Is a Breast Implant Removal Painful?

While every patient experiences pain differently, most describe breast implant removal as less painful than their original augmentation. Some discomfort is to be expected in the days following surgery, but it’s generally well-managed with prescribed pain medication and rest. You may feel a sense of tightness, mild soreness, or fatigue as your body begins to heal. These side effects are temporary and improve significantly within the first week. Dr. Kachare and his team will provide you with a comprehensive recovery plan to help you stay comfortable every step of the way.

How Many Appointments Will I Need?

There are, at a minimum, four main appointments needed for breast implant removal, similar to your original augmentation. This includes your consultation, pre-operative appointment, surgery, and follow-up visits. Your pre-operative appointment ensures that you’re cleared to proceed with the surgery, finalizes details for the treatment, and goes over any remaining questions. Your follow-up visits are to monitor your healing and ensure that no complications arise.

How Long Until I See Results?

Similar to your original surgery, you’ll be able to see a noticeable change immediately. However, swelling and possible bruising will temporarily hinder the results, which is to be expected. Over the next few weeks, your breasts will continue to settle into their new position and shape. Most patients begin to see final results after about 3 months, once all swelling has subsided. The healing timeline may be slightly longer if you’ve combined your removal with a lift or other procedure. Dr. Kachare will guide you through each phase so you know exactly what to expect along the way.

Can I Combine a Breast Implant Removal With Other Procedures?

You can combine breast implant removal with other procedures. In fact, they are most commonly paired with breast lifts. Breast tissue and skin can become stretched out due to implants, aging, and weight changes, sometimes making breasts sag after implant removal, so breast lifts are added on to correct these concerns and return the breasts to a natural, perky position. In other cases, patients choose to combine breast implant removal with Breast Capsulotomy/Capsulectomy to correct capsular contracture or a tummy tuck to create a more refined body silhouette. These options can be discussed with you during your visit in Greenville with Dr. Kachare.

What Are the Risks Associated With a Breast Implant Removal?

As with any surgical procedure, there are potential risks involved, though they are rare when performed by a qualified, experienced surgeon like Dr. Kachare. These risks may include infection, bleeding, fluid buildup (seroma), unfavorable scarring, or changes in nipple or breast sensation. In some cases, additional procedures may be needed for optimal cosmetic results. The best way to reduce your risk is by carefully following all pre- and post-operative instructions.

Greenville, NC

Breast Implant Removal

Introduction

Introduction to Breast Implant Removal

As incredible as breast implants are, they aren’t made to last forever. This is completely okay! Some patients choose to swap out their implants, and others choose to remove them completely. This is often due to changes in appearance preferences or, in some cases, due to uncommon complications. If you’re thinking about having your breast implants removed, it’s best to be informed. Read on to learn more about breast implant removal and what triple-board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Kachare, in Greenville, NC, can do to help you on this journey.

What is a Breast Implant Removal?

Breast implant removal is exactly as it sounds: it is the surgical process of removing implants from the breast, whether due to changes in aesthetic preferences or potential complications. The process includes making incisions, either in the same area as your original procedure or in other areas, depending on preference and complexity, and removing the implants to restore the breasts to their original size and shape. In many cases, since implants can sometimes stretch out the skin, patients will have a breast lift done at the same time to remove sagging skin and tissue and enhance their appearance. The result is a natural, comfortable look and feel.

A light-skinned woman with shoulder-length brown hair sits at a dark wooden table, smiling gently while looking down at an open brochure she holds with both hands. The brochure features a circular design and text about procedures or services. Another person’s hand and arm are partially visible in the lower right, indicating a consultation or meeting. A small clear round object rests on the table between her hands. The background shows a light beige-white wall and part of a window, suggesting a medical or aesthetic office setting. - Breast Implant Exchange in Greenville, NC

What Are the Benefits of a Breast Implant Removal?

Having breast implants removed offers benefits both functional and aesthetic. In some cases, patients will have them removed due to concerns such as implant illness, capsular contracture, or leakage. Breast implants are also not meant to last a lifetime and may need to be removed or replaced every 10 to 15 years. This is due to the potential for them to shift from their original placement due to age or weight fluctuations.

Patients may also opt to remove them simply for aesthetic reasons. This can include wanting to revert to their original shape and size, utilizing fat transfer instead of implants, or adding a breast lift. In some cases, the original implant procedure did not go as expected, and they may be disappointed in the results. No matter the reason, patients report feeling comfortable and confident in their skin after having the procedure done.

Who Are the Best Candidates For a Breast Implant Removal?

Candidates for breast implant removal are patients who are dissatisfied with their current breast implants and want to remove them, whether for aesthetic or functional purposes. If you identify with one or more of the following criteria, you may be a good candidate for this procedure:

You’re unhappy with the results of your original breast implant augmentation
You’ve experienced changes in aesthetic preferences
Your implants have shifted from their original position, whether due to aging, weight changes, or other reasons
Your implants are causing discomfort
Your implants may be experiencing leakage, capsular contracture, or other concerns
You feel sick or nauseous due to breast implant illness
Scar tissue around the implant has hardened
You’ve made lifestyle changes
Your implants are 10-15 years old or older

There are multiple reasons why someone may be interested in removing their breast implants. Regardless, Dr. Kachare will work with you in Greenville, NC, to devise a solution that best suits your needs and determine if removing them is right for you.

What’s the first step

When thinking about having breast implants removed, the best first step is to consult with a professional plastic surgeon to determine whether this is the right choice for you. You can work with Dr. Kachare in Greenville to review your options and decide whether to supplement your removal with a lift or another procedure. Ultrasound, CT scans or MRIs may be taken during this time to ensure there are no medical concerns, such as leakage. You’ll go over a treatment plan that will include areas of incision, as well as before and after care. This is your opportunity to ask questions and ensure you fully understand what to expect before moving forward.

What to Expect on the Day of Breast Implant Removal Surgery

Your breast implant removal will take place at a fully accredited surgical facility in Greenville, NC, under general anesthesia. Before the procedure begins, Dr. Kachare will review the surgical plan with you one final time to ensure everything aligns with your goals. Once you’re comfortably under anesthesia, he will make incisions—often along the original incision lines—to minimize additional scarring. From there, the implants are carefully removed, along with any scar tissue if needed. If you’re also receiving a breast lift or other additional procedure, this will be performed during the same session. Once complete, the incisions are closed with sutures, and you’ll be taken to a recovery area for monitoring until you’re ready to go home.

Breast Implant Removal Recovery

You’ll be able to return home the same day as your procedure with detailed recovery instructions. Swelling, tightness, and soreness are normal in the first few days, and you’ll be prescribed pain medication to help manage any discomfort. Most patients can return to work within 1 to 2 weeks, depending on the nature of their job. Physical activity and heavy lifting should be avoided for about 4 to 6 weeks to allow your body time to heal properly. Dr. Kachare will monitor your progress through scheduled follow-ups and let you know when it’s safe to resume all regular activities. With each week, you’ll notice the swelling continue to go down and your results take shape.

How Much Does a Breast Implant Removal Cost in Greenville, NC?

The cost of a Breast Implant Removal in Greenville can vary given the intricacy of the procedure, especially when dealing with concerns such as excess scar tissue, leakage, or other concerns. It includes your surgical fees, your surgeon’s expertise, facility, anesthesia, and medication fees. For a more accurate understanding of the cost for your procedure, schedule a consultation with our team in Greenville. We’ll also review your financing options and whether insurance may cover part of the treatment, if needed for medical reasons.

Why Choose Dr. Kachare?

Dr. Swapnil Kachare is a triple board-certified surgeon in Plastic Surgery, General Surgery, and Hand Surgery, offering patients in Greenville, NC, unparalleled skill and dedication. His approach to breast implant removal is rooted in precision, safety, and personalization, ensuring that each patient feels confident, informed, and supported throughout their journey. With years of advanced surgical experience and a reputation for delivering beautiful, natural-looking results, Dr. Kachare tailors each procedure to your anatomy and goals. Whether you’re removing implants for aesthetic reasons or addressing a medical concern, you’ll be in the expert hands of a surgeon who truly listens, cares, and delivers exceptional results.

Breast Implant Removal FAQ’S

While every patient experiences pain differently, most describe breast implant removal as less painful than their original augmentation. Some discomfort is to be expected in the days following surgery, but it’s generally well-managed with prescribed pain medication and rest. You may feel a sense of tightness, mild soreness, or fatigue as your body begins to heal. These side effects are temporary and improve significantly within the first week. Dr. Kachare and his team will provide you with a comprehensive recovery plan to help you stay comfortable every step of the way.
There are, at a minimum, four main appointments needed for breast implant removal, similar to your original augmentation. This includes your consultation, pre-operative appointment, surgery, and follow-up visits. Your pre-operative appointment ensures that you’re cleared to proceed with the surgery, finalizes details for the treatment, and goes over any remaining questions. Your follow-up visits are to monitor your healing and ensure that no complications arise.
Similar to your original surgery, you’ll be able to see a noticeable change immediately. However, swelling and possible bruising will temporarily hinder the results, which is to be expected. Over the next few weeks, your breasts will continue to settle into their new position and shape. Most patients begin to see final results after about 3 months, once all swelling has subsided. The healing timeline may be slightly longer if you’ve combined your removal with a lift or other procedure. Dr. Kachare will guide you through each phase so you know exactly what to expect along the way.
You can combine breast implant removal with other procedures. In fact, they are most commonly paired with breast lifts. Breast tissue and skin can become stretched out due to implants, aging, and weight changes, sometimes making breasts sag after implant removal, so breast lifts are added on to correct these concerns and return the breasts to a natural, perky position.

In other cases, patients choose to combine breast implant removal with Breast Capsulotomy/Capsulectomy to correct capsular contracture or a tummy tuck to create a more refined body silhouette. These options can be discussed with you during your visit in Greenville with Dr. Kachare.
As with any surgical procedure, there are potential risks involved, though they are rare when performed by a qualified, experienced surgeon like Dr. Kachare. These risks may include infection, bleeding, fluid buildup (seroma), unfavorable scarring, or changes in nipple or breast sensation. In some cases, additional procedures may be needed for optimal cosmetic results. The best way to reduce your risk is by carefully following all pre- and post-operative instructions.

Schedule Your Consultation

To schedule your consultation and learn more about breast implant removal, give us a call at our Greenville, NC, office, or fill out the online contact form. We look forward to working with you!

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