Breast implant removal surgery, also known as explant surgery, is a type of revision breast surgery designed to remove and replace breast implants. Many women may find they no longer wish to have implants, or they may have developed a complication from previous breast surgery, such as breast implant rupture or capsular contracture that requires the removal of breast implants. Surgery for capsular contracture may require an en-bloc removal. Recovery after breast implant removal can take up to 6 weeks, although this can differ as every woman heals differently. The final results of breast implant removal can take between 6 to 12 months to develop.

You should ensure you follow your surgeon’s preoperative and post-operative care instructions to ensure you get the best possible results after breast implant removal. Centre for Surgery is home to specialist plastic surgeons with years of experience performing all types of revision breast surgery, including en bloc capsulectomy.

Common reasons to have breast implant removal & explant surgery

Some common reasons for breast implant removal include:

Capsular contracture, which occurs when the scar tissue surrounding the implant tightens and causes pain or changes in the shape of the breast
Implant rupture or leakage
A desire to change the size or shape of the implants
A desire to return to one’s natural breast size
A change in personal preference or lifestyle
Development of an autoimmune disorder or other health condition as breast implant illness (BII), that may be related to the implants
Psychological dissatisfaction with the implants.

How to prepare for breast implant removal to get the best recovery

Consultation: The first step in preparing for breast implant removal is to schedule a consultation with a plastic surgeon at Centre for Surgery in London with experience in this procedure. During the consultation, the surgeon will examine your breasts, discuss your goals and concerns, and explain the risks and benefits of the surgery.
Medical evaluation: Your surgeon will also perform a medical evaluation to ensure that you are a good candidate for the surgery. This may include a breast examination, mammogram, or other imaging tests.
Stop smoking: If you are a smoker, you will need to stop smoking before the surgery to reduce the risk of complications.
Stop taking certain medications: Certain medications, such as blood thinners, should be stopped before the surgery to reduce the risk of bleeding. Your surgeon will provide a list of medications to avoid.
Arrange for transportation and help: The surgery is done under general anaesthesia. You will need to arrange for transportation to and from our Baker Street centre, as well as someone to help you with daily tasks for a few days after the surgery.
Follow instructions: Your surgeon will provide instructions on how to prepare for the surgery, including information on fasting and showering before the procedure. It’s important to follow these instructions carefully to ensure a smooth surgery and recovery.
Support: breast implant removal can be an emotional process, so it’s important to have a support system in place for emotional support before and after the surgery.
Have realistic expectations: It’s important to have realistic expectations about the results of the surgery. While the procedure can improve the appearance and feel of the breasts, it may not achieve the exact look or feel that you desire.

Best Tips for a Smooth Recovery After Explant Surgery

Follow your surgeon’s instructions: To ensure a smooth recovery, it is important to follow your surgeon’s post-operative instructions carefully. These may include information on how to care for your incisions, how to manage pain, and when to resume normal activities.
Get plenty of rest: Your body needs time to heal after the surgery, so it’s important to get plenty of rest. It’s also important to avoid any strenuous activity or heavy lifting for a while after the surgery.
Take medication as prescribed: Your surgeon will likely prescribe medication to help manage pain and discomfort after the surgery. Be sure to take the medication as prescribed and avoid taking any over-the-counter medications without first consulting your surgeon.
Wear a compression garment: Your surgeon may recommend wearing a compression garment for some time after the surgery. This can help to reduce swelling and support the breasts as they heal.
Eat a healthy diet: Eating a healthy diet that is high in protein, vitamins, and minerals can help to support the healing process. Avoiding processed foods, sugar, and alcohol can help to minimise inflammation and support overall health.
Keep incisions clean and dry: Your incisions will need to be kept clean and dry to prevent infection. You will be instructed to clean the incisions with soap and water and to apply ointment as needed.
Avoid smoking: Smoking can slow down the healing process and increase the risk of complications, so it’s important to avoid smoking after the surgery.
Attend follow-up appointments: It’s important to attend all follow-up appointments with your surgeon to monitor your progress and address any concerns.
Be patient: Recovery from explant surgery can take several weeks, and it’s important to be patient with the healing process.
Seek Support: Breast implant removal can be an emotional process, so it is important to have a support system in place for emotional support before and after the surgery.

What to eat during the recovery after Breast Implant Removal

Eating a healthy diet can support the healing process after breast implant removal. Here are some good food options to consider:

Protein-rich foods: Foods high in protein, such as chicken, fish, eggs, and beans, can help to repair and rebuild tissue.
Fruits and vegetables: Fruits and vegetables are high in antioxidants and vitamins, which can help to reduce inflammation and support overall health.
Whole grains: Whole grains, such as brown rice, quinoa, and whole wheat bread, are high in fibre and can help to support digestion.
Nuts and seeds: Nuts and seeds are high in healthy fats and protein, which can help to support overall health.
Water: Drinking plenty of water can help to flush out toxins and support the healing process.
Avoid processed foods, sugar, and alcohol: Processed foods, sugar, and alcohol can increase inflammation, which can slow down the healing process.
Consult with a nutritionist or dietitian. It would be beneficial to consult with a nutritionist or dietitian to create a personalised diet plan that fits your specific needs and promotes optimal healing.

When can I exercise after explant surgery?

When you can exercise after explant surgery depends on the specific details of your surgical procedure and the recovery process. An en bloc capsulectomy is a major surgical procedure and involves a longer recovery. Generally, it’s best to follow the instructions provided by your surgeon, which will be tailored to your individual case.

Typically, it’s recommended to avoid any strenuous activity or heavy lifting for at least 2-4 weeks after the surgery. This includes exercise and other activities that may cause an increase in heart rate or blood pressure. It’s important to give your body adequate time to heal and for any swelling to subside before resuming your normal exercise routine.

Light walking is usually recommended to help promote circulation and prevent blood clots. As you recover, you can gradually increase the intensity and duration of your physical activity under the guidance of your surgeon.

You will be able to return to your normal exercise routine after the healing process is complete and your surgeon has cleared you. This can be around 6-8 weeks after the surgery, but again, it depends on the specific details of your surgery. It’s important to continue to listen to your body and avoid any activities that cause pain or discomfort.

Recovery timeline after Breast Implant Removal – What to Expect

Recovery after breast implant removal can vary for each individual, but here is a general timeline of what you can expect:

Week 1:

The first week after surgery, you will likely experience some pain and discomfort. Your surgeon will prescribe medication to help manage pain.
You will need to keep your incisions clean and dry and avoid showering for 48 hours after surgery or as directed by your surgeon.
You will need to avoid any strenuous activity or heavy lifting for at least a week.
You will also need to wear a compression garment to help reduce swelling and support the breasts as they heal.

Week 2:

Pain and discomfort should start to subside during the second week.
You may be able to shower and begin washing your hair.
The swelling will start to go down, and the incision sites will start to heal.
You will likely be able to resume light activities, such as walking.

Week 3-4:

By the third or fourth week, you should start to feel better and have more energy.
Incision sites will continue to heal, and you may be able to start resuming normal activities with some restrictions.
You will have a follow-up appointment with your surgeon to monitor your progress.

Week 5-6:

By this time, most of the pain and discomfort should be gone, and you should be able to return to your normal routine.
You may be able to start light exercises, such as walking or yoga, but you should avoid any strenuous activities for a few more weeks.

Week 7-8:

Most of the swelling will have gone down, and incision sites will be fully healed.
You should be able to return to your normal exercise routine and other activities with the permission of your surgeon.

RECOVERY AFTER BREAST IMPLANT REMOVAL FAQs

How long does it take to recover after breast implant removal?

In most cases, it takes up to 6 weeks to recover after breast implant removal surgery. It may take between six months to a year to fully heal, and it is not uncommon to experience mild discomfort during this period.

What will the breasts look like after implants removed?

Immediately after explant surgery, the breasts will look saggy and deflated. This is because the implants help you produce a fuller and firmer appearance. The breasts will gradually improve in appearance, although there may still be residual sagging. This is due to stretching of the skin caused by breast implants and can be made worse if you have very large implants. Breast implant removal is commonly combined with a breast lift or fat transfer to the breasts in the same procedure.

Is breast implant removal painful?

Breast implant removal is routinely performed with a general anaesthetic. You will be asleep during the procedure and will be unable to feel any pain or discomfort. You may experience mild discomfort in the early postoperative period, although these symptoms can be easily controlled with prescription painkillers issued by your surgeon.

Will I need a breast lift after breast implant removal?

If you have had very large implants, there is a higher chance that breasts will look saggy and deflated. Breast sagging can be made worse by the effects of gravity and the ageing process. In these cases, the best option would be to combine explant surgery with a breast lift either in the same procedure or in a second procedure once you have recovered from the effects of the breast implant removal.

Will breast implant removal relieve pain and discomfort?

Most women find they are no longer in pain and discomfort after having their breast implants removed. Breast implant illness can cause various symptoms, including headaches, fatigue and painful joints. Breast implant removal may help to relieve the symptoms of breast implant illness.

How long should I wear a compression bra after implant removal?

We recommend wearing an appropriately fitted compression garment for a minimum of two weeks. The compression bra should be worn both day and night continuously during this period.

What happens if I do not get my breast implants removed or replaced?

Breast implants do not last forever. Most breast manufacturers recommend having breast implants removed and replaced after 10 to 15 years. This is because there is a higher risk of implant rupture or capsular contracture beyond ten years. Removing breast implants before they develop complications is a sensible decision to prevent serious medical issues further down the line.

Breast Implant Removal Surgery at Centre for Surgery

Centre for Surgery is a specialist cosmetic surgery clinic and is home to some of the most experienced consultant plastic surgeons in the UK. Our specialist breast surgeons have years of experience performing revision breast surgery, including breast implant removal and replacement. If you would like to learn more about the benefits of breast implant removal, get in contact with us today at 0207 993 4849 or complete the contact form below.

Shaf Moradian

1709810706

I had my first ever surgery here so as you can imagine I was very nervous but I had an excellent experience. All the staff were professional, caring and helpful. I felt like I was in good hands and that the staff really looked after me. Very big thank you to the team and surgeon for such a positive experience and I would recommend this clinic.

Hassan Berton

1706371917

Dedicated professionals who know the art of their craft. From the moment my dad and l walked into the reception and spoke to the beautiful staff the love compassion and most importantly the care before and after my dad's surgery was second to none. My father was very nervous about the whole process but the staff were calm and reassuring which helped him settle. The following weeks were the hardest for my dad in recovery after surgery but the follow ups and the love from the staff seemed to bring his self esteem and confidence back. We are very happy with results and can't thank them enough. Special mention for the surgeon thank you doc you gave me my dad back!!!

Eduardo Gispert

1706029926

I can only talk positively about this clinic where I had a cyst removal. The service is excellent, all the staff and doctors are very professional and friendly. I was assisted by three practitioners during my surgery, one being the surgeon. The clinical procedures and risk managemement practices are excellent, to minimise any risks. All post-op appointments with nurses (shout out to Nicola) were included in original price.

Di G

1706014005

Really happy with my experience at CfS and happy to recommend. My surgeon was great and all the staff are super friendly and supportive throughout my recovery. I"m now really pleased with the outcome (10 weeks on) and am booking in for another procedure later this year. [i also did all my research in terms of ensuring the surgeon was GMC registered and the clinic had good CQC reports etc].

Ruth King

1705667892

I booked an appointment for an Osteoma removal (hard bone, small growth) from my forehead. I was rather nervous about the whole thing, so booked at short notice so that I couldn't back out of it. Apart from some rushing around getting the correct paperwork in place prior to the procedure, everything went very well. I felt well looked after before and after. I didn't feel much pain (local anesthetic) during or after, the bruising and scar mainly faded within a fortnight, and there seems to be very little sign of a scar now, three months after the removal.Thank you very much!

Recovery After Breast Implant Removal Surgery

Common reasons to have breast implant removal & explant surgery

How to prepare for breast implant removal to get the best recovery

Best Tips for a Smooth Recovery After Explant Surgery

What to eat during the recovery after Breast Implant Removal

When can I exercise after explant surgery?