While breast augmentation remains one of the most popular plastic surgical procedures, there has been a slight uptick in breast implant removal in recent years.

Plastic and reconstructive surgeon Jason Miller, MD, DMD, performs many breast implant removals each year. According to Dr. Miller, patients remove their implants for various reasons, ranging from comfort and personal preference to medical necessity.

“No matter the reason for removing your breast implants, we customize the procedure to fit their needs and goals,” he says. “We want women to be happy with their results over the long term.”

Top reasons women choose to have their implants removed

Dr. Miller says some of the most common reasons he performs implant removal include:

Cosmetic issues: Women may be unhappy with the size or appearance of their breasts.

Cancer concerns: Certain textured-surface implants may be linked to a rare cancer called anaplastic large cell lymphoma. Nebraska Medicine surgeons do not use this type of implant.

Breast implant illness: A small number of women report vague symptoms that may be related to breast implant surgery, including fogginess, pain, dizziness and autoimmune symptoms.

Implants have exceeded their longevity: Signs that implants may need to be removed include:

• Hardening of the breast, known as capsular contracture
• Movement of the implant, giving an uneven appearance
• Deflation or change in shape, which may be caused by a ruptured implant

Are breast implants safe?

It is important to note that breast implants are approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and extensive research has been done to ensure their safety.

Still, some women have reported symptoms associated with their breast implants, leading to a condition known as breast implant illness (BII). Symptoms may include:

• Fatigue
• Chronic pain
• Rash
• Brain fog

There is currently minimal evidence to support BII as a well-defined disease and its exact cause is unclear. However, Dr. Miller has cultured capsules, which are tissue structures that grow to surround breast implants, on patients who reported symptoms of illness after their surgery.

“There was a certain bacteria growing on the capsule, so bacterial contamination may or may not be a culprit in breast implant illness,” says Dr. Miller, who recently published an article on the topic.

Regardless, the risk of BII and other side effects of breast implant surgery are low when performed by a qualified professional.

Questions to ask before having your implants removed

Before opting for breast implant removal, Dr. Miller suggests patients ask themselves the following questions or, better yet, discuss them with a trusted provider.

1. Why am I having my implants removed, and what is my goal? Having reasonable expectations and defining a clear goal will help ensure you are happy with your results.
2. What options are available when you have the procedure done? “You may have sagging after the implants are removed,” Dr. Miller says. “Some women choose to have a breast lift to tighten the skin or to have fat injected into the breast area after the implants are removed. This is done by performing liposuction to another area of the body, such as the tummy, and using the fat to provide a more aesthetically pleasing appearance.”
3. Can my schedule accommodate the healing and recovery period? You will likely need to take time off work to allow for adequate recovery.
4. What are my options for surgeons? While complications are rare with this procedure, to achieve the best results, choose someone experienced, skilled and trained at performing this procedure. Look for a board-certified plastic surgeon whom you feel comfortable working with.