Surgery is available at our integrated breast clinic
The decision to undergo breast implant removal is highly individual and can be influenced by a range of factors.
Breast implant removal surgery, also known as explantation, is a medical procedure involving the removal of breast implants and part or all of the capsule (scar tissue) surrounding them.
Patients may consider breast implant removal for a number of reasons, and the decision to undergo this procedure can include personal preferences, health considerations and evolving attitudes to body image and beauty standards.
We do not advise breast implant removal in the absence of any local complications or symptoms, but recommend regular annual surveillance instead. See more about our implant check clinic if you have not had your implants or breasts assessed in the last 18-24 months.
More information
Learn more about breast implant removal below.
Some common reasons patients choose to have their breast implants removed are:
- Personal preference: The shape and position of the female breast changes over time, especially after pregnancy, breast feeding, menopause and weight loss/gain. Some patients opt to have their implants removed and to restore a more natural breast appearance.
- Health concerns: If a person experiences complications such as implant rupture, leakage or discomfort, removal may be necessary for health reasons. Implant rupture, if contained within the capsule (intracapsular rupture), is not an immediate health concern, but if there is associated pain and/or lumps from the possible spread of silicone into the breast or chest wall, then please seek urgent medical advice from your GP, your specialist or from our breast implant clinics.
- Local symptoms: Issues like capsular contracture, where scar tissue tightens around the implant, can cause pain or distortion of the breast shape, prompting individuals to opt for removal.
- Implant-associated cancer: The presence of swelling or lumps any time after insertion of a textured breast implant will need to be investigated as a matter of priority as it could be (rarely) related to breast implant-related malignancy.
- Implant-related health concerns: An increasing number of women with breast implants report experiencing a range of systemic symptoms. Breast implant illness – or what we prefer to call systemic symptoms associated with breast implants (SSBI) – requires careful evaluation to exclude other conditions before deciding to proceed with any surgery. Macquarie University Hospital is involved in a prospective study of this condition. See more information about enrolling in our research study.
Removing breast implants involves the removal of both the implant and part or all of the surrounding capsule under general anaesthesia.
The incision site varies, often located in the inframammary fold or around the areola. Additional procedures, like a breast lift or fat transfer (see below) may be performed in conjunction with the explant procedure.
Following closure, patients recover and gradually resume normal activities, guided by postoperative care instructions from the surgeon. Individual experiences may vary based on specific circumstances and patient preferences.
The breast implant removal and replacement procedure involves the surgical removal of existing breast implants, followed by the insertion of new implants. The surgeon makes an incision, extracts the old implants, and addresses any surrounding scar tissue (capsules). After removal, new implants are placed, and the incisions are closed.
The procedure may also include adjustments to the implant pocket or additional techniques to enhance the aesthetic outcome. Patients may opt for removal and replacement for various reasons, such as changing implant size or addressing issues like implant rupture or dissatisfaction with the appearance of current implants. Individual considerations and desired outcomes play a crucial role in the decision-making process.
It is important to note that any replacement of implants inserted for previous cosmetic surgery is not covered under private health insurance or Medicare.
Patients can also opt for non-implant-based reconstruction options that include:
- Autologous fat grafting: This process uses the patient's own fat, harvested through liposuction from areas like the abdomen or thighs, injected into the breast tissue. The technique allows for natural augmentation and contouring while using the patient's own tissue. Fat transfer may be performed immediately following breast implant removal or more often, six months later to ensure better uptake of the fat transfer.
- A breast lift (mastopexy): This cosmetic surgical procedure is designed to reshape and elevate sagging or drooping breasts. During the procedure, excess skin is removed, and the remaining breast tissue lifted and tightened to restore a more youthful appearance.
Recovery after a breast implant removal varies depending on individual factors such as overall health, the extent of the surgery, and whether any additional procedures were performed.
In general, patients can expect some swelling, bruising and discomfort immediately after the surgery. Pain medication will be prescribed to manage any post-operative pain, and a supportive garment or bra is recommended to aid in healing and reduce swelling.
Most individuals can resume some light activities within a week, but strenuous exercise and heavy lifting should be avoided for two to four weeks.
Swelling typically subsides over this period, with final results becoming more apparent as the body heals; this can take up to six months following surgery.
Regular follow-up appointments with the surgeon are crucial to monitoring progress and addressing any concerns. Full recovery may take several weeks to a few months, during which the breasts gradually settle into their natural appearance.