What is Breast Implant Removal and Replacement?

Breast Implant Removal and Replacement are surgical procedures which involve removing breast implants (also known as a Breast Implant Explant procedure) and, depending on the patient’s concerns and desired results, replacing them.

There are several reasons an individual may choose to have their breast implants removed or replaced:

• Breast implants typically need to be removed 10-15 years after a Breast Augmentation. Patients may then choose to replace them or not, depending on the results they wish to achieve.
• Some patients opt to replace their breast implants due to a change in their preferred appearance. This may involve changing the size, shape or projection of the implants.
• Breast implants occasionally require removal or replacement because of complications such as capsular contracture, implant rupture, or implant displacement.

Breast Implant Removal can be performed as a standalone procedure, but it is often combined with other breast surgeries, such as a Breast Lift, to enhance the final result.

If you are undergoing Breast Implant Removal or Replacement surgery, you will already have following Breast Augmentation, although it may have been several years ago. Although some patients have their breast explant procedure with the same surgeon who performed their initial surgery, many patients will see a different surgeon or have their surgery performed in a different clinic.

It is important to make sure you understand the process of recovery from Breast Implant Removal and your implant removal aftercare. Although much of your recovery may be similar to your initial procedure, some aftercare advice may be different, or the hospital where you are having your Breast Explant surgery may have separate recovery protocols.

During your consultation, your surgeon will discuss what you should expect from your recovery after explant surgery. If any questions arise after your consultation, your surgical patient advisor will assist you ahead of your procedure. 

What Will Happen Straight After My Breast Implant Removal or Replacement?

Your Breast Implant Removal and Replacement surgery will take place in our state-of-the-art operating theatres, part of our in-house hospital facility. Immediately after your procedure has been completed, you will be taken into our recovery ward to wake up from the general anaesthetic. Our nurses will monitor your blood pressure, heart rate and temperature to ensure you are stable.  

As soon as you are awake and comfortable, our nurses will transfer you to your own room in our ambulatory ward. You will have something to eat and drink and begin to prepare for discharge. Our specialist cosmetic surgery nurses will be on hand to assist you and ensure your initial recovery is smooth. Once you are ready, our nurses will talk you through a written copy of your implant removal aftercare instructions and provide any necessary medication. Your chaperone will come to collect you, and you can return home to continue your recovery.

Following surgery at Cadogan Clinic, most patients spend around 3-4 hours in our recovery suite before they are discharged. This is not a set timeframe, and if you require longer, our nurses will provide any care you need until you are ready to leave. 

Breast Explant Recovery Timeline

Every patient’s recovery post Breast Implant Removal or Replacement is different. There are several influencing factors which dictate how long your overall Breast Implant Removal and Replacement recovery may take:

• Whether you are only having your breast implants removed or whether new implants are also being inserted.
• Treatment for complications, such as a capsulectomy to address capsular contracture or removing a ruptured implant
• Additional procedures being carried out alongside your Breast Explant, including Mastopexy

Your surgeon will discuss your personal Breast Implant Removal recovery timeline ahead of your procedure so you can prepare in good time. However, there are certain recovery milestones you can expect to reach post Breast Implant Removal and Replacement. 

2-3 Days After Your Breast Implant Removal and Replacement

You may feel discomfort in the first few days after Breast Implant Removal and Replacement. You will have some swelling and bruising around your breasts. It is important to rest to aid your healing and recovery.

If you have undergone Breast Implant Replacement or Breast Implant Removal with a Breast Lift, you will need to wear a surgical bra during your recovery period to support your breasts and reduce swelling.

Your surgeon will have endeavoured to place their incisions along the same line as your initial procedure to reduce further scarring. 

1-2 Weeks After Your Breast Implant Removal and Replacement

You will have your first post-operative appointment with our nurses at the clinic, one week after your procedure. They will check your incisions and redress the surgical site. You will also receive further advice on implant removal aftercare.

If your surgeon has used non-dissolvable stitches, these will be removed at this appointment. The type of stitches used will depend on your exact procedure.

You may still have some swelling and bruising. If your breast implants have been removed without replacement or any additional procedures, this should resolve within the first ten days of recovery. For more extensive surgeries, this may take slightly longer.

Most patients can return to work around seven days after surgery. If you have a strenuous job or your surgeon thinks you need to take further time off, they will discuss this with you ahead of your procedure. 

1 Month After Your Breast Implant Removal and Replacement

One month after your surgery, you should be mostly healed. Any bruising will now have resolved, and your swelling will have calmed.

Your scars may still be red, but they will become less visible throughout your Breast Implant Removal recovery.

You must still wear your surgical bra for additional support and to protect the area. 

6-8 Weeks After Your Breast Implant Removal and Replacement

You will meet with your surgeon to discuss your Breast Implant Removal and Replacement recovery and initial results six weeks after your surgery.

Depending on the procedure you have undergone, your surgeon may say that you can stop wearing your surgical bra. For procedures such as Breast Explant with Mastopexy, you may need to continue wearing your surgical bra for up to 8 weeks.

At this stage, you should be able to return to all of your daily activities, including exercise. 

3 Months After Your Breast Implant Removal and Replacement

Three months after your Breast Implant Removal or Replacement surgery, you will be entirely recovered and enjoying the results of your procedure.

Following your recovery for Breast Implant Removal, if you have any questions or concerns, you can contact the clinic at any time for help and support. 

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