Breast Implant Removal

Breast implants typically last 10-15 years; however, some patients can exceed this predictive timeframe. Although we estimate the longevity of implants, you do not need to routinely remove or replace them unless you suspect an issue, notice a change in their appearance or are trying to achieve a new cosmetic goal. Thus, aesthetics and health reasons are the main catalysts for breast implant replacement or removal procedures instead of the age of the implants and surgery itself.

Both silicone and saline implants can last up to 20 years. Some patients can keep their implants beyond the expected 20-year lifespan, with some women only requiring 1-2 breast implant removal and replacement surgeries in their lifetime. Please note that this will vary from individual to individual due to many external influences that could affect your health and implants.

Older implants can last over 20 years; however, the material can weaken, increasing your risk of experiencing a ruptured or leaking implant. Luckily, modern implant technology has progressed so much that implants are less likely to rupture and cause complications. As a result, the requirement to replace your implants is mainly determined by your ideal body goals in reference to natural events such as weight loss or weight gain, pregnancy and ageing.

Breast implants are designed to be durable, long-lasting and safe. For that reason, silicone, saline and gel implants are all estimated to last 10-20 years. Generally, how your body adapts to the implants will determine the lifespan, as opposed to the implants themselves failing. 

The scar tissue surrounding the surgery site will differ depending on your chosen breast surgery. Generally, the same incision will be used as per your previous procedure for women looking for breast implant removal and replacement surgery. Mr Pieri will use this existing location, under the breast crease, to remove the old implants and replace them with a new one. Furthermore, breast implant removal without replacement surgery will follow the same procedure, minus the addition of the new implants. 

Alternatively, other patients will opt for an implant removal and breast lift surgery simultaneously to reshape the natural breast tissue to better contour the body. This could result in new incisions around the nipple and towards the breast crease to achieve your desired results.

This removal and uplift procedure is very popular as the skin can sometimes stretch around your existing implants. Therefore, once the implant and capsules are removed, patients are left with an empty pocket of space and excess loose skin. Combining these surgeries ensures higher patient satisfaction, and a greater chance that the results will align with your cosmetic aspirations.

Breast implant removal in Newcastle is entirely bespoke to your requirements based on your preferences and cosmetic goals. In addition, Mr Pieri needs to complete an assessment and understand any existing breast complications to devise an accurate and fixed price.

To receive your breast implant removal, breast implant replacement or removal and breast uplift quotation, please book a consultation. Alternatively, read more about how much is a boob job.

As breast augmentation and implant removal are cosmetic procedures designed to help you achieve your breast preferences rather than to fix a health issue, these procedures are not usually carried out on the NHS. An exception would be if you had PIP implants fitted on the NHS to help with your self-esteem. Also, if your implant ruptures (although replacement or uplift will not be available on the NHS). Generally, breast implant removal is not carried out on the NHS, and you will need a private surgeon like Mr Pieri.

Full recovery will take up to 6 weeks following your surgery, and you can return to work seven days after your treatment, avoiding heavy lifting and strenuous exercise. Between 4-6 weeks post-op, you can introduce more normal activities into your day-to-day schedule while still taking care during your recovery. 

Initially, your breasts will appear swollen and feel tight across your chest, but this will subside during the first six weeks as your body heals. You will be required to wear a post-operative support bra to accelerate healing, reduce infection risk, and minimise swelling. Mr Pieri will also prescribe pain medication for relief and comfort during your recovery.  

Capsular contracture is the name given to the formation of scar tissue (capsule) in response to foreign material in the body. Your body will produce excessive fibrosis, which is the hardening of various tissues, including collagen, beyond the regular protective layers. Over time, this protective layer will encapsulate the entire surface of your implants. Unfortunately, you may experience breast pain, firmness, tightness, and asymmetrical breasts or nipples.

Approximately 10% of all breast augmentation patients will experience capsular contracture, with 75% identifying it within the first two years when all scar tissue has healed. So, if you suspect you have capsular contracture, book a face-to-face consultation with Mr Pieri to discuss your breast implant removal and replacement options. 

If you’re experiencing chronic pain as a result of your implants, then removing them could be the ideal solution, as this procedure is a fantastic option for women suffering from complications with their existing breast implants. These issues could be medical and include the uneven appearance of your breasts, breast pain or soreness, deflated implant and visible wrinkling or rippling of the implant. Furthermore, some women may change their minds or aspire to have something different. Therefore, this surgical procedure can help fix any health issues you may be experiencing or as an option to reach your new goal physique, making you feel happier in your appearance.

After your implant removal surgery, your chest will look empty for a few days until your body adjusts and the tissue starts to reshape. Your breasts might look a little deflated and may sag or have excess skin around them, but a breast lift can fix this.