People choose breast implant removal because of changing appearance preferences, lifestyle needs, implant complications, or health concerns. Sometimes the breasts that suited someone years ago no longer feel right for their body or priorities. Board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Jeffrey Roth helps patients explore breast implant removal and whether removal alone or another procedure may meet their goals.
If you’re becoming dissatisfied with your implants, it may help to know why others have chosen to have their breast implants removed. In this post, we’ll look at a few of the most common reasons.
Common Reasons for Breast Implant Removal
The decision to remove your implants may involve several overlapping considerations. The reasons below can help you identify what matters most to you and prepare for a conversation with your plastic surgeon.
Changing Appearance Preferences
The size and shape you wanted when you first chose implants may differ from what you prefer today. Some patients want smaller breasts, while others want to return to an appearance without implants. Pregnancy, weight changes, and aging can also alter breast tissue and how implants look. These changes do not necessarily mean the original surgery was unsuccessful; your body and preferences may simply have evolved.
Lifestyle & Personal Comfort
You may find that your breast size no longer suits your exercise routines, clothing preferences, or everyday comfort. Or perhaps you no longer want the ongoing monitoring your silicone implants require. You do not need to be unhappy with your original decision to consider a different choice now.
Aging Implants
Breast implants do not last a lifetime. The longer they are in place, the greater the likelihood of complications and the need for additional surgery. However, implants do not have a universal expiration date or automatically need replacement after 10 years. Their condition, your symptoms, and your preferences should guide the discussion with your surgeon.
Implant Complications or Changes in Breast Shape
Implant rupture, infection, capsular contracture, or a change in implant position may prompt patients to consider removal.
Depending on the problem and your goals, treatment may involve removing the implants without replacement or performing breast augmentation revision to replace or reposition them. A new change in breast shape, persistent pain, swelling, or a lump should be evaluated before deciding on treatment.
Health Concerns & Breast Implant Illness (BII)
Some patients consider removal because of persistent symptoms such as fatigue, difficulty concentrating, or joint and muscle pain, sometimes called breast implant illness. The relationship between these symptoms and implants remains under study. Some patients report improvement after removal, but improvement is not guaranteed. A healthcare provider can evaluate other possible causes and help you consider your options.
A breast cancer diagnosis may also lead to a discussion about existing implants. Removal is not automatically necessary for every diagnosis; the decision depends on the cancer treatment plan and should be coordinated with the oncology and plastic surgery teams.
Discover why one woman chose to have her breast implants removed in the following KTNV ABC 13 video:
You can learn more about who is a good candidate for breast implant removal from the American Society of Plastic Surgeons.
Breast Implant Removal Before-and-After Photos
See examples of Dr. Roth’s breast implant removal results below. Your outcome will depend on your existing breast tissue, skin elasticity, and whether removal is combined with a breast lift or another procedure.
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Explore Your Breast Implant Removal Options
Whether your concerns involve appearance, comfort, or health, Dr. Roth can help you understand your options and what to expect after removal. Request a consultation at his Las Vegas practice to discuss your goals, the condition of your implants, and whether removal, replacement, or another procedure may be appropriate for you.