You’ve decided you want to get your breast implants removed. Maybe you’re feeling like they don’t fit your body well anymore, or maybe you just want to go back to how things were before the surgery.
Whatever your reasons for wanting to remove your implants, this guide will help you understand what’s involved in the process.
What Is Breast Implant Removal?
Breast implant removal is a procedure that removes the breast implants that you may have received to correct a physical problem or for cosmetic reasons. It can be performed by a qualified surgeon who has experience with this type of surgery.
Implants are not a permanent solution — they often need to be removed or exchanged between 10 and 15 years after being placed in your body depending on your preference.
Reasons for Breast Implant Removal
There are several reasons why you might seek to have your breast implants removed. Some of the most common reasons include:
- You no longer like your breasts or how they look
- You want larger or smaller breasts than what was originally implanted
- You have experienced complications that necessitate removals, such as infection or rupture
- Concerns about the safety of silicone gel in breast implants, known as “silicone migration”
- Your body has changed, and this makes it difficult to wear regular bras
- Your implants are interfering with other surgical procedures that you need to be done
Who Qualifies for Breast Implant Removal?
If you’re considering breast implant removal, you’re likely wondering who is eligible for the procedure. The answer: just about anyone who has had breast implants can have them removed.
You may qualify for breast implant removal if:
- You are physically healthy
- You have realistic expectations about the results you will get from the procedure
- You are comfortable with the risks and benefits of the procedure
- You have realistic expectations of what your post-surgery recovery might look like
- You want to remove the implants for aesthetic reasons
- You want to return to your original size and shape
- Your implants are ruptured or leaking
What Are the Risks Associated With Breast Implant Removal?
The risks of breast implant removal are minimal, especially if you’re seeing a doctor who is experienced in the procedure. However, there are some risks associated with the removal of breast implants. These include:
- Infection
- Bleeding and bruising
- Scarring
- Damage to nerves or blood vessels in the area of the surgery
- Loss of sensation in the breast area
- Numbness in the nipple area
These risks may be higher for women who have had their implants for a long time, have had them removed before and have been put back in again, or have had other types of surgery done on their breasts at the same time as the implant removal.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is Breast Implant Removal?
Breast implant removal is a procedure that involves removing the breast implants that were placed during your breast augmentation surgery. During the procedure, your surgeon will remove and replace your old implants with new ones or remove them entirely.
Can I Get My Breasts Back to Their Original Size?
It depends on how much breast tissue you began with before getting implants, but most women go back to their original cup size after getting their implants removed.
Your results may vary depending on what type of implant you had, how long ago you had the surgery and other factors.
How Much Does Breast Implant Removal Cost?
Breast implant removal is a complex procedure that requires careful planning. The cost of the procedure varies based on factors like your specific needs and your surgeon’s experience, but you can expect to pay an average of $3,049.
How Much Does Breast Implant Revision Cost in Houston, TX?
Breast revision surgery is a more extensive operation than simple breast implant removal. It usually involves removing the old implants and replacing them with new ones that are larger or smaller than the original pair. The cost of this procedure will vary depending on its complexity and your surgeon’s experience. Breast implant revision cost in Houston, TX, is between $7,000 and $15,000 for this procedure.
What Should I Expect During a Consultation for Breast Implant Removal?
During your consultation, your surgeon will review your medical history and perform an exam. The surgeon will discuss the type of implants you have, how they were placed in your breasts, and if they’re ruptured or leaking. The doctor will also examine your breasts to determine if any other problems need to be addressed at the same time.
The doctor may recommend removing the implants if there is a risk of infection or other complications, such as capsular contracture (scar tissue buildup), which can cause pain, swelling, and hardness in the breasts.
If you choose to remove your implants for cosmetic reasons, you’ll likely be asked about the size and shape of your desired breasts before making any final decisions about surgery.
