When It's Time for Breast Implant Removal

Women may wish to have breast implants removed for a number of different reasons. Breast implant removal may be a result of complications such as rupture and deflation or capsular contracture. It may even be a result of a change in the patient’s opinion or the appearance of the patient.

Implants should be removed and, if desired, replaced in the event of rupture and deflation. When implants rupture, the patient may wish to have the implant replaced or simply removed. This is a matter of personal preference and in most cases, removing and replacing the implant is safe. However, some patients may opt to have the ruptured implant removed without replacing it. If the patient has a functioning implant in the other breast, it's likely she will opt to have this intact implant removed, as well.

Breast implant removal may also be warranted in the case of capsular contracture. In this scenario, the implant may become hardened and the appearance may be altered because the surrounding tissue is contracting around the implant. When the implant becomes painful and the appearance is distorted, removal of the implant is a good idea. Breast implant removal may be preferred by patients who are no longer satisfied with the appearance of their breast implants. This may result as the patient gains weight and finds the breasts to be larger than desired or if the patient simply changes her mind about the desired appearance.