Breast Revision & Implant Removal

The decision to undergo breast surgery is very personal, and there are many reasons why a patient may choose to move forward with an implant revision or removal. Wanting to alter or reverse the results of breast augmentation is actually very common. Some of the most common reasons patients tend to seek breast implant removal with or without replacement include:

• Being unhappy with the outcome of a previous breast augmentation and wanting to alter their results, such as improving symmetry
• Wanting to exchange their breast implants for a different size or type, such as going from saline to silicone implants
• Experiencing a complication, like implant malposition, rupture, or capsular contracture
• Feeling symptoms of a possible breast implant illness (BII)
• Having concerns of breast implant-associated anaplastic large cell lymphoma (BIA-ALCL)
• No longer wanting breast implants and wishing to return to their natural breast size

In addition, some patients simply need to replace older implants with newer ones. This is because breast implants are not lifetime devices, and they should be replaced every 10 to 15 years on average. Around this time, the risk of rippling, rupture, and leaking becomes higher due to wear on the implants’ outer silicone shell. If you have had your breast implants for several years, you may be a candidate for breast revision surgery.

Breast implants can typically be removed through the same incisions they were originally placed through. Dr. Babbitt will likely perform a total capsulectomy, which involves surgical removal of each breast implant and the capsule of scar tissue that surrounds it. For those exchanging their implants, the new implants can be placed through the same incisions, and any further adjustments can be performed at the same time. If you are not replacing your breast implants, an additional breast lift may be recommended to address any lax skin left behind.

For those suffering from symptoms of breast implant illness (BII) — a condition some patients believe is caused by their breast implants — some surgeons may recommend an en bloc capsulectomy, which involves removing the entire scar tissue capsule and implant in one piece. However, recent research has shown that most patients with BII see an improvement in their symptoms despite the type of capsulectomy performed. For this reason, Dr. Babbitt typically advises against the en bloc capsulectomy, as he finds the technique to be excessive and puts the patient at a higher risk. He can talk with you in more detail during your consultation to help you understand the pros and cons of your breast implant removal options.

The recovery from breast revision surgery is often shorter and less painful than the original breast augmentation procedure, but this will vary for each patient based on the details of their surgical plan. Most patients need two to three days of downtime after their surgery, at which point many feel comfortable enough to return to work in an office setting. Dr. Babbitt encourages patients to return to light walking as soon as they feel ready after surgery, typically within 24 hours of their procedure.

You may feel sore and have some degree of swelling and bruising during your recovery, but these should quickly start to fade as your body heals. Pain can typically be well-managed with pain medication. To help facilitate the healing process and manage swelling, you may be advised to wear a special compression garment. Our team will provide you with more detailed post-operative care instructions before your breast surgery to help you prepare. If you have questions or concerns at any point in your recovery, we encourage you to reach out to our team.

Breast implant removal starts at $5,000. The final cost may vary based on each patient’s individual anatomy, surgical goals, and the complexity of the procedure. Factors such as whether implant removal is performed alone or combined with additional procedures, as well as the extent of surgical correction required, can influence overall pricing.

The surgeon’s fee is discussed during your consultation once a personalized treatment plan has been created. Please note that anesthesia and surgical facility fees are additional and are determined separately. Final pricing is reviewed in detail during your visit to ensure clarity and alignment with your individual needs.