Breast Implant Removal or ReplacementDone in Cluj-Napoca

What Does Breast Implant Removal or Replacement Involve?

Breast implant removal is a surgical procedure that eliminates existing implants. This intervention may be necessary for various reasons — including the desire to return to natural breast size, the occurrence of complications, or discomfort caused by the implants.

Because the capsule around the implant changes over time, implants should typically be replaced or removed every 10 to 15 years after placement.

To achieve a natural and harmonious breast appearance, the procedure can be combined with new implants, a breast lift (mastopexy), or fat transfer, which helps avoid sagging or loss of volume after implant removal.

Reasons for Breast Implant Replacement or Removal

• Medical complications: Issues such as infection, implant rupture, or capsular contracture (formation of hard tissue around the implant) are common reasons for replacement or removal.
• Changed preferences: Some women decide they no longer wish to have implants for aesthetic or personal reasons.
• Physical discomfort: Large or heavy implants may cause back pain or general discomfort.
• Aesthetic changes: Over time, implants may shift position or change shape, leading patients to consider removal.
• Time: When more than 10–15 years have passed since implantation and replacement is no longer desired.

The Surgical Process

Preoperative consultation: During the first visit, the plastic surgeon will evaluate your health, discuss your reasons for wanting to remove or replace the implants, and explain the procedure in detail.
Anesthesia: The procedure is typically performed under general anesthesia to ensure maximum comfort.
Incisions: The surgeon makes incisions in the same areas as the original placement — either under the breast or around the areola — to minimize visible scarring.
Implant removal: The implants are carefully removed, and any surrounding capsule may be partially or completely excised depending on the case.
Reimplantation or fat transfer: Depending on your goals, new implants may be placed, or a fat transfer may be performed to restore volume naturally.

Implant Removal Combined with Fat Transfer

Benefits of the Procedure

• Natural appearance: Using the patient’s own fat eliminates the risk of an artificial look.
• Improved body contour: Fat is removed from areas such as the abdomen, thighs, or hips, then transferred to the breasts, enhancing both body and breast shape.
• Lower risk of complications: Fat transfer carries fewer risks, such as infection or implant-related reactions.
• Easier recovery: Recovery is generally quicker and smoother compared to traditional implant-based augmentation.

Procedure Steps

1. Implant removal: The surgeon removes the implants and any scar tissue or capsule surrounding them.
2. Liposuction: Fat is gently extracted from selected areas of your body.
3. Fat purification: The harvested fat is purified and prepared for transfer.
4. Fat injection: The purified fat is carefully injected into the breasts to achieve the desired volume and shape.
5. Bandaging: The treated area is bandaged to support the breasts and assist in healing.

Recovery

Recovery time varies depending on the procedure — reimplantation may require a longer recovery than fat transfer alone.
Most patients can move around on the same day and resume daily activities within a few days.
Strenuous physical effort should be avoided for six weeks after surgery.

Risks and Complications

As with any surgery, there are potential risks, such as infection, bleeding, or asymmetry after healing.
Temporary changes in breast sensitivity are also possible.
All these aspects will be discussed in detail during the preoperative consultation.

Conclusion

Breast implants typically need to be replaced every 10 to 15 years or sooner if complications arise or preferences change.
If you no longer wish to have implants, you can opt for fat transfer augmentation or a simple breast lift to maintain a natural, aesthetic result.