You may be considering breast implant removal for a range of reasons. Perhaps your perspective and body image have changed over time, and you feel your implants are no longer a feature you want.
If you’ve had breast augmentation in Newcastle and are now thinking of going implant-free, the team at Adam Critchley can help. Our Newcastle clinic provides a safe and welcoming space where you can undergo breast implant removal and get your confidence back.
Removal of 280cc Eurosilicone implants and mastopexy to reduce excess skin, restore nipple position to the breast apex and reposition breast tissue internally to boost cleavage and overall projection. The patient was delighted following surgery.
Why undergo breast implant removal?
Most people who have breast implants removed do so for cosmetic reasons. They may no longer feel confident with their enlargement. As we age, the breast tissue around implants can change, sometimes creating a distorted shape due to sagging. This can lead some people with implants to want them removed — either to replace and reshape them or to reduce their breast size.
For some people, complications can arise after a breast enlargement — although this is rare, the best course of action is to remove the implants. If you feel discomfort or pain or an implant has ruptured, this can call for breast implant removal.
What is breast implant removal?
While some women opt for breast enlargement using fat transfer from another part of their body, most go for silicone implants. These implants are inserted under your breast tissue to create a fuller bust.
But what happens if you want to remove these implants? ‘Explant’ surgery, or breast implant removal, can be combined with another surgery form.
- Your explant surgery may be paired with breast implant revision or replacement at the end of the original implants’ lifespan.
- Alternatively, if you are simply having your implants removed, you’ll usually need a breast lift to help reshape your breast tissue. This is because, once the implants have gone, there will be excess skin.
What happens during breast implant removal surgery?
As with any form of breast surgery, it’s important to have a clear understanding of the process before undergoing the procedure.
Preparing for breast implant removal
Your breast surgery journey will begin with a consultation. During your consultation, your surgeon Adam Critchley will assess your breasts and ensure removal is a suitable solution for you.
We ask that you stop smoking 4-8 weeks prior to your surgery and discuss any potential medication changes with your breast surgeon ahead of your procedure.
The night before your implant removal, we recommend showering well and avoiding any deodorant use or cosmetics around your chest and underarms to keep the area as clean as possible.
On the day of your surgery, you’ll be given an effective general anaesthetic so you are asleep during the whole procedure. You may also benefit from ultrasound-guided nerve blocks placed by the anaesthetist.
Implant removal surgery
During breast implant removal surgery, your practitioner will create an incision around your areola or along the breast crease, then remove the implant and any scar tissue. If you’re going implant-free with a breast lift (mastopexy), they will then move some of the breast tissue to create an aesthetic shape and stitch up the incisions.
The process usually takes between one and three hours.
What to expect after breast implant removal
Full breast implant removal recovery usually takes around six weeks. You may notice swelling, soreness, and tenderness for a couple of weeks after your surgery, along with changes to your nipple sensitivity. These are very normal, so don’t be alarmed.
Scarring is also natural, and it may appear prominent at first but will gradually fade over time. Take a look at our guide to breast surgery scars and recovery for more advice on reducing the appearance of scarring.
During your breast implant removal recovery phase, we recommend:
- Avoiding any lifting, bending, or straining for two weeks — you may wish to take a couple of weeks off work.
- Avoiding sexual intercourse for at least two weeks.
- Wearing a surgical support bra for the first few days post-surgery and keeping your chest dry. You can then switch to a soft support bra for the remainder of your recovery.
- Sleeping on your back until you feel healed.
Learn more about our enhanced recovery support.
How much does breast implant removal cost?
At Adam Critchley, breast implant removal costs an initial £200 for a consultation. The full price then depends on whether you are replacing your implants or require a breast lift (mastopexy) after removal. We can guide you through your options and the full costs during your consultation.
Our pricing includes an overnight stay in a private room along with anaesthetic, surgery costs, post-op medication, and follow-up procedures.
Why choose Adam Critchley for your breast implant removal?
Deciding to go implant-free or to replace your implants is a big decision. Adam Critchley takes a personalised approach to every procedure, ensuring you get the care and treatment that’s right for you.
Our state-of-the-art facility is a welcoming space, and we have an experienced team of experts on hand. Your surgeon, Adam Critchley, has over a decade of experience as a Consultant Breast Surgeon and extensive medical training — so you can rest assured that you’re in good hands at every step of the journey.
Please take a look at our reviews to see what previous patients have to say, and get in touch to book your consultation.