What To Do When You Want To Get Rid of Breast Implants

As a board-certified plastic surgeon in Raleigh, NC, I’m Dr. Glenn Lyle, and I understand that deciding to remove your breast implants  is a deeply personal choice. Many women undergo breast augmentation at one stage of life but later feel that their implants no longer suit their lifestyle, health, or personal preferences. If you're considering breast implant removal, you likely have many questions about the process, your options, and what to expect afterward.

At my practice in Raleigh, NC, I specialize in helping women make informed decisions about their bodies. Whether you’re experiencing complications, seeking a more natural look, or simply feeling that implants are no longer for you, I’m here to guide you through this transition safely and confidently. I believe in providing a compassionate, patient-centered approach, ensuring that every woman who visits my practice feels heard, supported, and empowered in her decision-making process.

Why Women Choose to Remove Their Breast Implants

Women opt for breast implant removal for various reasons, each as unique as the individual making the decision. Some of the most common include:

Personal Preference

• Many women find that their aesthetic goals evolve over time, and they may prefer a more natural breast size. What once seemed like the perfect enhancement may no longer align with how they feel about their body. Changing beauty standards and personal growth often contribute to this shift in preference.
• Lifestyle changes, such as increased physical activity, can make implants feel cumbersome or unnecessary. Women who engage in high-impact exercises like running or weightlifting may find that breast implants interfere with their comfort and mobility.
• Some women simply feel ready to embrace their natural body shape. With increased awareness around body positivity and self-acceptance, many women choose to remove their implants as part of their journey toward self-love and confidence.

Medical Concerns

• Capsular Contracture: This occurs when scar tissue around the implant tightens, causing discomfort, hardness, or an unnatural appearance. It can be painful and may distort the shape of the breasts, making removal a desirable solution.
• Rupture or Leakage: Over time, implants can wear out, requiring removal or replacement. A ruptured implant can lead to complications such as silicone migration or deflation of the breast, prompting women to consider removal.
• Breast Implant Illness (BII): Some women report symptoms such as fatigue, joint pain, and inflammation, which they attribute to their implants. While BII is still being studied, many women experience relief from symptoms after removing their implants.

Aging and Natural Changes

• Pregnancy, weight fluctuations, and aging affect breast tissue, potentially altering how implants look and feel. Natural changes in the body can lead to a desire for a different aesthetic or the removal of implants altogether.
• Gravity and changes in skin elasticity can make implants sag over time, prompting women to seek removal or additional procedures like a lift. In these cases, a breast lift may be recommended to restore youthful contours.

Your Options for Breast Implant Removal

When considering breast implant removal, it’s essential to understand the different surgical approaches. The best option depends on your reasons for removal, overall health, and aesthetic goals.

Total Intact Capsulectomy 

• This procedure involves removing the implant and the entire surrounding scar capsule as one unit. It is often recommended for women with implant-related health concerns. This differs from the en bloc capsulectomy which is reserved for patients with BIA- ALCL or BIA- SCC
• It’s often recommended for women with suspected breast implant illness or implant rupture. This method minimizes the risk of leaving behind any remnants of silicone or scar tissue. 
• While this approach can be beneficial, not all cases require a total capsulectomy so I discuss the best strategy with each patient individually. Not every patient requires such an extensive procedure, and the decision should be based on individual health and surgical considerations.

Traditional Implant Removal 

• In this method, the implants are removed, but some of the scar capsule is left in place unless medically necessary to remove it. This approach may be preferred for patients without significant complications. 
• This is a less invasive procedure compared to a total capsulectomy and may result in a faster recovery. Many women experience a smooth recovery with minimal downtime following traditional implant removal.

Implant Removal with Breast Lift 

• Many women opt for a breast lift (mastopexy) after implant removal to restore a more youthful and natural breast shape. This option helps maintain breast volume and contour after implant removal. 
• This is especially beneficial if implants have stretched the skin or if there is excess sagging. A breast lift can reposition and reshape the breast tissue, creating a firm and perky appearance.

Breast implant removal with fat transfer

• This procedure involves removal of the breast implant and placement of liposuctioned fat to overcome some of the deficiency left after removal. It is NOT the same as an implant and many patients ask it " you can replace my implant with fat?" Technically- No. The fat is not placed in the same location as the implant. TO do so would result in a lot of dead or necrotic fat. Fat must be carefully placed throughout the subcutaneous space which limits the volume improvement. However, it is a very effective procedure for overcoming deformity and providing modest cup size change.

What to Expect Before, During, and After Surgery

Before Surgery 

• A one-on-one consultation with me at my Raleigh, NC practice to discuss your concerns and goals. We’ll review your medical history, discuss your desired outcome, and create a surgical plan tailored to your needs. 
• Imaging and medical evaluations to determine the best surgical approach. This step ensures that we choose the safest and most effective procedure for your unique situation. 
• Preparing for surgery with necessary lifestyle adjustments, such as stopping certain medications and avoiding smoking. Proper preparation can improve healing and recovery outcomes.

During Surgery 

• The procedure is performed under general anesthesia in a certified surgical center, ensuring a safe and controlled environment. 
• The type of incision used will depend on your original augmentation and the need for any additional procedures. I prioritize techniques that minimize scarring and promote natural-looking results. 
• Whenever possible, I place incisions along existing scars to minimize additional scarring. This approach helps maintain aesthetic appeal post-surgery.

After Surgery 

• Most patients experience mild to moderate discomfort, which can be managed with prescribed pain relief. Swelling and bruising are normal but subside over time. 
• A compression garment may be recommended to support healing and reduce swelling. This helps the breasts settle into their new shape. 
• Light activities can usually be resumed within a few weeks, but full recovery may take a few months. Patience and proper post-operative care are key to optimal healing.

How Breast Implant Removal Can Improve Your Quality of Life 

• Physical Comfort: Many women experience relief from pain, tightness, or discomfort caused by implants. Activities such as sleeping, exercising, and daily movement often become more comfortable. 
• Emotional Confidence: Embracing a more natural appearance can lead to greater self-acceptance and satisfaction. Many women feel more in tune with their bodies post-removal. 
• Peace of Mind: Women who previously worried about complications, rupture, or systemic symptoms often feel more at ease after removal. The decision to remove implants can bring a sense of control and well-being.

FAQs About Implant Removal

Final Thoughts: Your Journey to a Confident You

Deciding to remove breast implants is a deeply personal choice, and my goal is to provide you with the information and support needed to make the best decision for your body and lifestyle. If you're considering breast implant removal, I encourage you to schedule a consultation at my Raleigh, NC office so we can discuss your options and create a plan tailored to your needs.

You deserve to feel confident, comfortable, and happy in your own skin. Let’s work together to achieve that outcome.

Further Reading   

• Read Dr Glenn Lyle's Gallery Page Explantation Regret- Re-augmentation Remains an Option for Unhappy Patients, NC  
• Read Dr Glenn Lyle's Gallery Page on Enbloc Capsulectomy and Mastopexy of Textured Implants, Raleigh, NC 
• Read more about Breast Implant Removal in Raleigh, NC 

About Dr Lyle - Plastic Surgeon in Raleigh NC  

Dr. Glenn Lyle is a board-certified plastic surgeon serving the Raleigh, NC community at Lyle Plastic Surgery & Aesthetics Center since 2002. With over 30 years of experience, he specializes in breast surgery and body contouring , including tummy tucks, to enhance patients' appearance after weight loss, pregnancy, and aging.  

Dr. Lyle completed his medical degree at Wayne State University School of Medicine, followed by a general surgery residency at the University of Massachusetts and a plastic surgery residency at the University of Texas Medical Branch. He is certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery and is a member of both the American Society of Plastic Surgeons and the American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons.  

Throughout his career, Dr. Lyle has contributed to the field through research, publications, and presentations at national meetings. His practice emphasizes patient safety and personalized care to achieve natural results.  

Next Steps  

If you’re considering a breast augmentation in Raleigh, NC, and want personalized advice about your suitability, recovery, risks and results, I’d be happy to meet with you for a consultation. Let’s work together to help you achieve your best results-safely and beautifully.  

To book a consultation please fill in the contact form or phone the office.