape
• Concerns about future implant maintenance
• Symptoms that the patient believes may be associated with their implants

Some women remain happy with their breast implants for many years but eventually feel that they no longer suit their lifestyle or body shape. Others seek removal because the breasts have changed following pregnancy, weight loss or ageing.

The reason for removal will help determine the most appropriate surgical approach.

What happens during breast implant removal?

Breast implant removal is performed under general anaesthetic. Where possible, the existing scar may be used to access and remove the implant.

The exact procedure can vary. It may involve:

• Removing the breast implant alone
• Removing some or all of the surrounding scar capsule
• Replacing the implant with a different size or type
• Combining implant removal with a breast uplift
• Using fat transfer to restore some breast volume in suitable patients

A capsule is a layer of scar tissue that naturally forms around a breast implant. It does not always need to be removed. Whether partial or complete capsule removal is appropriate will depend on factors such as implant rupture, capsular contracture and the condition of the surrounding tissue.

This should be discussed during your consultation rather than assuming that every implant removal requires a complete capsulectomy.

What will my breasts look like after implant removal?

It is not possible to guarantee exactly how your breasts will look after removal.

Immediately after surgery, the breasts may appear flatter, looser or slightly deflated. There will also be swelling, so the early appearance should not be treated as the final result.

Over the following weeks and months, the tissues begin to settle and the skin may gradually retract. How much it retracts depends on its natural elasticity and the degree to which it has been stretched.

Factors that can affect your result include:

• The original size and shape of your breasts
• The size and weight of the implants
• How long the implants have been in place
• Your age and skin quality
• Pregnancy and breastfeeding
• Significant changes in weight
• The position of the implants
• The amount of natural breast tissue remaining
• Existing breast drooping or asymmetry

Someone with relatively small implants and good skin elasticity may find that the breasts settle well after straightforward removal. A patient with large implants, thin tissue or significant skin stretching may be left with more looseness or drooping.

Will my breasts look the same as they did before implants?

They may not return exactly to their pre-implant appearance.

The breast skin and tissue will have changed with time, regardless of whether implants were present. Ageing, pregnancy, hormonal changes and weight fluctuations can all influence breast shape.

Implants can also stretch the skin, particularly when they are large or have been in place for many years. This means the breasts may look smaller, softer or lower after removal than they did before augmentation.

Your surgeon should assess your breast tissue and explain what can realistically be achieved.

Will I need a breast uplift after implant removal?

Not everyone needs a breast uplift, but it can be beneficial when implant removal is likely to leave significant loose skin or drooping.

A breast uplift, or mastopexy, removes excess skin and reshapes the breast tissue. The nipple may also be moved to a higher position.

Implant removal and uplift may be suitable when:

• The breast skin has been significantly stretched
• The nipples sit low on the breasts
• The breasts already droop over the breast crease
• There is a large difference between the implant and natural breast volume
• Pregnancy, weight loss or ageing has changed the breast shape
• The patient wants a firmer and more lifted result

An uplift involves additional scars compared with implant removal alone. These may sit around the areola, extend vertically down the lower breast and, in some cases, run along the breast crease.

The balance between shape and scarring should therefore be discussed carefully.

Can implants be removed and replaced at the same time?

Yes. Some patients do not want to stop having implants altogether but would prefer a different size, shape or type.

Implant exchange may be considered when:

• You would like smaller or larger implants
• Your current implants no longer suit your body
• An implant has ruptured
• Capsular contracture has affected the breast
• The implants have moved or become asymmetrical
• Older implants need to be assessed or replaced

A smaller replacement implant may reduce breast volume while retaining some upper-breast fullness. However, changing to a much smaller implant can still leave excess skin, so an uplift may also be discussed.

Can fat transfer be used after implant removal?

Fat transfer may be suitable for some patients who want to restore a modest amount of volume without replacing the implants.

Fat is removed from another part of the body using liposuction, processed and then carefully injected into the breasts. Not all transferred fat survives, and the amount that can safely be added in one procedure is limited.

Fat transfer cannot usually reproduce the same increase in size or upper-breast fullness provided by a large implant. However, it may help soften the appearance of the breasts or address minor contour irregularities in selected patients.

Suitability will depend on your anatomy, expectations and whether you have enough donor fat available.

Breast implant removal recovery

Recovery differs according to the extent of surgery. Straightforward implant removal will generally involve a different recovery from implant removal combined with capsulectomy and breast uplift.

In the first few days, you can expect some:

• Swelling
• Bruising
• Tightness or tenderness
• Tiredness
• Temporary changes in breast sensation

You may be advised to wear a supportive surgical bra while the breasts heal. Dressings should be kept clean and dry, and any wound-care instructions must be followed carefully.

Gentle walking is normally encouraged soon after surgery, but strenuous activity and heavy lifting will need to be avoided until your surgeon confirms that it is safe to resume them.

General NHS guidance notes that breast surgery can take several weeks to recover from fully, although your own timetable should always be based on the procedure performed and the advice from your surgical team. 

When can I return to work?

This will depend on your occupation and the extent of your surgery.

Someone with a desk-based role may be able to return sooner than a patient whose job involves lifting, stretching or physical activity. You should also consider whether you can travel comfortably and avoid pressure on the healing breasts.

Your surgeon will give you individual advice based on your operation and progress.

When will I see the final result?

The breasts will change significantly during the first few weeks.

Early swelling gradually reduces, the tissues soften and the skin begins to settle. It can take several months before the result is clear, particularly when implant removal has been combined with an uplift or more extensive capsule surgery.

Scars will initially appear firm or noticeable before gradually maturing. They do not disappear completely, although they should normally become less prominent with time.

What are the possible risks?

All surgery carries risks. These may include:

• Bleeding
• Infection
• Fluid collection
• Delayed wound healing
• Noticeable or raised scars
• Changes in nipple or breast sensation
• Breast asymmetry
• Contour irregularities
• Loose skin or an empty appearance
• Dissatisfaction with the final result
• Blood clots
• Risks associated with general anaesthetic

More extensive capsule removal can carry additional risks because the scar tissue may be close to the ribs or chest wall.

Your surgeon should explain which risks apply to your proposed procedure and what steps are taken to reduce them.

Is breast implant removal right for me?

Breast implant removal is a highly individual decision. The aim should not simply be to remove the implants, but to choose the procedure most likely to leave you comfortable with your resulting breast shape.

During a consultation, your surgeon will assess:

• Your implants and any available implant records
• Your current breast shape
• Skin elasticity
• Natural breast-tissue volume
• The position of the nipples
• Any pain, hardness or changes in appearance
• Whether imaging or further investigation is appropriate
• Your preferred breast size and shape
• Whether removal alone, replacement, uplift or fat transfer may be suitable

You should be given a realistic explanation of both the likely benefits and the limitations of surgery.

Breast implant removal in Bristol

Mr Sherif Wilson offers consultations for women considering breast implant removal in Bristol. He can assess your implants, discuss the changes you have experienced and explain the surgical options that may be appropriate for you.

Every patient is different, so the procedure should be planned around your anatomy, reasons for removal and preferred outcome.

To discuss breast implant removal, implant exchange or removal with a breast uplift, contact the clinic to arrange a consultation.