Breast Implant Removal 

Women who do not achieve satisfactory results from their breast augmentation surgery or suffer from post-surgical complications may require saline or silicone breast implant removal.  

If the primary breast implantation was done incorrectly, the patient may need a revision surgery. The improper placement or scar tissue contraction can cause the breast implants to become displaced or constricted. 

The procedure may also be required in cases where the implant has ruptured or deflated due to a defective implant or a breast tissue injury. If an infection occurs in the breast tissue (breast implant illness) it may be necessary to remove the implant. But this is a rare event. 

Plastic surgeon Dr. Paul McCluskey provides breast implant removal to patients in Atlanta, Buckhead, Georgia, and surrounding communities.  

Procedure Steps 

Before the plan for a breast implant removal surgery is finalized, the surgeon will evaluate the reasons for the implant complications and recommend an appropriate solution. If the patient chooses to have her saline or silicone implants replaced with a more suitable implant type, size, or texture, the replacement procedure will be performed at the same time with the removal of the old implants.  

If the patient decides against implant replacement, the surgeon will recommend additional cosmetic surgery options, such as breast lift surgery, which can be performed at the time of breast implant removal. The surgeon will likely perform the procedure using general anesthesia or intravenous sedation. They will make an incision in one of the following areas to access the implant: 

• Under the armpits 
• Around the areola 
• Beneath the breast crease 
• In rare cases, through the navel 

The incisions for breast implant removal will usually be placed in the same location as the ones placed during primary breast augmentation surgery. The surgeon will also remove the scar tissue along with the breast implants during this implant removal or replacement procedure. Scar tissue removal can be done using the en bloc capsulectomy technique or the regular explantation techniques. 

Removal of Saline Breast Implants  

Before removing the implant, the surgeon will deflate it to allow for easier removal. Once the implant has been removed, the surgeon will excise the scar tissue from the original breast augmentation. New implant placement or breast lift surgery will be performed as soon as the original implant is removed. The surgery will take about one hour to complete. Following the procedure, the patient will have to remain under observation at the surgery center for a few hours. 

Removal of Silicone Breast Implants  

If a damaged silicone implant goes undetected, it may pose some risk to the patient’s health. Therefore, the breast surgeon will examine the implant for any signs of rupture or distress prior to removing it during silicone implant removal or replacement surgery. This will reduce any risk related to the breast implant procedure.  

More Complex than Primary Implantation 

The implant removal may be more complicated than the primary augmentation procedure, particularly in cases where the outer shell is textured or foam covered. Sometimes, the adjacent tissue and muscle may have to be removed along with the implant.  

The total time taken to perform the removal procedure depends on whether other procedures are being undertaken at the same time. During the removal, the patient may also receive a breast lift, a scar revision, or breast implant replacement. It usually takes under an hour to remove silicone breast implants. 

Cosmetic surgeon Dr. Paul McCluskey receives patients from Atlanta, Buckhead, Georgia, and nearby areas for breast implant removal. 

Contact Us

For more information on procedures and treatments offered by Plastic Surgeon, Dr. Paul McCluskey and the Plastic Surgery Institute of Atlanta, visit:

• psiatlanta.com
• sexualaesthetics.com

Serving patients in and around Atlanta, Buckhead, Morningside/Lenox Park, Virginia-Highland, Candler Park, Midtown, Inman Park, Poncey-Highland, Ormewood Park, Roswell, Marietta, Georgia and other surrounding areas.

It is a major decision to undergo breast implant removal surgery. The patient should make this choice only after a careful consideration of all aspects of the procedure and she has clarified her doubts and concerns with the surgeon. During the pre-operative consultation, the patient will have an opportunity to ask the surgeon any questions that she may have.

Plastic surgeon Dr. Paul McCluskey provides breast implant removal to patients in Atlanta, Buckhead, Georgia, and surrounding locations.

List of Questions

It is a good idea to enlist any questions that you may have regarding the procedure or the surgeon’s credentials beforehand to ensure that no important information is missed out. A dedicated surgeon will make every effort to provide you accurate and relevant answers to your questions in a patient-friendly language. 

• How many years of training and experience do you have in the area of cosmetic surgery?
• Have you previously performed breast surgery procedures?
• Will a breast implant removal or replacement be more appropriate in my case? 
• How much time will I need to commit pre- and post-surgery?
• How long will it take inside the operating room to perform this surgery?
• Which surgical venue would you suggest for my breast implant removal surgery?
• Am I a good candidate for breast implant removal?
• Are the outcomes that I am expecting realistic?
• Can you show me a few breast implant removal before and after images of earlier patients?
• How conspicuous will be the surgical scars?
• What type of anesthesia would you recommend for this surgery?
• What type of changes in my lifestyle habits and other preparatory steps will I need to follow prior to the surgery?
• What will be the post-op downtime? How many days of leave should I apply for at my workplace?
• What are the potential risks and complications associated with breast removal surgery?
• If the results of my surgery are not as per the pre-determined criteria, what will be my options regarding a revision surgery?
• What are the total costs associated with breast implant removal surgery, including pre- and post-surgical expenses?
• Will your support staff provide me guidance or assistance related to insurance and financing alternatives?
• Can I see the testimonials of past patients to learn about their experience at your practice?

Questions about the Surgical Technique

You should be clear on the surgeon’s recommendations for the breast implant removal technique they plan to use. There are certain benefits and limitations related to different implant removal and replacement techniques. If you are unfamiliar with specialized techniques such as en bloc capsulectomy or partial capsulectomy, feel free to ask your surgeon about these.

Additional Suggestions

Ask any clarifications you may need with regard to payment methods, costs, and financing alternatives for your breast implant removal surgery. A plastic surgery procedure represents a personal journey for the patient. Therefore, you should feel satisfied and reassured after the surgeon answers your questions.

Cosmetic surgeon Dr. Paul McCluskey receives patients from Atlanta, Buckhead, Georgia, and nearby areas for breast implant removal.

Contact Us

For more information on procedures and treatments offered by Plastic Surgeon, Dr. Paul McCluskey and the Plastic Surgery Institute of Atlanta, visit:

• psiatlanta.com
• sexualaesthetics.com

Serving patients in and around Atlanta, Buckhead, Morningside/Lenox Park, Virginia-Highland, Candler Park, Midtown, Inman Park, Poncey-Highland, Ormewood Park, Roswell, Marietta, Georgia and other surrounding areas.

For women who are unhappy with the final aesthetic outcome of their breast implant surgery, or those who experience post-surgical complications with implants may be candidates for saline or silicone breast implant removal surgery. This removal surgery could be medically advised if the primary breast augmentation was not performed correctly. 

During the pre-op consultation, the surgeon will address all issues related to breast implant removal and reassure the patient about her concerns. Plastic surgeon Dr. Paul McCluskey provides breast implant removal to patients in Atlanta, Buckhead, Georgia, and surrounding communities. 

Goals and Expectations

During the consultation, the surgeon will try to understand the patient’s specific cosmetic goals and expectations from breast implant removal surgery. They will take these inputs into account while preparing a custom surgical plan to meet her unique needs. 

To help the patient develop realistic expectations, the surgeon will encourage her to take a look at breast implant removal before and after photos of past patients. The surgeon will also advise the patient to decide about her surgery without any influence or pressure from someone else.

Well-informed patients are usually able to make a more enlightened decision on breast implant removal surgery and are likely to obtain higher levels of satisfaction as well.

Implant Removal or Replacement

The surgeon will evaluate why the original breast implants developed complications and advise the patient on an appropriate course of action. If the patient chooses to have breast implant replacement, this procedure will be carried out at the same time with the breast implant removal surgery.

If the patient only wants her implants removed (without replacement), the surgeon may advise her additional options such as breast lift surgery. This procedure can be performed simultaneously with the breast implant removal surgery. Before the surgery, the surgeon will evaluate the implants and the surrounding tissue for leakage, inflammation, infection, and rupture.

Candidacy for En Bloc Capsulectomy 

A priority for the surgeon during a breast implant removal consultation is establishing the patient as a candidate for this procedure. The surgeon will perform a general medical examination and assess the breast anatomy, skin texture, and elasticity. They will also try to determine whether a full or partial capsulectomy or an en bloc capsulectomy may be the most appropriate technique of breast implant removal for the patient. 

In addition, the surgeon will evaluate the medical and surgical history of the patient and may order medical tests, if required. They will incorporate the aesthetic goals of the patient into the breast surgery plan. 

Pre-op Instructions

During the consultation, the surgeon will give clear instructions about refraining from smoking for a certain time period prior to the surgery. A few prescription or non-prescription medications and supplements may also be temporarily stopped or their schedules altered in consultation with the physician. 

Questions to Ask

The patient should ideally prepare a comprehensive list of questions that they wish to ask from the surgeon during the consultation. The patient may also request for access to testimonials of past patients to learn about their experience with the surgeon. Some patients may also like to talk to the staff members and take a tour of the office to increase their familiarity with the practice.

Cosmetic surgeon Dr. Paul McCluskey receives patients from Atlanta, Buckhead, Georgia, and nearby areas for breast implant removal.  

For more information on procedures and treatments offered by Plastic Surgeon, Dr. Paul McCluskey and the Plastic Surgery Institute of Atlanta, visit:

• psiatlanta.com
• sexualaesthetics.com

Serving patients in and around Atlanta, Buckhead,  Roswell, Marietta, Georgia and surrounding areas.

Women who are dissatisfied with the results of their primary breast augmentation surgery or the ones who may develop implant complications later on may require breast implant removal. 

During the pre-operative consultation, the surgeon will discuss all aspects of breast implant removal surgery with the patient, including the estimated cost. Plastic surgeon Dr. Paul McCluskey provides breast implant removal to patients in Atlanta, Buckhead, Georgia, and surrounding locations.

Cost Variations

The sticker price of breast implant removal surgery may differ between patients based on the complexity of the procedure. At times, implant removal surgery may be more complicated than the original breast augmentation. As a result, it could cost more than the primary surgery.

If there was an error on the surgeon’s part when the original implantation was done, they may choose to perform the implant removal surgery at a rebate or at no cost to the patient. The patient should understand the policies of the particular practice regarding revision procedures before proceeding with a breast implant procedure. 

The implant removal surgery cost will also depend on whether the patient needs implant replacement. A breast implant removal without replacement typically involves breast lift surgery as an additional procedure, which will lead to a higher procedure financial impact. 

If the patient chooses to undergo an implant replacement, the procedure will include the costs of new implants. If the implants were damaged within the warranty period, the implant manufacturer may provide a free replacement. 

Breast Implant Removal with a Breast Lift

Breast implants can stretch the skin tissue over time, causing sagging breasts. Patients who wish to restore their natural breast appearance at a later stage may require a breast lift in conjunction with implant removal. 

This procedure should only be undertaken by an experienced cosmetic surgeon for desirable results after the implant removal. If the patient undergoes the breast implant removal along with a breast lift, the fees of the surgeon and other costs related to the surgical venue and recovery may be marginally higher. 

Additional Cost Factors

Depending on their geographical location, breast implant removal cost may differ from one practice to another. The real estate and overhead costs are often higher in major destinations, busy urban centers, and cities along the coast. In these areas, the average cost of products and services will be higher, including the cost of plastic surgery services. 

If the procedure is performed using general anesthesia, the breast implant removal costs will include the fees of an anesthesiologist or a certified anesthetic nurse. The charges will vary according to the experience and qualification of these medical professionals. 

The breast implant removal surgery may be performed at an accredited surgical center, a private surgical suite, or a hospital. The costs and benefits associated with each option will be different.

The breast implant removal procedure also involves pre and post-surgical expenses, such as those pertaining to prescription drugs, medical exam, mammograms, follow-up appointments, and surgical accessories. These expenses may look minor at the outset, but they can add up to a significant amount and should be included as a part of the cost estimate.

Cosmetic surgeon Dr. Paul McCluskey receives patients from Atlanta, Buckhead, Georgia, and nearby areas for breast implant removal.  

For more information on procedures and treatments offered by Plastic Surgeon, Dr. Paul McCluskey and the Plastic Surgery Institute of Atlanta, visit:

• psiatlanta.com
• sexualaesthetics.com

Serving patients in and around Atlanta, Buckhead,  Roswell, Marietta, Georgia and surrounding areas.