Breast Implant Removal

Women who have had breast augmentation in the past may decide one day that their breast implants are no longer right for them. Breast implant removal, also known as explantation, surgically removes breast implants from the body. If you’re ready for a new look, are no longer happy with the size or shape of your breasts or are concerned about breast implant illness (BII), then breast implant removal may be right for you.

Board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Jennifer Harrington understands that when it comes to the female body, no two women have the same needs or desires. During your pre-surgical consultation, she’ll work with you to determine the best approach for breast implant removal that’s specific to your needs.

Depending on how your original breast augmentation was performed, Dr. Harrington may be able to use the same incision location in order to minimize additional scarring. However, there may be cases in which she will need to create a new incision. In most cases where the original breast augmentation was performed with an inframammary incision, the same incision can typically be used to remove the implants.

Breast implant removal is a same-day procedure that usually takes between 1 and 3 hours. Dr. Harrington performs breast explantation surgery under general anesthesia in an accredited surgery center. Patients that have sensitivities to narcotic medications, may benefit from our opioid-free or reduced surgery and recovery customized approach. You should plan to arrive 1 hour prior to your procedure start time. You should also plan to stay at the surgery center for 1 hour after your procedure is finished while the anesthesia begins to wear off. Bring a friend or family member who can drive you home after surgery, as you will be unable to operate a vehicle after being placed under general anesthesia.

Your exact procedure will be customized based on your unique circumstances. In most cases, Dr. Harrington will remove the breast implant along with the capsule of scar tissue surrounding the implant.

Depending on your appearance goals, Dr. Harrington may suggest additional procedures in addition to explantation, such as a breast lift or fat transfer breast augmentation.

Dr. Harrington performs a specialized breast explantation technique known as en bloc removal. This is when the breast implant is removed while still contained within the capsule of scar tissue. During an en bloc removal procedure, the entire capsule is carefully excised from the breast pocket with the implant still inside.

Dr. Harrington always attempts the en bloc removal, except in cases where it is not possible to do so. For instance, if the capsule is too thin, too adherent to the surrounding tissue or chest wall or too large to be removed all at once, Dr. Harrington may elect to remove the implant and capsule separately. In either case, all capsule tissue will be removed.*

At Harrington Plastic Surgery, we recognize the concerns of breast implant illness and understand that some women may develop symptoms after their implants are placed — sometimes even years after their breast implant surgery. BII symptoms can affect people differently. If you suspect that your breast implants are impacting your health, Dr. Harrington specializes in performing breast implant removal for women with BII and is a recommended explant surgeon by her patients on breastimplantillness.com.

Your decision to remove your breast implants is unique to you. We provide thoughtful and caring treatment to help you make the best decision for your health. Dr. Harrington will discuss your concerns and explain the process of explantation surgery for breast implant illness.

Typically, an en bloc removal is performed to ensure the entirety of the implant as well as the scar tissue is removed. Since breast implant removal surgery is a relatively safe and straightforward procedure, opioid free/reduced anesthesia may be used for women wanting faster recovery following surgery. Once your implants have been removed, you may be able to take them home. If you wish to have your breast implants after removal, we’ll conduct a decontamination process and a waiver will need to be signed.

Your recovery after explantation will depend upon Dr. Harrington’s approach during surgery, whether you included any additional procedures and how your body heals. Most women take anywhere from 3 days to 1 week away from work and their other normal activities as they recover from having their implants removed. On average, patients are able to resume all activities within 2 to 3 weeks.*

Over the following several weeks, you should avoid strenuous activities that may interfere with the healing process. Dr. Harrington may ask you to wear a post-surgical garment to aid in minimizing swelling. While individual experiences will vary, most women who have breast implants removed are able to enjoy their final results within 1 to 3 months after surgery, with scarring continuing to mature for 1 year or longer.*

During your consultation, Dr. Harrington will discuss any risks or complications associated with breast implant removal.