Whether your reasons are medical, personal or cosmetic, deciding to remove breast implants remains a surgical procedure. It calls for thoughtful consideration and the guidance of a qualified specialist.
On this page:
- When might it be an option?
- Available approaches
- How the surgery works
- Cost of breast implant removal
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Some women no longer wish to face repeat operations every decade or so. Others develop discomfort, tightness or pain they attribute to their implants, which leads them to consider having them removed. Problems such as capsular contracture, rupture or leakage can also make further surgery necessary. For others, the decision is more personal – tastes evolve, and many simply prefer a more natural breast shape over time.
In certain cases, replacing the implants with a new size or style may suit expectations better than complete removal, helping maintain body balance.
Modern breast implants have improved a great deal in recent years. New designs are usually more durable, reliable and natural-looking than older types. For this reason, surgeons often advise implant replacement rather than permanent removal, especially if your current implants are causing issues or are many years old.
This page sets out the common reasons for implant removal, the choices available, details of the procedure, and the recovery journey. The goal is to provide clear, reliable information so you can make the best decision together with your consultant.
Why might breast implant removal be considered?
Women may look into breast implant removal for medical, physical or personal reasons.
To avoid repeated surgery every 10–15 years
Implants are not designed to last forever. Even if no obvious problems arise, replacement is generally advised after a decade or so. For many, the prospect of undergoing regular surgery becomes increasingly unwelcome as circumstances and priorities change.
Implant-related complications
Breast implant removal may be necessary when certain complications occur, including:
- Leakage or rupture: can affect breast shape and usually requires corrective surgery.
- Capsular contracture: scar tissue forms around the implant and may tighten, leading to discomfort and changes in breast shape.
- ALCL risk (anaplastic large cell lymphoma): a very rare lymphoma linked to some textured implants used in the past. This is one reason why removal or replacement is advised for older implants.
Although these problems are uncommon, they should be taken seriously when considering your health and long-term well-being.
Discomfort or psychological reasons
Pregnancy, ageing or weight change can make implants feel uncomfortable or less in keeping with your body. Some women prefer to return to a more natural look or simply wish for smaller, subtler breasts. Choosing implant removal in these circumstances is completely valid and can be explored during consultation.
Options if you wish to remove breast implants
Your consultant will assess the best approach with you, taking into account your wishes, your skin condition, and the state of your breast tissue.
Breast implant replacement
If your implants are worn or damaged but you wish to keep volume, replacement may be the preferred option. Modern implants are associated with fewer ruptures, lower contracture rates and reduced ALCL risk than older versions. Implant replacement is often considered as an alternative to full removal.
Complete removal of implants (explantation)
This procedure involves taking out the implants, usually through an incision in the breast crease or occasionally re-using an existing scar. The surgery itself is relatively straightforward, though the cosmetic result may not always be as expected: breasts may appear smaller, flatter or uneven afterwards.
Some women accept this change, while others consider corrective surgery later if needed.
Breast implant removal with uplift
When removing implants, the surgeon may advise a breast lift to address sagging or loss of fullness. A lift is particularly helpful if large implants were used or the skin has stretched significantly.
A breast lift (mastopexy) removes excess skin, firms the supporting tissue and repositions the breast and nipple for a more natural look, without necessarily changing the overall size.
Depending on your skin’s condition, the lift can be carried out at the same time as removal, or several months later (often around six months), once the tissues have settled.
For safety and to limit unnecessary intervention, some capsule tissue may be left in place unless there is severe contracture.
If you specifically ask for complete capsule removal during surgery, this can involve extra time, additional risk and higher cost.
The operation and aftercare following breast implant removal
At your first consultation, you and your surgeon will discuss your concerns, reasons for surgery, and what outcome you are hoping for. Risks, recovery and alternatives will be outlined so that you can make a well-informed choice.
Surgical steps in breast implant removal
Breast implant removal is carried out under general anaesthetic. The time required depends on what is involved:
- Removal only: about 1 hour
- Removal with capsule excision: around 2 hours
- Removal with uplift: about 3 hours
The incision is usually made along the breast crease, giving good visibility and helping avoid new scars. If there is a hard capsule or rupture, the surgeon may remove implant and capsule together to prevent silicone leakage into surrounding tissue.
Aftercare and recovery
Following implant removal, dressings are applied and you will need to wear a supportive surgical bra both day and night for around four weeks. This supports healing and minimises tension on the wounds.
Temporary drains may be used to clear fluid build-up and are normally removed within two to three days. Stitches are taken out after 10–14 days. From this point, gentle massage with moisturising cream can encourage scars to soften and fade.