I am 78 yrs young and have had my breast implants since the 1980’s. Can they be removed?

Great question!  If you are healthy and can undergo general anesthesia, then yes absolutely you can have your implants removed.  Many surgeons have pricing on their website, like mine (click below) or you can call the office to get an estimate.Best of luck and hope this information helps!- Dr. Roger Tsai  @DrRogerTsaiBoard Certified Plastic Surgeon

HI Ms. Traveler,If you are in good health, your implants can be removed. It would be best for you to visit a board certified Plastic surgeon to discuss what the cosmetic result might look like and to discuss the surgery itself. Cost depends on any further cosmetic surgery, and the surgeon's and facility's fee.Best,Dr. Christine Rodgers

I recently removed implants from a 73 year old woman.  If your health is good then this can be performed.  However, implant removal alone is usually dissatisfying because of the hanging skin and loss of volume and require a lift.  The technique I recommend is explantation using The Bellesoma Method.  The implants are removed, your breast tissue is reshaped creating upper pole fullness, elevated higher on the chest wall and more medial to increase your cleavage.  Vertical scars are avoided and nipple sensation is maintained, if not injured during your previous surgery.Best Wishes,Gar Horndeski, M.D.

I suggest that you consult with a Board Certified PS and see what your options are.................

Dear MsTraveler,as long as you are healthy, you might be a candidate for implant removal. If you are considering a surgery, I would suggest you to consult a board-certified plastic surgeon. Only after a thorough examination you will get more information and recommendations.Daniel Barrett, MD
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Hello,Yes, assuming you are healthy enough to undergo surgery, your implants can be safely removed. I recommend first talking to your primary care doctor about this and then getting a consult with a board certified plastic surgeon in your area. All the best,Dr. BlaggAustin, TX

If you are in good health and cleared to have anesthesia you can elect to have your implants removed at any time.  After an examination your surgeon will let you know if it is recommended that the capsules be removed as well.  Costs will vary by surgeon and region.

Thank you for your post and for your questions. The decision to have your implants removed is a difficult and personal one. Prices will vary based on location, experience and a number of other factors such as anesthesia, facility etc... Be sure to see a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon who can examine you in person and take time to answer any and all questions you may have.

Sincerely,

Dr. Benjamin J. Cousins MD Board Certified Plastic Surgeon Miami/Miami Beach FL

Yes, assuming you  are generally in good health, you should be able to undergo breast implant removal surgery. My recommendation: start with your primary care physician to discuss your current concerns regarding your health ( review your symptoms of "illness" with him/her).   In other words, it will be important that you undergo a workup, based on your concerns and symptoms, prior to assuming that the breast implants are causing any type of illness. Once this has been accomplished, seek consultation with board-certified plastic surgeons to discuss your concerns and options. Best wishes.

If you have the old silicone gel implants, Medicare might cover the removal of the implants and the capsules, especially if the implants are ruptured. If your health is good and you can have elective surgery, you would probably be a candidate. I would suggest meeting with a plastic surgeon in your area and discussing all your concerns and options. Prices vary across the country and vary if saline or silicone implants are to be removed.