Removing my implants - do I have to wait 6 months to have them put back in? Should I cancel surgery?

Removal of breast implants, intact or ruptured, may have positive implications if patients are symptomatic. A constellation of symptoms associated with breast implant illness, and autoimmune disease are considered when treating patients who have breast implants and are concerned about foreign body reaction. In our office, we begin this journey with a consideration of symptoms and exclusion of obvious autoimmune problems. In many of our patients, en bloc removal of breast implants with capsulectomy is important and beneficial. Further clinical evidence about breast implant illness is evolving and will continue to guide treatment. I would suggest removal if there is a possibility of foreign body reaction.

Best,
Dr. Karamanoukian
Realself100 Surgeon

Dear pj23334,
every plastic surgeon has his own preoperative protocol which he recommends to his patients. I would suggest you to discuss this with your plastic surgeon.
Daniel Barrett, MD
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Hello @pj23334 thank you for your question. You can contemplate another options taking into account the reasons why you want to remove the implants. If they are medical (health) reasons, putting in new implants, even if they are small, is not an option. If what you want is to do an explantation you can do it with breast reconstruction that ensures that the breast doesn't look deflated, since removing the prosthesis will result in repositioning of the mammary tissues and improve the overall appearance of the breast. In this case the incision would be periareolar and inverted J-shaped to avoid making a T. If you are considering a breast explantation, consultation with a plastic surgeon who is experienced in this procedure is essential to ensure optimal results. Best wishes! Alan Gonzalez MD, FACS.

Did you ask your surgeon why he would not put implants back in? If you are having your implants removed because of an infection, implants cannot be replaced at the same time. Why are you having your implants removed?

Often times patients are able to exchange their implants and sometimes even have a lift on the same surgical day. You will need to be evaluated to determine if you are good candidate for this. I encourage you to discuss your concerns with your surgeon. If you are still unsure, seek a second opinion. It is important that you feel comfortable and confident in your surgical plan.