Breast Implant Removal FAQs – Q&A about Explant Surgery

, also known as explant surgery, involves the removal of breast implants. Breast implant removal surgery is commonly combined with a or in the same procedure to enhance breast volume and shape. Centre for Surgery in London is considered the leading plastic surgery clinic in the UK, with expertise in all types of breast surgery, including implant . Here, we answer your most commonly asked questions about breast implant .

BREAST IMPLANT REMOVAL OVERVIEW

After implant removal, the breasts will initially appear deflated. After two weeks, they will partially recover some volume. To enhance the volume and shape of the breasts after removal, explant surgery is commonly combined with a or in the same procedure.

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Although breast implants do not have an expiry date, they are not to last forever. Breast generally last between ten and twenty years. Most breast implant manufacturers recommend removing or replacing implants after ten years. Breast implant removal should be performed earlier if a complication occurs, such as or .

People choose to get removal for the following reasons:

Common to have explant include:

Although there is no absolute requirement to change breast implants after ten years, several factors can affect the appearance of your breasts over time, pregnancy and the natural ageing process. Breast removal or replacement can be an excellent option to maintain a youthful-looking appearance.

In the UK, it is highly recommended to have an annual check of your breast implants to rule out silent rupture. A physical examination should be supplemented with an ultrasound scan or MRI scan. MRI scans are recommended three years after surgery and every two years after that.

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SUITABILITY FOR BREAST IMPLANT REMOVAL

Yes. Centre for Surgery observes a mandatory reflection period between your and your surgery date. This ensures you have had sufficient time to consider your decision fully, ask any remaining questions, and feel completely confident before proceeding. Your surgeon will confirm the specific timeframe at your consultation.

We do not recommend getting breast implant removal if you plan to become pregnant in the next six months or are currently pregnant.

If you would like to achieve youthful-looking breasts after having breast implants removed, then a breast lift is often recommended. It generally depends on the final results you are hoping to achieve.

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Having a breast lift after breast implant removal is an excellent option to restore a younger-looking appearance to your breasts. At your consultation, your surgeon will determine whether to have a breast lift at the same time as breast implant removal or as a second procedure a few months later.

Your surgeon may recommend stopping certain medications that could increase the risk of bleeding, including aspirin and other blood thinners. You may also be asked to have blood tests in of the procedure. You should stop smoking at least four weeks before and after surgery to minimise the risk of complications.

BREAST IMPLANT REMOVAL PROCEDURE

The surgeon will make an incision through the existing scar from the original breast surgery — most commonly in the . The implant will then be carefully removed with or without the surrounding breast capsule, followed by wound closure with stitches.

Breast implant surgery involves making an incision in the lower breast crease. Through this incision, the implants are removed along with part or all of the surrounding breast capsule.

Silicone breast implants are typically removed under general anaesthetic through the same incision from the original surgery.

Breast implant capsules do not always have to be removed — if they are soft and thin, they can often be left in situ and will be absorbed by the body. Thick and hardened breast capsules are best removed with a full capsulectomy, also known as en bloc removal. A capsulectomy may be an option in selected cases.

This surgical technique involves the total removal of the breast capsule and implant together in one monoblock without opening the capsule. This minimises contamination of adjacent breast tissue and is ideal for moderate to severe grades of capsular contracture.

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Breast implant removal surgery involves a general anaesthetic for your comfort and is performed at our Baker Street clinic in Marylebone. The procedure takes between one and two hours to carry out, and may take longer if combined with a breast lift or fat transfer.

You will not experience any discomfort during this procedure. General anaesthesia will be used so that you will be unconscious throughout.

All surgical procedures at Centre for Surgery are performed as a day case, which means you will be able to go home later the same day once you have recovered from the effects of the anaesthetic.

RECOVERY AFTER BREAST IMPLANT REMOVAL

Most people find they need between six and eight weeks to recover fully from breast implant removal surgery.

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We would recommend taking one week off work to allow you to rest and heal without distraction during the early phase after surgery.

You should avoid any strenuous exercise for a minimum of six weeks after surgery. Light walks around the home are actively encouraged during the first two weeks after surgery.

Jogging should be avoided for a minimum of four to six weeks after surgery.

You can safely have a shower after 48 hours, using lukewarm water only and for no longer than ten minutes at a time.

Driving a car should be avoided for a minimum of one week after breast implant removal.

You must sleep on your back for at least six to eight weeks after implant removal. This helps to minimise excessive stress on the surgical incision.

You should avoid sleeping on your side for at least six weeks to minimise the pressure applied to the breasts.

A medical-grade compression bra should be worn for the first six weeks to help support your breasts properly during the healing phase. Choose a bra that fastens from the front, as these are easy to put on and remove, minimising arm movements.

Light walks are actively encouraged during the first two weeks after surgery to promote healthy blood circulation. Vigorous exercise, including going to the gym, should be avoided as this could affect your healing.

It is not uncommon for the breasts to look saggy or droopy after breast implant removal due to the skin stretching out around the . The skin can be tightened after breast implant removal by combining explant surgery with a breast lift.

Yes. Scars will be in the same position as the original surgery scars, although they may be slightly larger. Scar formation can be by avoiding smoking, avoiding hot showers, keeping well hydrated, eating a healthy diet, wearing your compression garment as directed, and looking out for signs of infection.

Breast massage after explant surgery can help to speed up your . Use the palms of your hands to cup the upper part of the breasts, applying downward pressure for no more than a few seconds at a time before releasing gently. Repeat on the other side and also work from the lower breast upwards.

BREAST IMPLANT REMOVAL RESULTS

The final results of the implant removal can take several weeks to appear. Initially, the breasts will look deflated, although some breast volume will be restored after three to four weeks.

The fluffing process differs between patients, although it generally takes between six and nine months for most people. Some patients may experience fluffing as early as three months after surgery.

The breasts may initially appear saggy due to the loss of the skin support provided by the breast implants. Factors that can affect the appearance of the breasts include hormonal changes, significant in weight and the natural ageing process.

your breasts might look deflated initially, they will regain some lost volume after approximately four weeks. Whether additional sagging occurs depends on the size of the implants that were removed, the elasticity of your skin, and whether a breast lift is performed at the same time.

You should feel completely normal after the procedure. There may be some mild bruising and swelling in the area of the breasts during the first two weeks after surgery.

You should avoid for a minimum of three months after implant removal surgery.

RISKS AND COMPLICATIONS OF BREAST IMPLANT REMOVAL

Breast implant is a safe procedure when performed by a qualified and experienced plastic surgeon at Centre for Surgery in London. The risk of complications is reduced when surgery is performed in a CQC-registered facility.

Most patients experience only mild discomfort during the early recovery phase, and it is often considered to be much more comfortable than the original breast implant surgery.

There are several recognised risks of breast implant removal, including:

is thought to be linked to having breast implants. The most recognised symptoms include:

Breast implant illness occurs in approximately one in 2,000 to one in 80,000 people, depending on the type of implant.

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Symptoms of breast implant illness commonly improve after the removal of breast implants.

Free silicone, which can occur when silicone leaks from a breast implant, may potentially be addressed after removal of the implants. The best way to assess whether detoxification is needed and determine an appropriate course of action is to consult with a specialist plastic surgeon experienced in this area.

Breast implants have been associated with connective tissue of autoimmune origin in some patients.

BREAST IMPLANT REMOVAL COSTS AND FINANCE

Breast implant is usually considered a cosmetic procedure and is not typically covered by the NHS. In some cases — such as if the implants are causing discomfort or medical problems, or in the case of a product recall — removal may be funded by the NHS. Consult with a healthcare professional to determine if you may be eligible.

Breast implant removal may or may not be covered by medical insurance, depending on the specific policy and the circumstances of the case. Some insurance companies cover removal if it is deemed medically necessary, such as if the implants are causing health issues. Check with your insurance provider to determine your .

Centre for Surgery partners with Chrysalis Finance, the leading provider of specialist finance in the UK. We offer a full range of finance options to suit a range of budgets, including 0% finance for applicants.

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Breast Implant Removal & Explant Surgery at Centre for Surgery

Centre for Surgery is the leading plastic surgery clinic in the UK and is home to some of the most experienced plastic surgeon consultants in London. We have years of experience in all types of breast surgery, including explant surgery. Women may request breast implant removal to treat a complication of breast implants or because they no longer wish to have breast implants for lifestyle reasons.

Call us today on or complete the contact form below to schedule an in-person consultation at our state-of-the-art cosmetic surgery clinic in Marylebone.

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