Celebrities and social media influencers are among the thousands of people who choose to have their breast implants transplanted or removed. This is a personal decision and each patient will have unique considerations.
No matter the motivation, plastic surgeons can guide you through the process and help you achieve the look that best supports each individual’s health and well-being.
How long do breast implants last?
It is a common myth that breast implants need to be replaced every 10 years. The FDA recommends your first screening ultrasound or MRI at 5-6 years after surgery and then every 2-3 years thereafter. Intact implants without problems do not need to be removed.
Implants should only be removed or treated if a problem related to the implant occurs. This can include changes in position, rupture or abnormal scarring called capsular contracture, which would cause breast deformity or pain.
The decision to remove implants is individual and should be made in consultation with a board certified plastic surgeon. The current generation of implants have no long-term durability studies, but I expect them to last well beyond the 10-year mark in most people.
Why would someone have their breast implants removed?
The decision to have your implants removed can be for either personal or medical reasons. The most common reasons for implant removal are personal preference regarding breast size or shape, or due to capsular contracture causing breast distortion or pain.
Another, rarer reason is due to breast implant disease – a collection of symptoms that can occur in patients with implants, such as fatigue, muscle/joint pain, and other psychological symptoms with no other identifiable cause.
What happens during breast transplant surgery?
Breast implant removal surgery, such as breast implant surgery, is usually an outpatient procedure performed using anesthesia. An incision is made along the previous implant scar line and the implant, capsule and any scar tissue are removed.
Other procedures can be done at the same time to address any skin sagging, sagging, contour distortion or lack of volume. Breast lift or even fat transferred from liposuction can be used to correct these problems.
Risks of surgical removal of breast implants
The risks associated with implant surgery are similar to any surgery. You may experience bleeding, infection, numbness, changes in sensation, fluid buildup, scarring, and complications related to anesthesia. It is important to discuss these with your surgeon as you weigh your options.
How long does recovery take after breast implant surgery?
Immediately after surgery, your breast incisions will be covered with local dressings and you will usually wear a supportive bra for 4-6 weeks. Your plastic surgeon will provide instructions on how to care for your incisions, medications to take, concerns to watch out for, and a schedule of follow-up appointments. Healing will take several weeks to months.
Do breasts go back to normal after breast transplant surgery?
This is a complicated question with many variables, including the size of the implants, the amount of breast skin sagging, and any other abnormality. Simultaneous procedures, such as a breast liftcan be discussed with your plastic surgeon.
Are follow-up procedures required after having your breast implants removed?
Yes — you will see your plastic surgeon for multiple follow-ups after your breast implant surgery. I usually see my patients at one, three, six and 12 weeks after surgery to ensure they are healing normally without complications.
Is breast implant surgery painful?
Like any surgery, you should expect postoperative pain, but in general, breast implant surgery is well tolerated with over-the-counter pain relievers and a short course of prescription pain medications.
