Breast implant removal or replacement

Breast implant removal removes the implant and the complications specific to it. The limit lies in the result: breast volume decreases immediately, the skin may look loose, creased or empty-looking, and sagging (ptosis) may be present. When sagging is present, a breast lift may be carried out at the same time or later. Replacing the implant may be needed if the implant is faulty or ruptured, for example, and if you wish to have implants again. Improvement in the general symptoms sometimes attributed to implants is not guaranteed.

Before breast implant removal, Dr Manon Belhoste and the anaesthetist give instructions on fasting and medication. All regular medicines and supplements must be reported: aspirin and medicines that affect clotting are only stopped on the instruction of the prescriber, Dr Manon Belhoste or the anaesthetist. Stopping smoking and all nicotine is required: nicotine increases the risk of poor healing. The prescribed breast imaging must be carried out.

In the first few days, swelling, bruising, a feeling of tightness and difficulty moving the arms are common. After breast implant replacement, the compression bra is worn from discharge. The prescribed wound care, scar care and sun protection should be followed.

Around every implant, and around any foreign body implanted in the body (breast or otherwise), the body forms a fibrous capsule. The fibrous capsule is not removed as a routine. Partial or full removal may be advised depending on the condition of the capsule. Full removal can be technically difficult or riskier when part of the capsule adheres strongly to the chest wall. Dr Manon Belhoste discusses the strategy during the consultation.

A breast lift is often combined when the skin is overstretched and sagging (ptosis) is significant. The lift retightens the skin envelope and reshapes the breast, but it adds scars and risks specific to healing and blood supply. The decision is made during the consultation.

After the removal of an implant, breast volume decreases immediately. The skin may look loose, creased or empty-looking. Gradual skin contraction may occur over several months, but its extent varies and cannot be predicted precisely. An associated breast lift retightens the skin envelope and reshapes the breast.

Some patients report general symptoms attributed to their implants, sometimes grouped under the term “breast implant illness”. The symptoms are varied and not specific. A meta-analysis of 33 studies involving 6,048 women reported improvement in 81.9% of them after removal. The studies are heterogeneous and often observational: the disappearance of any given symptom is not guaranteed.

The price of breast implant removal or replacement includes Dr Manon Belhoste's fees, follow-up consultations after the operation, implants where planned, anaesthesia and clinic fees at La Phocéanne polyclinic or Phénicia clinic.