A Guide to Breast Implant Removal: What to Expect

30th May 2026

The decision to have breast implant removal is a personal step, and is often shaped by changes in your body, preferences, or lifestyle over time.

Whether you want your implants replaced because they no longer suit your body shape, or you have medical concerns and want your breast implants removed, you have come to the right place.

There is more than one approach to breast implant removal surgery. Every woman’s body is different, and so too is their plastic surgery journey.

To help you feel more informed and supported in your decision, Mr Paul Banwell has put together a guide to breast implant removal. This includes what to expect before, during and after the surgery.

If you are ready to discuss your options in-person, you can book an initial consultation with Mr Banwell at one of our clinics to find out more about breast implant removal procedure.

What is breast implant removal surgery?

You probably chose to have a breast augmentation at a specific point in your life.

And as life changes over the years, so can your feelings towards the breast surgery you always wanted.

This is where breast implant removal surgery can help.

Breast implant removal or explant surgery is a surgical procedure that more and more women are coming to our clinic for.

It involves removing previously inserted silicone or saline implants from your breasts.

The surgery can involve removing implants, or it can include additional procedures, such as removing scar tissue (capsule), or reshaping breast tissue to address sagging or hollow breasts.

One of the most common additional procedures to have with breast implant removal is a breast lift or mastopexy.

Breast uplift surgery helps to lift drooping skin, increase firmness, and naturally reshape the breast tissue.

All patients have breast implant removal surgery under general anaesthetic. This ensures you remain comfortable throughout the procedure.

Is breast implant removal safe?

A big question we always get is; how safe is implant removal?

You will be relieved to know that breast implant removal surgery is generally safe.

However, it needs to be performed by experienced plastic surgeons only.

Mr Paul Banwell and his surgical team are fully qualified and have years of experience in providing all types of breast surgery.

As with any surgery, breast implant removal carries potential risks and complications.

These can include infection, scarring, and changes to nipple sensation.

Mr Banwell uses advanced surgical techniques to improve safety and to provide you with a natural-looking final result.

It is also important to use more advanced techniques when breast implant removal is linked to capsular contracture or implant rupture, for example.

During your consultation, he will assess your implants, skin condition, and medical history. This will enable him to carefully plan the right approach for you and your goals.

Why do women choose breast implant removal?

There are several reasons why you might want your implants removed.

The most common reasons to choose breast implant removal surgery include:

You are worried about implant integrity (structure) or ageing implants
You want to return to a more natural look after breast surgery
Cosmetic concerns such as feeling breasts sag over time or a change in breast shape
You have developed capsular contracture – the tightening of scar tissue around the breast implants
You have breast implant illness symptoms such as joint and muscle pain, or rashes
Issues with textured implants

For many women, the choice to have breast implant removal surgery is more about feeling more comfortable and confident in their own skin.

Breast implant removal or breast implant replacement?

Not everyone who has breast implant removal will want or need implant replacement too.

Here are the options for breast implant removal surgery:

Implant removal – your breast implants are removed without replacing them. This is beneficial to those who want to go back to their normal breast size and shape.
Implant replacement – we remove old implants and insert new implants (replacement implants) into their place
Implant removal with additional surgery – this might include a breast lift to remove excess skin, fat, or sagging skin following your initial surgery.

Some women may consider breast implant revision surgery to help correct issues such as capsular contracture or rupture.

This is a more complex surgery that will need customising to each patient’s concerns and desired results.

What happens during breast implant removal?

If you want to feel more prepared for a breast implant removal procedure, here is what you can expect on the day of your surgery:

You will meet with Mr Banwell and your surgical team for any final checks and to walk through the procedure
We will administer a general anaesthetic so that you are asleep during your surgery
Mr Banwell will remove your implants. In some instances, he may also remove any surrounding scar tissue
If a part of your surgery, Mr Banwell will insert new implants, and provide additional procedures such as a breast uplift

The surgery can take up to 3 hours to complete. This will depend on the complexity of your case.

What to expect after breast implant removal surgery

After breast implant removal surgery, you may experience:

Swelling and bruising around the breast area (Mr Banwell will advise you on how to reduce swelling)
Some mild discomfort and tenderness (we will supply you with pain relief medication)
Temporary numbness around the breasts and nipples as the nerves heal

We will recommend that you wear a surgical bra or compression garment to support healing and allow your breasts to settle into their new position. You should wear this for around 8 weeks after your surgery.

Throughout your recovery process, you will have regular follow up appointments so that we can monitor your progress and ensure that you are healing well.

Breast implant removal recovery timeline

Not everyone will heal at the same rate, but here is what the average breast implant removal recovery looks like:

Week one: resting is crucial as you will have limited mobility from the swelling and discomfort
Weeks 2-4: you will be able to go back to work. However, you should avoid driving for at least two weeks and no heavy lifting
Weeks 4-6: You can go back to light exercise such as walking as swelling continues to settle. You should avoid heavy lifting for the full six weeks.
6 weeks to 6 months: You should be cleared for normal activity by weeks 6-8. Most of the swelling should go down after 3 months. But it can take up to 12 months for your final result to show

If you had further surgery, including a breast lift, your recovery may take longer.

What does breast implant removal cost?

The cost of your breast implant removal will depend on several factors, including:

The complexity of the breast implant removal surgery
Whether you need any additional procedures such as a breast lift

At your initial consultation, Mr Banwell will assess your implants, breast tissue and medical history to determine the best surgical approach for you.

You will also receive a bespoke cost with a clear breakdown of what you are paying for and why.

Talk to Mr Paul Banwell about breast implant removal

The decision to remove breast implants often comes with more questions than answers. That is why having a medical professional to guide you can make all the difference.

Mr Paul Banwell is an experienced consultant plastic surgeon who specialises in breast surgery, including implant removal or replacement.

Whether you are exploring your options or are trying to find the right surgeon for you, we are here to support you every step of the way.

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