During breast implant removal, surgeons remove an implant after a breast augmentation or reconstruction.

There are several reasons why patients may want to remove their implants. 

The most common of them is the formation of hardened scar tissue, or capsular contracture. Other reasons include personal preference or complications like infection.

A breast implant removal surgery requires general anesthetic. The surgeon will first make an incision along the bottom crease of the breast or around the areola to create an opening. They remove the implant from the breast tissue capsule that is formed by the body as a protective layer around the implant. Once they have taken out the implant, the surgeon will remove the capsule before stitching up the incisions.

The results and the shape of the breasts after the surgery depend on various factors. These include breast size before augmentation, the size of the implants and any weight fluctuation or changes in body shape. If the patient had larger implants, it is more likely for the breasts to be deflated after removal as bigger implants stretch out the skin. If the patient had a smaller chest size, there are likely to be fewer aesthetic deformities once the implants are removed.

Age is also an essential factor that needs to be considered when having implant removal recovery. The skin loses its elasticity from natural aging. When an implant is removed, the quality of the skin may not be optimal for it to revert to its original state. Therefore, many surgeons recommend patients have a breast lift, either immediately or in a staged procedure after their implants have been removed. This will help avoid sagging skin and lift the breasts for a more youthful look. After the procedure, patients may experience swelling and discomfort. Recovery can take up to a couple of weeks. Usually, complete healing can take a year before results are visible.