How soon can I remove breast implants after the initial surgery?

Yes — implants can be removed at any time, even very early after surgery, including just weeks after placement.Timing: what’s medically possibleThere is no mandatory waiting period to remove implantsIf you’re certain you don’t want them, explantation can be done as soon as you and your surgeon decideEarlier removal can actually mean less long-term tissue stretch from the implant weightThe important trade-off (this is key)When implants are removed this early:Your breasts will lose the implant volume immediatelyThe breast may look smaller and flatterSome degree of looseness or sagging is likely, even though you’re happy with the lift nowThe lift result may look less full than it does todayThis doesn’t mean something went “wrong” — it’s simply the reality that the lift was designed around the presence of an implant.Options at explantDepending on your anatomy and goals, explant can be:Implant removal only (simplest, but most volume loss)Implant removal + minor reshaping if neededImplant removal + fat grafting (either same time or later) to soften the volume lossYour surgeon can advise whether anything additional is helpful, but nothing is required if your priority is simply getting the implants out.

Dear biske47,

you can get implants removed at any time. 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

I recommend waiting for a year because it takes time for the surgical area to fully heal and the implants to settle. This gives you enough time to see the final outcome. However, if you are certain you are ready to remove the implants then we prefer you wait at least 8 weeks to go under general anesthesia again.

I'm sorry you are unhappy with your decision to get breast implants. Depending on the size implant selected you may require a revision to your lift if you have them removed. Typically it's advisable to wait six months from the initial surgery to have them removed to allow time for the area to heal and for you to confirm your decision to explant, but you may proceed earlier. I encourage you to speak to your surgeon about your concerns.

If patients know right away, they don’t want implants then my preference is to remove the implant as soon as possible before the patient starts developing scar tissue.
Each surgeon will have their own if you want this.
Generally, the answer is going to be do it early ASAP or wait six months.
Talk to your provider.
Best,
Mats Hagstrom MD