Toronto Breast Implant Removal

How much does a Breast Implant Removal Cost?

The cost of a breast implant removal varies according to what the patient would like to accomplish with the procedure. Some patients may wish to remove old implants permanently, while others might opt to replace the old implants by inserting new ones. Others may have the implants removed and the pocket cosmetically modified and lifted internally. There is an additional cost if patients would like to add a breast lift to compensate for the loss of volume involved in breast implant removal. Typically, the cost of a standard procedure starts at $14,999.

Implant Removal – Single   $5,999
Implant Removal – Double $8,999

How long does it take to recover from a Breast Implant Removal?

Typically, most women are able to return to work and normal activities within a week of their breast implant removal. The recovery period involved in a breast implant removal procedure is much simpler and smoother compared to the initial breast implant surgery, as usually there is no muscle work required.

How long does a Breast Implant Removal take?

The length of the procedure depends on the breadth of cosmetic work. However, on average, a removal of breast implant procedure takes approximately 2 – 3 hours to perform.

What is a Breast Implant Removal?

The decision to undergo a breast implant procedure is significant. While most women are very pleased with their results, some might feel differently about their decision after a time, for a number of personal reasons. Others may develop hardening around implants (capsular contracture), or have older textured implants and want them removed and/or replaced.

In such cases, it is recommended that patients undergo a breast implant removal procedure. As its name suggests, the surgery involves the removal of the implants received during a breast augmentation surgery. The surgery will remove the implants as well as any scar tissue that is formed around the implants. New implants can be inserted and/or fat grafting to the breasts can be performed to add some natural volume.

Who is a Candidate for a Breast Implant Removal?

There is no age restriction for a breast implant removal procedure, and there is no specific trait that defines a “good” candidate. Fundamentally, good candidates are patients who would like to remove their breast implants. If the appearance of your breasts is bothersome and you have developed swelling or hardening around your implants, you are a solid candidate for a breast implant removal procedure.

However, while there are no specific traits that dictate candidacy, there are certain conditions that can make the process more seamless such as proper physical health and realistic expectations.

Benefits of Breast Implant Removal

Easier Recovery

The recovery from a breast implant removal is generally much smoother than the initial breast implant procedure. Most women can return to normal activities in 1 week.

Eliminate Pain

Many women opt to undergo breast implant removal procedures because they are experiencing discomfort or hardening with their implants. A breast implant removal procedure can eliminate any possible pain.

Less Pain

There is very minimal discomfort involved in a breast implant removal procedure.

Natural-Looking Results

The results of a breast implant removal procedure will appear natural.

Risks of Breast Implant Removal

Like every surgery, breast implant removal comes with a small chance of potential complications. The best thing patients can do to minimize the likelihood of complications is to select a trusted surgeon. The Toronto Plastic Surgeons have years of experience performing this procedure. Significant complications are uncommon and, in the rare event they occur, are expertly managed.

• Infections: Even though infections are rare, our breast implant removal surgeon still take every precaution to ensure that the procedure is a smooth, seamless experience. Preventative antibiotics are also provided.
• Adverse anesthesia effects: In some cases, the anesthesia used in the surgery can have an adverse effect on the patient. For this reason, the Toronto Plastic Surgeons carefully review the medical history of every single patient that walks through their doors.
• Issues with breastfeeding: There is a very slim possibility that the milk ducts will be damaged by the incision used to perform a breast implant removal.
• Unexpected bruising: Sometimes, the procedure can result in unexpected bruising. Regardless, even unexpected bruising will subside after a few weeks. 

All complications are managed and corrected as part of your surgical fee.

Why Choose TPS for a Breast Implant Removal?

Recognized as one of Canada’s most sought-after body contouring surgeons, Dr. Bell has garnered an esteemed reputation for his unparalleled efficiency and renowned surgical skills. Dr. Bell is a Board Certified Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon and a Fellow of the Royal College of Physician and Surgeons of Canada in Plastic Surgery at the University of Toronto.

Different Types of Breast Implant Removal Procedures

Explant, Capsulectomy, En Bloc Capsulectomy Removal.

How is a Breast Implant Removal Performed?

All breast implant removal procedures are performed within the comfort of the modern Toronto Plastic Surgeons surgical suites. The surgery is entirely personalized and specifically designed by our expert team to match your desired results.

Before your surgery, a physician will administer anesthesia to ensure that the procedure is completely painless. During the procedure, Dr. Bell will make a small incision below the breasts to better access the skin tissue. Then, the breast implants are removed using a combination of techniques. Finally, sutures and skin adhesives close the skin incisions.

If your implants are textured, Dr. Bell will perform an en bloc removal of the implant and capsular tissue to remove the risk of ALCL. Dr. Bell will explain more during the consultation of this particular breast implant removal procedure.

How to Prepare for a Breast Implant Removal

To ensure a successful surgery, the doctor will advise that you follow certain preparations in the weeks leading up to your procedure date:

• Smoking should be discontinued two weeks leading up to the procedure and two weeks after. Those who continue to smoke will have a longer recovery period and a greater likelihood of complications.
• In the weeks prior to the surgery, patients can prepare their bodies by nourishing themselves with high-quality vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants to support healing.
• Two weeks before your procedure, patients must cease taking Aspirin or any medication that contains Aspirin.
• Six hours prior to surgery, patients must stop consuming any food or drink. Small sips of water are permitted.

What to Expect After a Breast Implant Removal

The results of the procedure will depend on a variety of factors, including the size, shape, and location of the implants that will be removed. In addition, please note that it is not uncommon for patients to experience minor discomfort following the procedure.

After the surgery, Dr. Bell will give you detailed post-operative instructions to ensure a seamless recovery. Please keep in mind that you will be required to wear a tight-fitting compression garment for several weeks to ensure that the healing process is smooth and seamless.

Breast Implant Removal Recovery & Timeline

Week 1: Patients will spend their first week recovering from their procedure. By the end of the week, patients can return to normal activities, such as work. 

Week 3: Patients may return to strenuous physical activities.

Month 4: Any scarring has completely healed, and the breasts have settled into their new position.

Breast Implant Removal FAQ

What is ALCL, and should I have my Textured Implants removed?

ALCL is an aggressive ingrowth of lymphocytes around and within the capsular tissue surrounding textured breast implants. The ingrowth can lead to a locally aggressive and life-threatening lymphoma, and removal is required. En bloc capsulectomy involves removing “as one” the capsule and the textured implant.

En bloc capsulectomy and removal is curative, and replacement with smooth shell, cohesive gel implants are most common. Smooth shell implants have non associated ALCL risk.

How painful is it to get a Breast Implant Removal?

Due to the anesthesia administered during the procedure, the patient will not feel any pain during the surgery. While it is normal to experience some swelling and discomfort after the surgery, there will be no extreme or long-term pain. This irritation can be easily controlled with oral medication prescribed by Dr. Bell.

When should I consider a Breast Implant Removal?

Patients may consider a breast implant removal procedure for a variety of reasons. Some patients may choose to undergo the surgery due to personal preferences, complications with their current implants, or even simply because they wish to exchange their current implants for a different size or type.

Can I have a lift performed during an explant?

Absolutely. If the skin has been stretched out due to the removing breast implants procedure, it is recommended that patients undergo a breast lift after their recovery. Breast lifting can be internal, with pocket reshaping, or more significant lifting can be performed externally.

Will I have any difficulty breastfeeding?

There is a very slim possibility that the milk ducts will be damaged by the incision used to remove the breast implants. However, as long as the milk ducts remain intact, there should not be an issue related to breastfeeding.