20 January 2025

Breast Implant Removal and Uplift: Everything You Need to Know

A breast lift after implant removal helps restore your natural breast shape. Many women choose to remove their implants and have a breast lift, either for personal reasons or medical concerns. We will outline everything you need to know about breast implant removal and uplift, the benefits it offers, what to expect from the procedure and the recovery process.

What is a Breast Implant Removal and Uplift?

Some women decide to remove their breast implants due to their personal preference or to combat breast implant problems. Common issues include implant ruptures or capsular contracture, which causes noticeable scar tissue around the implant. A breast implant removal and uplift is a combined surgical procedure that involves two processes. First is the removal of your breast implants. The second includes performing a breast lift to remove excess skin and reshape the breast tissue.

Why Choose to Have a Breast Lift After Implant Removal?

If you’ve had breast implants for many years, your skin will naturally stretch to accommodate the implants over time. This can result in thinner skin and a loss of elasticity. Once the implants are removed, your breasts return to their original size. However, due to stretched skin from the implants, they may appear saggy or droopy.

Many women choose to have a breast lift following an implant removal to restore firmness and lift their breasts. This helps women feel more confident in their appearance after implant removal.

Breast Implant Removal and Uplift Procedure

A breast implant removal and uplift is performed under general anaesthetic and takes around 2-3 hours. The surgeon will use the original surgical incisions to remove the implants.

Following this, a breast lift will be performed. The breast lift reshapes the breasts by removing excess skin and repositioning the breast tissue. At this stage, the nipples and areola can be repositioned to suit your new shape before the incisions are closed with stitches.

There are various ways to perform a breast lift, depending on your desired results and the shape of your breasts. Your surgeon will discuss the best approach during your pre-consultation so the outcome will match your expectations.

Benefits of a Breast Lift After Implant Removal

Undergoing a breast lift following implant removal can provide many benefits.

Removal of excess skin: Loose skin left from the implants can be removed, which tightens drooping skin to give your breasts a more lifted appearance.
Firmer breasts: A breast lift can bring back any firmness lost from the implant removal and can make your breasts sit higher on your chest.
Nipple relocation: If your nipples have become misshapen or unsymmetrical, a breast lift can reposition them to be more symmetrical.
Improved confidence: After an implant removal, a breast lift can help you feel more confident about the appearance of your breasts.
Combined surgery: Combining breast implant removal with breast lift surgery reduces the need for multiple surgeries. This also minimises your recovery time and causes less disruption to your daily life.

What is the recovery time for a Breast implant removal and lift?

Recovery from breast implant removal and lift surgery typically takes up to six weeks, depending on the individual. It’s normal to experience some pain, discomfort, swelling and tenderness in the days and weeks following the procedure.

To aid healing, we recommend wearing supportive clothing and your post-operative bra for four weeks. It’s important to take it easy during the first week and avoid overexerting yourself. Any strenuous physical activities should be avoided for at least six weeks.

Your surgeon will schedule post-operative check ups to monitor your healing.

Breast Augmentation at Suffolk Breast Practice

At Suffolk Breast Practice, our team is dedicated to helping you achieve results that restore your confidence. We are fully qualified, with years of experience with a variety of breast procedures. Our leading surgeon, Dr Hussein Tuffaha, has achieved the following accreditations and awards:

If you’re considering a breast implant removal and uplift, book a consultation with our surgeon. Together, we can discuss your desired outcomes and address any concerns you have. If you have any questions contact us today.

Written by

Dr Hussein Tuffaha