Breast Implant Removal Sydney

Breast implant removal and revision addresses complications from previous breast surgeries, such as capsular contracture, implant rupture, or shifting aesthetic preferences. For many patients, revision surgery also provides the opportunity to replace older implants with modern, highly advanced implant technologies and updated surgical techniques.

As implants generally require replacement every 10 to 15 years, revision surgery is a routine and refined process. The procedure is performed as a streamlined day surgery under general anaesthetic, typically lasting between one and two hours to ensure an efficient, smooth recovery with minimal downtime.

Common Surgical Techniques

1. Removal with Capsulectomy

To correct painful or aesthetically displeasing capsular contracture, incisions are usually made in the same location as the original breast implants surgery. During this procedure, the surgeon removes part or all of the scar tissue capsule surrounding the implant for a histopathological examination.

2. Removal and Replacement

This involves the removal of the old device and the placement of new implants, often utilizing a higher profile or different volume based on the patient’s clinical goals. This is a common form of secondary breast implants surgery.

3. Removal with Breast Lift Surgery

After removing implants or replacing them with smaller volumes, some patients may experience skin laxity. A breast lift (mastopexy) may be performed concurrently. This removes excess skin and tightens the underlying tissue to provide improved support and a more youthful contour. During a breast lift, the areolas may also be resized to remain proportionate to the new breast shape.

4. Transition to Breast Reduction

In some instances, patients choose to remove their implants entirely and undergo a breast reduction to achieve a smaller, natural breast size using their own tissue.

Choosing Your Specialist

When exploring options for surgery, patients frequently search for the best plastic surgeon in Sydney or the best plastic surgeon in Australia. However, your priority should be selecting a specialist plastic surgeon who is Fellow-trained (FRACS) and operates in accredited facilities.

Mandatory Surgical Warning: Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding, you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner. A GP referral is required for all cosmetic surgery consultations, and a mandatory seven-day cooling-off period applies after your second consultation and informed consent.

Returning to work and normal activities

Recovery times vary; we provide detailed aftercare instructions to support healing. Many patients return to work in about five days, but experiences can differ. However, breast lifts can make breasts feel heavy and tight for several weeks, while surgery for capsular contracture will cause higher levels of discomfort and lead to a more extended recovery time.

Scars typically fade over three to four months, but individual healing experiences may vary.

For six weeks after surgery, you must not lift anything heavier than five kilograms or engage in vigorous or excessive exercise. These activities can resume six weeks after surgery but allow three to six months for the breasts to finish repositioning.

Dr. Laith Barnouti, MBBS, FRACS (Plas), will assess you thoroughly and discuss potential risks and complications.; however these can include:

• Reduced sensitivity or numbing of the breasts and surrounding area for up to six months.
• Raised, red or painful scarring for up to a few years.
• Sagging or misshapen breasts.
• If the patient chooses not to replace removed breast implants, a breast lift may be needed to tighten stretched skin.
• Sometimes the procedure must take part in two stages. Stage one to remove the implants and perform a capsulectomy and stage two to introduce new implants and/or perform a breast lift.

Comprehensive Breast Care in Sydney

Making an informed decision is the most important step in any surgical journey. Review our complete clinical resources, procedure details, and surgical options to better understand the choices available at our Sydney clinic.