Breast implant removal is a surgical procedure with Dr. Saltz where he removes a patient’s breast implants from a former augmentation procedure. He can usually enter through the incisions used to place the implants. If the patient has any signs of an unusual amount of scar tissue from capsular contracture, he will remove the hardened capsule of scar tissue along with the implants. If the scar tissue is still soft and malleable, he will likely leave it in place.

Compared with augmentation, the number of women choosing to have their implants removed is quite low. More common is breast revision surgery to either exchange implants that have ruptured, increase implant size, or correct issues such as asymmetry. For a woman after augmentation, at least one and more likely two or more implant revision surgeries will be necessary over her lifetime.

For women choosing to remove and not replace their implants, these are their typical reasons: 

•     Capsular contracture — Capsular contracture is the process of excessive scar tissue forming around the implants causing tightness and pain in the chest. The implants are removed through revision surgery, along with most of the excess scar tissue.

•     Health concerns — Some women have symptoms of a condition being called “breast implant illness.” Although there isn’t any research to specifically link implants to health outcomes, patients anecdotally report these symptoms: fatigue, memory loss, headaches, joint and muscle pain, hair loss, recurring infections, and swollen lymph nodes. The other concern is the recent recall of textured implants by the FDA mentioned above.

·      Age — Some women as they become older don’t want the prospect of their older years having breast implants in place. They simply opt to remove them and have a breast lift. This removes sagging tissue and firms up their breasts and that’s how they want their later years to go.

Once your implants are removed your breasts will not return to how they appeared prior to augmentation. This is because the weight of the implants will have stretched your skin and support tissues. Changes usually also occur in the rib area. It’s highly likely your breasts will be sagging and flattened. They may be uneven.

For the reasons mentioned above, Dr. Saltz typically recommends a breast lift for patients having their implants removed. This is because with a breast lift, Dr. Saltz can remove the loose hanging skin, reposition the remaining breast tissue, and likely relocate the nipple/areola complex. The goal with a breast lift is to return the breasts to a higher position on the chest, which will be important for you to be satisfied with the appearance of your breasts after removing your implants. As mentioned, without a lift, it’s likely your breasts will be quite flat and saggy without the implants. This is especially true the longer you have had implants, and with larger implant sizes.

Yes. Ruptured or leaking implants can and should be safely removed by a qualified plastic surgeon. Saline ruptures are typically easy to identify as the breast deflates, while silicone ruptures may require imaging to detect. Your surgeon will remove the implant and any leaked material, often replacing or removing the surrounding capsule if necessary.

Slightly. Saline implant removal is typically straightforward because the body safely absorbs the saline once the implant deflates. Silicone implant removal may require more precision, especially if a rupture has occurred, to ensure all silicone material is removed and the area is clean.

Breast implants are not lifetime devices. Most last 10-20 years, but some may require removal or replacement sooner due to rupture, shifting, capsular contracture, or personal preference. Regular checkups and imaging help monitor their condition over time.

Breast implant removal involves taking out the implants completely, sometimes with the surrounding scar tissue (capsule). Revision surgery, on the other hand, refers to replacing or adjusting existing implants to improve results or correct complications. Removal focuses on restoring the breasts’ natural shape, while revision maintains or updates the augmentation.