Breast Implant Removal - will numbness and nipple pain improve?

Question

I don’t have any symptoms, but I just don’t like having my Implants anymore. I have had numbness in my right breast and nipple pain when touched on that side. That has been happening since I had my surgery. I’m wondering if I remove my implants if this will improve? Can I just do the implants and not the enbloc? I have only had them for 5 1/2 years. I have gotten various pricing from $7000-$20000, and I just don’t know if I could afford the high end. I wouldn’t need a lift. I am worried they will look deformed or something, and I’m worried to mess up my breast anymore then they already are. It is so painful on the one side to even touch my nipple.

Finny George, MD · Answer

Hi, thank you for sharing your question. It is very difficult to know whether the surgery will improve your symptoms. After 5.5 years, it’s unlikely that any sensory-related issues will reverse. Implants can be removed without en-bloc capsulectomy but this will depend on your exam findings.

Donovan Rosas, MD · Answer

Neurologic issues such as numbness and pain are difficult to predict.

That being said, outside of a 12 month period post op it is unlikely that any issues will resolve.

With regards to your specific question, after removal patient can expect increase skin laxity, sagging, and loss of upper pole volume. Some of these issues can be corrected with a mastopexy. Capsulectomy is not always indicated and is typically only undertaken when the capsule is abnormal, in the case of silicone rupture and rarely BIA-ALCL.

As always, discuss your concerns with a board certified plastic surgeon (ABPS).

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear Magical547578,

it is hard to tell for sure without an examination. 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

Emre Guvercin, MD, FEBOPRAS · Answer

Hi there &mdash; what you’re describing is actually very common. Many women decide to remove their implants even without systemic symptoms, simply because they no longer like the way they feel or look. The numbness in one breast and nipple pain on the other side are also not unusual after augmentation and often relate to nerve stretch or pressure from the implant.
1️⃣ Will removing the implants help the numbness or nipple pain?
In many cases, yes.Once the implant is removed and the tissue relaxes, the nerve that has been stretched or irritated often settles down. Numbness can improve, and pain on touch frequently decreases or resolves completely.It isn’t guaranteed &mdash; but improvement is very common.
2️⃣ Do you need an en-bloc capsulectomy?
No &mdash; not in your situation.En-bloc is only necessary for: • Confirmed breast implant–associated lymphoma (BIA-ALCL) • Ruptured implants where material has leaked into tissue • Severe capsule pathology
For a healthy patient who simply doesn’t want implants anymore, a simple implant removal or partial capsulectomy is totally safe and appropriate. It is also much more affordable and involves a much easier recovery.
3️⃣ Will your breasts look deformed without implants?
Not likely.You’ve only had them for about 5.5 years &mdash; the skin typically rebounds very well at this stage. Most women return to a soft, natural breast shape.And because you do not need a lift, the procedure is even simpler. If a small lift is ever needed later, it can be done &mdash; but most women don’t require it.
4️⃣ Why the price difference from $7,000 to $20,000?
That usually reflects: • Whether a surgeon is quoting implant removal only vs. en-bloc • Hospital vs. office-based surgery • Whether capsulectomy is included • Regional cost differences
You’re not “messing up” your breasts by removing them &mdash; most women feel relief afterward, both physically and emotionally

Jacob Carlson, MD · Answer

Removing your implants might improve the symptoms that you described, but it really depends on what's causing them in the first place. If those sensations are due to the nerve being stretched, then alleviating the tension by removing the implants could make that sensation better. If it's due to the scar tissue around the implant, then removing the implants and the scar tissue (capsule) could potentially make it better. If the nerve itself was injured, then removing the implant or the capsule might not have any impact on the sensations that you are feeling.
Considering that you have had the implants in for 5 1/2 years, I think it would be wise to get a surgeon's opinion on what the breasts would look like if the implants were removed. Depending on how large the implants are, if they were placed on top of or underneath the muscle, and your skin elasticity, simply removing the implants could leave you with a very deflated/ptotic appearance. That is something that your surgeon will be able to judge during your consultation.

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

If you are not having issues with the capsules and your implants are intact you do not need to have them removed enbloc. Improvement of your numbness and nipple pain will depend on the cause.  If it is from tension placed on the nerves and the nerves are being stretched removal can improve the situation.  However if it is permanent damage to the nerve then improvement is minimal to none with removal.  I've included a video I hope you find helpful.

Breast Implant Removal - will numbness and nipple pain improve?

Answers (6)

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