Cosmetic Surgery
Breast Implant Removal
The removal of breast implants can be undertaken for cosmetic or health reasons. Women may choose to have their implants removed because they are no longer happy with their size or shape.
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Sometimes implant removal is a medical necessity as the implants are of poor quality and have started to degrade or even leak. Research suggests that when low-grade implants leak they may make some women vulnerable to health issues.
We are highly skilled at removing implants safely for patients whose original unsatisfactory surgeries have been performed elsewhere.Â
On this page, we look at:
- Why choose breast implant removal?
- What should I do if I have PIP breast implants?
- The breast implant removal procedure
- What will my breasts look like after my implants have been removed?
- The latest advice on breast implants
Why choose breast implant removal?
Some women find that after time their implants are no longer in harmony with the rest of their body. Age and life events like pregnancy change the shape of the body, and the size and shape of your implants may no longer be appropriate.
Occasionally capsular contracture can develop. This is scar tissue around the implant which is uncomfortable and can change the appearance of the breasts, sometimes causing them to fold or deflate.
If you are unlucky enough to develop an infection after breast augmentation surgery, you may ultimately require your implants to be removed.
What should I do if I have PIP breast implants?
PIP implants are poor-quality implants that contain industrial-grade silicone, a substance that is unsuitable for use in the human body.
PIP implants were used between 2001 and 2010 and some of them have been found to have leaked silicone into surrounding tissues causing significant health problems.
As this problem has become widely known many women have had their PIP implants removed.
At North Bristol Private Hospital, we only ever use the highest quality implants. We offer safe implant removal for patients whose original surgeries have been performed elsewhere.Â
The breast implant removal procedure
Your surgery will take place under a general anaesthetic and will require an overnight stay in our luxurious three-bed overnight ward.
We always make our incisions in the same incisions used when your implants were inserted to ensure that no new scars are created.
Your surgeon will remove any scar tissue along with the implant. If the implant has ruptured or leaked the procedure will be more complicated and take longer.
Your breasts may need some remodelling or an uplift after removal of the implant which can be done with an ‘anchor’ scars uplift.
What will my breasts look like after my implants have been removed?
The removal of your implants may result in breasts that need more cosmetic enhancement.
You may want to consider a breast uplift procedure, tissue remodelling or a replacement implant.
We only use premium quality implants, and you can be completely confident of their safety.
We will discuss all of this during your pre-surgical consultation and ensure that you are completely happy with your post-procedure breasts.
The latest advice on breast implants
Since December 2018, regulatory bodies in many countries have made statements on the subject of breast implants after some negative publicity about their effect on health.
The research data is inconclusive and has been interpreted differently by different countries. No country has advised that women with implants have them removed or replaced as a precautionary measure.
However, breast implants are not designed to be lifelong products and will need to be replaced at some point.
The Breast and Cosmetic Implant register (BCIR) collects breast implant data about patients in England and Scotland. The MHRA has a reporting system to gather and analyse information in the UK and is linked to data compiled by public health organisations in other countries.
The most recent advice from MHRA on BIA-ALCL was updated on the 4th of April 2019.
Frequently asked questions
Breast surgery patients in Bristol and the South West no longer need to travel to London for world-class aesthetic surgery.
At North Bristol Private Hospital our surgeons are the most experienced and skilled available and they work in state-of-the-art consultation and surgical premises.
We will be with you every step of the way through your breast surgery journey from your first contact with us to your last follow-up appointment.
Patients who are well cared for recover more quickly and so we make aftercare an absolute priority. You will have a nurse dedicated solely to your care after your procedure. In addition, we have created in-patient facilities that feel more like a cosy but luxurious boutique hotel than a hospital.
We will ensure that you are thoroughly prepared for your surgery by having extensive discussions with you during two pre-operative consultations. Your implants will be examined, and a full medical history will be taken to ensure that you are fit and healthy enough for surgery.
On the day of your surgery, you will be asked to fast for six hours before the procedure. When you arrive at North Bristol Private Hospital, you will meet your anaesthetist who will explain the type of anaesthetic that will be used. You are in the best hands and there is no need to be worried. However, if you are feeling anxious about the procedure, we can give you something to make you feel relaxed.
It is important to rest and take a few days off work after your surgery to allow your body to heal. You will feel sore and stiff but this can be resolved with painkillers. Your surgeon will advise you when you are ready to return to your usual routine.