Early Implant Removal - Will Nerves Return Faster?

Question

I’ve done a lot of research and know that removing implants early is an option if I so choose to go through with it but what I want to know is if my nerves will return faster once the implant is gone because the skin will not be stretched.

Alan Gonzalez, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello @Lilah Grace, thank you for your question. When the implants are removed, there is less compression action on the nervous system and in some cases the sensation of numbness improves. In other cases, the sensation may be due to the cuts that were made to insert the prosthesis. The best course of action is to consult one or several board certified plastic surgeon for more information and options tailored specifically to your needs. Best wishes! Alan Gonzalez MD FACS

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear Lilah Grace,
it is hard to tell if implant removal will help with numbness. In case of nerve stretching, it is most likely that sensation will return. If the nerve is cut, then implant removal probably won't improve it. If you are considering surgery, I would suggest you 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

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

The answer is not a clear cut yes or no.  It depends why the sensation change occurred.  Typically when patients experience numbness after surgery it is due to swelling.  As the swelling resolves the sensation gradually returns to normal.  In some cases the changes can be related to nerves that are stretched as a result of augmentation.  In those cases sensation may be slowly regained, and as you posed, early removal may aid in this process.  For some patients the nerves supplying the sensation are cut during surgery.  In those instances the numbness is permanent.  There is no way to tell for sure which scenario may have occurred by examining a patient, which is why the typical response from a surgeon is "we'll have to wait and see".

Connie Hiers, MD, FACS · Answer

You did not say how long ago you got implants, so I cannot be specific. However, if it has been over 6 months, your nerves may or may not improve. If it has been over a year, the nerves probably will not change.

Jose Segura, MD, PhD - Account Suspended · Answer

El retirar los implantes de busto, pueden experimentar una mejoría de la sensibilidad de la piel a través de los nervios pero si sobra algo de piel es sugerente realizar un levantamiento de la zona para mejorar los resultados y la función dentro de lo que se pueda. Saludos.

Early Implant Removal - Will Nerves Return Faster?

Answers (5)