Breast Implant Removal (Capsulectomy)
Suffering from painful breast implants can make daily life a struggle, and lead to other ongoing health issues. There are a number of reasons why implants hurt or a patient should feel the need to change their implants, which if not addressed this can lead to further distress and discomfort.
Some of the most common reasons for changing your existing implants are down to a personal preference in size, shape or manufacturer.
What Does This Surgery Involve?
Although breast implants are generally safe, occasionally they will fail. If the problem is detected early enough, breast implant removal is usually straightforward, but if the damaged implant is left, the problem will worsen. This is because the scar tissue around the breast will continue to thicken and deform, causing further pain. If the implant has ruptured, surgery will be more complicated
Depending on your personal situation, you may also require a capsulectomy.
This is the surgical removal of capsular contracture. Capsular contracture is where tight scar tissue contracts around the breast implant, leading to potential complications.
There are four grades of capsular contracture which will be discussed with you during your consultation:
- Grade I Capsular Contracture – the breast is normally soft and looks natural
- Grade II Capsular Contracture – the breast is a little firm but looks normal
- Grade III Capsular Contracture – the breast is firm and looks abnormal with visible distortion
- Grade IV Capsular Contracture – the breast is hard, painful and looks abnormal with greater distortion
Breast implant removal surgery is usually performed under general anaesthetic. It normally takes between one and a half to three hours to complete, but this is dependent upon your individual case.
Recovery
The recovery time for breast implant removal is usually similar to that of the initial surgery. You should expect to be off work for at least a week and strenuous activity should be avoided for a minimum of three weeks.
This article was written by The McIndoe Centre, in collaboration with Paul Banwell BSc MB BS FRCS (Eng) FRCS (Plast) Consultant Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon. All information, advice and procedures were updated on 17th September 2019.
Consultants that perform this procedure
Patient Information Hub
If you are thinking about having cosmetic surgery, here are some important questions that you should ask yourself to help you make the decision that is right for you.
- What do I want to change and why do I want to have surgery?
- Have I considered all the options?
- Can surgery give me the results I want?
- Am I expecting the surgery to change my life as well as my appearance?
- Is now the right time?
Having surgery is a big decision
For more information and advice about cosmetic surgery contact our Private Patient Advisory Team on 01342 488054 or email info@mcindoe.co.uk
Planning your long-term goals with your consultant, and researching the procedure, will reinforce whether surgery is the right option for you.Surgery is not without risk so you should be sure in your reasons for wanting to go ahead. It is important that your expectations are realistic and that the advantages to you always outweigh the risk of surgery.
Take this checklist to your consultation with the surgeon performing the procedure. Discuss each topic with your surgeon to help you make the decision that is right for you before having surgery.
Having surgery is a big decision
For more information and advice about cosmetic surgery contact our Private Patient Advisory Team on 01342 488054 or email info@mcindoe.co.uk
Think carefully before having cosmetic surgery
Never feel rushed or pressured into giving your consent. Be wary of surgeons or staff who try to convince you to go ahead. Take plenty of time to make your decision.
We strongly advise you take at least two weeks after your consultation with the surgeon performing the procedure to think things through before surgery.
Having surgery is a big decision
For more information and advice about cosmetic surgery contact our Private Patient Advisory Team on 01342 488054 or email info@mcindoe.co.uk