BREAST IMPLANT REMOVAL

SEATTLE

Maybe your implants no longer fit who you are, maybe it's a health concern, or maybe it's simply time. Whatever the reason, wanting your implants out doesn't require justifying yourself to anyone — including me. As a female plastic surgeon, I'll help you understand realistically what your breasts will look like afterward, before you decide anything

WHAT IS A BREAST IMPLANT REMOVAL?

Breast Implant Removal is exactly what it sounds like — surgically removing existing breast implants. The surgery itself is usually the straightforward part. What's harder to predict is what your breasts will look like afterward: as skin stretches with age and time, simply removing an implant can leave breasts looking deflated or sagging, which is why many patients choose to combine removal with a Breast Lift. We'll talk through what's realistic for your body specifically during your consultation.

A CLOSER LOOK

Depending on the size of your implants, how long you've had them, why you're having them removed, and how much of your own breast tissue is left afterward, I may recommend combining removal with a Breast Lift, a Breast Reduction, or fat grafting — all performed in the same surgery when it's safe to do so. In some cases, particularly where blood supply to the tissue is a concern, the safer path is a staged approach: implants removed first, with any additional procedure done later once your tissue has had time to recover. I'll walk you through which path fits your situation and why.

THE PROCEDURE

Breast Implant Removal is performed as an outpatient procedure. If your implants are intact and uncomplicated — no rupture, no capsular contracture — I can often do the removal under local anesthesia alone. If we're also removing scar tissue (the implant capsule) or performing an additional procedure at the same time, general anesthesia is used instead. Implants typically come out through the same incision they went in through, or through new incisions if we're also performing a lift or reduction. If you have a ruptured silicone implant or capsular contracture — thickened scar tissue around the implant — part or all of that capsule may need to be removed during surgery as well.

CAPSULAR CONTRACTURE & IMPLANT RUPTURE

Two specific complications shape how this surgery is approached. Capsular contracture happens when the scar tissue (capsule) that naturally forms around any implant tightens and thickens, which can cause firmness, distortion, or pain — treating it may mean removing part or all of that capsule at the time of surgery. A ruptured silicone implant, meanwhile, may not always be obvious from the outside, which is why imaging is often required beforehand. In either case, I'll explain exactly what I'm removing and why, rather than treating it as a routine step.

AM I A GOOD CANDIDATE?

Anyone who no longer wants their breast implants is a candidate for removal — the more important question is what additional procedures, if any, make sense for your body afterward.

Beyond the basics, your candidacy comes down to a few specifics I evaluate in person during your consultation:

Whether imaging — a mammogram if you're at screening age, or an ultrasound or MRI to check for implant rupture — is needed before we schedule surgery
How long you've had your implants, their size, and which pocket they're in — all of which shape what your breasts are likely to look like once they're out (see above)
How much of your own breast tissue remains, which determines whether a lift, reduction, or fat grafting should be combined with removal
Whether a staged approach — removal now, an additional procedure later — is the safer option for your specific anatomy and blood supply
Whether you're genuinely willing to accept the uncertainty involved — I can't guarantee a specific outcome, and good candidacy means being at peace with that going in

Dr. Megan far exceeded my expectations. She is extremely caring, talented, educated, and attentive. I am so thankful for her, she truly changed my life in the best way possible! I feel great knowing I 100% chose the right surgeon for my procedure.

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BREAST IMPLANT REMOVAL RECOVERY

After surgery, you'll go home to recover with compression around the chest using an ACE bandage for the first few days. Depending on how extensive your surgery was, a drain may be used temporarily. Your breast tissue will take approximately 3 to 6 months to settle into its final shape, so try to hold off on judging your results before then. If you've also had a simultaneous procedure such as a breast lift or breast reduction, you will likely be placed in a post-operative bra to avoid compression, which can compromise blood flow.

Recovery, week by week:

Days 1–3: ACE bandage compression around the chest; drain if used, typically removed within the first week. Typically, okay to start showering after 48 hours. Most patients keep their arms close to their side for the first few days to the first week after surgery.
Week 1: Rest and limited activity while initial swelling subsides.
Week 4: restrictions such as lifting and range of motion lifted.
Months 3–6: Breast tissue settles into its final shape.

IMPLANT REMOVAL

FAQ

What Will My Breasts Look Like After Implant Removal?

It is very difficult to predict what a breast will look like after implant removal. Size and shape will depend on the size of the implant, native breast tissue, duration of the implant and overall tissue quality.

Can I Get An Implant Put Back In Later?

Yes, you can have a breast implant replaced after removal. Each procedure on the breast, however, will make the risk of complications higher. Its important to consider all options before undergoing breast implant removal.

Will I Need A Breast LIft?

The need for a breast lift will be determined by your plastic surgeon at the time of your seattle plastic surgery consultation. In some cases, this decision can only be made in the operating room.

Will Implant Removal Relieve My Symptoms?

Some women choose breast implant removal based on their belief that they experience physical symptoms related to their implant. We do not guarantee symptom relief after surgery, though many patients have had success.