Is It Safe to Have Implants Removed While Awake?

Question

I had my implants 4 years ago, under the muscle. I went from an A cup to a B cup. But I never really wanted them in the first place. I want them removed my plastic surgeon who place them says that he can remove it with local anesthesia (lidocaine) in the medical office. I will be wide awake. Is that safe, will I feel the pain?

Jed H. Horowitz, MD, FACS · Answer

Typically, breast implant #removal or #explant surgery is done with the patient under #anesthesia. However, many patients report the recovery and healing is much more easier than the original breast augmentation procedure.  Often local #anesthetic is also injected into the original scar which provides further comfort throughout the procedure and following. They also report little to no pain and the post-op recovery is about 2 hours before being released. It is also crucial that you work with a board certified plastic surgeon highly trained in #cosmetic breast surgery for your procedure and to discuss any concerns you have at length.

Lewis Albert Andres, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question! Depending on your and your plastic surgeon's comfort level with surgical procedures via local anesthesia, it certainly is a safe procedure and can be done via local only or a little sedation. It is difficult to answer about the appearance of your breasts without a photo or examination. Removal of your implants alone will create a smaller breast with somewhat similar shape. Discuss your concerns with your plastic surgeon and the possibility for a breast lift, either at the same time or at a later date, if deemed necessary. Many times drains are placed as well as compression garments used postoperatively. Cost varies among surgeons as well as geographic location. Certainly, for simple removal without any capsule work, the procedure can be tolerated with local anesthesia alone.  I typically prefer to remove the capsule.  Best wishes!

Jeffrey E. Schreiber, MD, FACS · Answer

As long as you are adequately anesthesthetized, you should be okay.  However, if you're really anxious I would recommend twilight sedation for more comfort.

Ricardo A. Meade, MD · Answer

Probably not my method of choice but it can be done under local anesthesia.  I might would add some valium or a relaxant of some sort!

Earl Stephenson, Jr., MD, DDS, MBA · Answer

This certainly can be done if only removal is required.  If internal work on the capsule may be required then local anesthesia would be inadequate.

	Dr. ES

Otto Joseph Placik, MD · Answer

If the implants are to be removed only, then it is reasonable to consider a locat anesthetic. If other procedures are necessary such as a lift or capsulectomy then another option should be discussed.

Gregory A. Buford, MD, FACS · Answer

The simple answer is yes but the more complicated answer is, it depends.  Simply removing your implants is straightforward but many of us will also irritate (or remove) the capsule surrounding the implant so that your long-term result is more natural from the both standpoint of look and feel.

	I would suggest having it done under some type of anesthesia so that you can get the best result possible.  Short cuts don't often yield the most optimal results in the long run.

	I hope that helps!

Thomas Fiala, MD, FACS, FRCSC · Answer

Hi.  Yes, this can be done with only local anesthesia, but a little bit of IV sedation would make your experience much more pleasant.  

	Also, if you have other issues with the breast (capsular contracture, for example) that require a more involved surgery than just simple implant removal, I would not recommend local anesthesia by itself.

	All the best,

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

There are times when some surgeons will remove implants using local anesthesia but you must be a candidate.  If you are considering removing the capsule or having a lift then general anesthesia is recommended.  If you are nervous about being awake you may be more comfortable with general anesthesia as well.

Tom J. Pousti, MD · Answer

Thank you for the question.

Removal of breast implants  under local anesthesia  should not be a problem (assuming appropriate patient selection).

Is It Safe to Have Implants Removed While Awake?

Answers (19)

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