Common Side Effects of Breast Implant Removal Surgery

North Shore Cosmetic Surgery

April 16, 2026

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There are times that patients who have had breast augmentation may need to have their implants removed. At North Shore Cosmetic Surgery, our team, led by board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. James Romanelli, can discuss breast implant removal surgery with Long Island, NY patients wishing to remove or replace their implants. For some patients, a breast lift may be needed after removal based on their implant size and how their skin stretched. When you need your breast implants removed, breast implant removal surgery can produce amazing results to get you back to your original silhouette. We can discuss any after breast implant removal side effects with you during a consultation, so you’re aware of them if they should arise during recovery.

Reasons for breast implant removal

There are many reasons that patients in the Long Island, NY area may choose to have breast implant removal surgery, including:

  • Personal preference

  • Implant rupture or malfunction

  • Capsular contracture

  • Breast implant illness

  • Breast cancer diagnosis/treatment

Regardless of why a patient may need their breast implants removed, we are committed to ensuring they have the safest surgery possible at North Shore Cosmetic Surgery.

What is breast implant removal surgery?

During breast implant removal surgery, we first administer anesthesia, either intravenous sedation or general anesthesia. Next, we make an incision under the lower fold of each breast, or one around or below the patient’s areola. The method we use to remove the implant will be based on the reason for implant removal and the type of implant. We will also remove any scar tissue since it can cause discomfort and affect breast size after surgery. After they’re removed, we will close the incisions with sutures. Patients may notice indentations in their breasts afterward, but this depends on how much scar tissue was around the breast implants. Some patients will have a breast lift with their breast implant removal surgery. If so, this is performed before the incisions are closed.

Possible breast implant removal complications

Some possible side effects after breast implant removal surgery include:

  • Infection

  • Bleeding

  • Skin loss

  • Poor healing of incision sites

  • Anesthesia risks

  • Fluid accumulation

  • Skin loss

  • Numbness

  • Changes in nipple or areola sensation

  • Skin discoloration

  • Prolonged swelling

  • Fat necrosis

  • Deep vein thrombosis

  • Asymmetry

  • Persistent pain

These risks will be discussed with you during your initial consultation with Dr. Romanelli or Dr. Layliev at North Shore Cosmetic Surgery. While these are rare, it’s important for us to keep you informed of possible side effects that may arise during your recovery process, so you know when to contact our office immediately.

Breast implant removal recovery

Recovery will vary for each patient, depending on their particular surgery. At North Shore Cosmetic Surgery, we give our patients in Long Island, NY post-procedure directions to follow so they get the best results and to help reduce scarring. You may have drains that help remove excess fluid that are temporarily placed under your skin. For the first few weeks, you may experience significant swelling and bruising. Compression garments can help. You will see the best results about four months following surgery.

Learn more about breast implant removal surgery

At North Shore Cosmetic Surgery, our plastic surgeons want to help patients who need their breast implants removed. When you’re interested in learning more about breast implant removal surgery, please contact our Melville, NY office to schedule a consultation with Dr. James Romanelli or Dr. John Layliev. We will discuss all of your options with you to help you better prepare for a breast implant removal surgery.

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