Can my breast implants be removed under local anesthesia?

Nurse Becky:Breast implant removal (both silicone and saline) is straight forward, non tender, and in our office, is ideally suited as an in office procedure using local anesthesia, as one as the capsule is grade1. The procedure doesn't require the patient to forgo meals, work, or time with family and friends. Your confidant can stay in the room with you during the procedure if you prefer and the patient may drive herself to and fro. No drains. But if there is an encapsulation (contracture), the procedure is more extensive and requires general or IV sedation because the entire capsule is also removed. 

It might be difficult to remove silicone under local.  If they were saline, the implants could be intentionally ruptured fro removal.  Either way, straight local does not seem to be the most sensible option.  Very little can be done with this technique.

The answer depends on the individual's situation and the complexity of the surgery. Yes, breast implants MAY be removed under local anesthesia, especially if there are no issues like capsular contracture (thickened scar tissue) or other issues that would require a more complex procedure. The general idea is that if the implants are intact, and if the surrounding tissue is not problematic, the removal can often be done with local anesthesia.


However, if the capsule around the implant needs to be removed (capsulectomy), or if there are complications such as thickened or calcified capsules, general anesthesia is often preferred. This is because removing the capsule can be more involved and uncomfortable to do under local anesthesia alone. Safety is ALWAYS the priority.


It's important to have a detailed discussion with an experienced plastic surgeon who can customize your surgical plan and determine the best technique for you based on your individual anatomy and goals.


Dr. Krishna Vyas, MD, PhD, MHS
Harvard, Johns Hopkins, & Mayo Clinic Educated
Double Fellowship Trained
Aesthetic Plastic Surgeon
New York, New York

Our patients’ safety is of utmost importance to our practice.  The safest way to perform operations such as explant is under a general anaesthetic in an accredited hospital.  This also helps reduce complications such as infection and pain.
Many patients do report the procedure and recovery period is much easier than the initial breast augmentation surgery. 

I have on occasion removed implants under local anesthesia. However, it may be advisable to have the capsule that forms around the implants removed as well. If the capsules are going to be removed, then you will most likely need general anesthesia. The implant pocket will never heal completely unless the capsules are removed. Leaving the capsule in place could put you at risk of fluid collections in the future. Even if the capsules are not completely removed, you will probably be more comfortable with some sedation or general anesthesia.