Breast Implant Removal in Manchester and Cheshire

Breast implant removal is a surgical procedure to remove silicone or saline breast implants that were placed during a previous breast augmentation. The procedure is performed under general anaesthetic, usually as a day case. Depending on the condition of the capsule around the implant, a partial or total capsulectomy may also be performed at the same time. Some patients choose to combine removal with a breast lift or fat transfer to maintain breast shape.

There are many reasons why patients choose breast implant removal. These include: capsular contracture (hardening of scar tissue around the implant), implant rupture or deflation, implant malposition, a change in personal preference or lifestyle, weight changes making implants feel uncomfortable, concerns about breast implant illness (BII), the desire for a more natural appearance, or general dissatisfaction with the size or feel of existing implants. Mr Nassab will discuss your specific reasons at consultation and advise on the most appropriate approach.

Breast implant removal is performed under general anaesthetic, usually as a day case at Deansgate Hospital, Manchester. Mr Nassab typically uses the existing incision in the natural crease beneath the breast to access and remove the implant. He will then assess the capsule — the scar tissue that forms around all implants. Depending on its condition, he may perform a capsulotomy (releasing the capsule), a partial capsulectomy (removing part of it), or a total capsulectomy (removing all of it). There is no evidence that routine en bloc capsulectomy is necessary or superior, and it carries additional risks.

Breast implant illness (BII) is a term used by patients to describe a range of non-specific symptoms that they attribute to their breast implants. These symptoms can include fatigue, joint aches, brain fog, sleep disturbance, depression, hormonal issues, headaches, hair loss, rash, and neurological symptoms. There is currently no accepted medical diagnostic criteria for BII. Mr Nassab takes a thorough approach to patients reporting these symptoms, including blood tests and immune markers to rule out other causes. He follows current BAAPS guidance on this topic.

The current scientific evidence on this is mixed. Some patients report an improvement in symptoms after breast implant removal, while others continue to experience some symptoms. Published research suggests that 25–50% of patients may still experience some ongoing symptoms after removal. Mr Nassab will discuss realistic expectations with you at consultation, and will not make guarantees about symptom resolution, as outcomes are highly individual.

En bloc capsulectomy refers to removing the entire capsule around the implant intact in a single piece. While some surgeons and patient groups advocate for this, the current scientific evidence does not support en bloc capsulectomy as routinely necessary. It is technically very difficult to achieve, even for experienced surgeons, and carries higher risks including bleeding, seroma, and pneumothorax. Mr Nassab follows BAAPS guidelines and will advise on the most appropriate type of capsule management for your individual situation.

After breast implant removal, the breasts will lose the volume provided by the implants. This often leads to some drooping or sagging of the breast tissue, particularly in patients who have had implants for a long time or who have larger implants removed. The degree of change depends on your skin elasticity, the size of the implants, and whether you have had children. Options to address this include a breast lift (mastopexy) or fat transfer to restore some volume — both of which can be combined with the removal at the time of surgery.

Recovery from breast implant removal is generally similar to the original breast augmentation. Most patients take approximately 1–2 weeks off work for desk-based roles. You should wear a support bra for 6 weeks following surgery. Strenuous exercise and heavy lifting should be avoided for 6 weeks. Short-haul flights are typically possible after 2 weeks, and long-haul after 6 weeks. If a simultaneous mastopexy or fat transfer was performed, recovery may be slightly longer — Mr Nassab will provide personalised aftercare guidance.

Yes. Many patients benefit from combining breast implant removal with a mastopexy (breast lift) to reshape and elevate the breast tissue after the implants are removed. This is particularly recommended for patients removing larger implants or those with significant ptosis (drooping). Combining the procedures in one operation means a single anaesthetic and a single recovery period. Mr Nassab will assess whether a simultaneous lift is appropriate for you at your consultation.

Breast implant removal with Mr Reza Nassab starts from £7,500. This includes surgeon fees, anaesthetic, hospital fees, and follow-up appointments. The final price depends on surgical complexity, the type of capsule management required, and whether any additional procedures such as a mastopexy or fat transfer are performed at the same time. Finance options are available — please enquire at your consultation.