As we age, how we feel about our bodies and how we see ourselves may change. Whether this is down to lifestyle factors such as pregnancy and breast-feeding, or simply a change in body shape as you get older, it’s common for many women who have had breast implants when they were younger, to want them removed later in life.
Before having your breast implants removed, we will arrange a with one of our leading surgeons. Here at Manchester Plastic Surgery, Mr James Murphy, our breast surgery specialist, will arrange a consultation where he will examine your breast implants and advise on the treatment process, any associated risks, and the aftercare. This is a great opportunity for you to ask any questions and ensure you and your surgeon are on the same page about what results to expect.
What Happens in a Breast Implant Removal
Having breast implants removed is a relatively straightforward procedure which usually lasts between two and three hours. You will be put under general anaesthetic while your surgeon makes small incisions in the same place where your breast implants were inserted – this will minimise your scarring. Where appropriate, and in cases where a breast uplift is required, we will use a ‘gold standard’ technique to remove the implant and the capsule as one without contaminating the pocket with silicone.
Aftercare
Following your treatment, you will need to stay for at least one night in our state-of-the-art Spire Hospital Manchester. You will sleep in a private suite where our aftercare team will monitor your progress and ensure you have a great night’s rest and recovery. The day after your surgery, you will be able to leave the hospital and we will provide you with pain relief medication as appropriate.
Recovery
Once you have left hospital, you will need a lot of rest and recovery. It’s best that you avoid any stressful or strenuous activities, and do not lift or carry anything for at least two weeks. You should make arrangements with a relative or friend who can take care of you and any of your dependents for the first few days following your treatment, as you will require a lot of rest.
To minimise swelling, we advise you to try to sit upright as much as possible during the days immediately following your treatment. While your scars heal, we will provide you with a soft bra to wear. But to ensure that your scars recover as quickly as possible, make sure you wear loose-fitting clothing for a few weeks after your treatment.
Following your breast implant removal, your recovery time should be around a week before you can return to work. However, you will need to continue to be careful and avoid any strenuous movements until your scars have completely healed. As everyone heals at different rates, we will arrange two follow-up appointments to monitor your healing progress. These appointments are usually planned for one-week and one-month post-treatment.
At Manchester Plastic Surgery, we also offer unlimited ongoing care and follow-ups so you can continue to return to us at any point throughout your recovery with questions or concerns.
How Can We Help?
If you’re considering having your breast implants removed, please contact us to book your online consultation – we’ll be happy to answer any of your questions about preparations, the removal procedure, and recovery times.
