Breast Implant Removal

Dr Christian Köhler

Practising Doctor, MBA, Diploma in Health Economics, Certified Consultant and Managing Director

Constant training and development

Detailed advice and planning of the procedure

Many years’ experience in breast implant removal

Facts about Breast Implant Removal

TreatmentOutpatient
Duration1 hour
AnaesthesiaSedation
Down time1 week
Sports bra2 to 4 weeks
ExerciseAfter 4 weeks
PricesCHF 4,900: Breast implant removal

There can be many reasons behind the desire to have breast implants removed. Many women find that their idea of the perfect bust changes as the years go by. If a woman decides she would prefer a more natural look, this can be the trigger for breast implant removal. It may also be necessary to remove implants for medical reasons, such as breast disease or damage to the implant itself.

If you are considering having your implants removed, we are here to help you at the prevention-center in Zurich. Our chief surgeon, Dr Christian Köhler, will advise you on whether your implants need to be removed and how you can achieve your desired results. Don’t hesitate to get in touch – we look forward to hearing from you!

Benefits of Breast Implant Removal at the prevention-center

  • Many years’ experience with breast implant removal
  • Detailed consultation and surgical planning
  • Treatments individually tailored to achieve natural results
  • If possible, implants removed via the incisions originally used to insert them
  • No need to remove stitches thanks to absorbable sutures
  • Strict hygiene regulations and quality standards

Nowadays, breast implants are usually removed for aesthetic reasons. The latest generation of modern implants no longer need to be removed and replaced. Instead, these implants are designed to last for up to 50 years. They should only be removed if they are damaged, in the event of health problems or, statistically speaking, after 10 to 15 years. However, if you do not experience any problems, implants can be left in place for longer.

Capsular contracture is one potential reason for removal. This was once a relatively common complication of breast implants but, thanks to advances achieved in modern implants, it has become less common. Capsular contracture is a natural defence response against a foreign body, which the implant is. It causes a capsule of scar-like connective tissue to form around the implant. In the worst case, this can lead to breast deformation or induration.

In some circumstances, breast disease or inflammation around the implant site can make it necessary to remove implants. The same applies to implants that have ruptured or otherwise been damaged. Damaged breast implants must be removed promptly, especially older generations of implants, as the filling can escape into the breast.

Before the implant removal procedure, Dr Köhler will meet with you to discuss why you want to have your implants removed and which method would be most suitable. He will inform you of the risks involved and provide detailed aftercare instructions. The operation is usually carried out under sedation and can take several hours, depending on the complexity of the procedure.

If possible, Dr Köhler will remove your implants by making incisions in the same location as the incisions by which the implants were originally inserted. The benefit of this approach is that it does not create any new scars. Dr Köhler will keep the implants intact if possible and remove them whole. Finally, Dr Köhler will close the incision using absorbable sutures.

Just like after a breast augmentation, you will need to wear a compression bra after having breast implants removed. You must wear this bra at all times in the weeks following the operation and avoid any kind of physical exertion. However, you should be able to resume light activities after a few days.

You should allow 1 to 2 weeks before returning to work and resuming your daily routine. You can start exercising again after about 6 weeks. However, you should continue to protect your breasts against direct sunlight for around 6 months to prevent unwanted scarring.

At the prevention-center in Zurich, we offer implant removal from CHF 4,900. The exact costs can vary depending on the circumstances. If your implants need to be removed on medical grounds, the procedure may be covered by your health insurance provider.

Frequently Asked Questions about Breast Implant Removal

In some cases, it may be necessary to remove implants for medical reasons. Examples of medical indications include inflammation around the implant site, capsular contracture and breast disease. Implants also need to be removed if they become damaged.

In theory, modern breast implants can be left in place for several decades if no problems occur. However, older generations of implants must be checked regularly to ensure they have not been damaged.

Breast implants are removed via an incision in the crease beneath the breast. If possible, Dr Köhler will make an incision in the same place as the incision originally used to insert the implants. This avoids creating any new scars.

However, if you want a breast lift at the same time, we cannot avoid creating new scars entirely. Nevertheless, here at the prevention-center, we always strive to make incisions in a way that keeps any scarring to a minimum.

Aftercare following implant removal is similar to aftercare following breast augmentation. You will be given a compression bra to wear day and night for the first few days after the operation. During this time, you should avoid all physical exertion and sudden movements. You should be able to resume light activities after a few days.

Following breast implant removal, you should rest for a period of 1 to 2 weeks, including taking time off work. You can cautiously start to exercise again after 6 weeks. We recommend protecting your breasts against direct UV radiation for the first 6 months to keep scarring to a minimum when healed.

Yes, it is possible to combine the two procedures. In many cases, it makes sense to do so. The breast tissue may have slackened significantly, especially if large implants have been in place for many years. In this case, we firm up the tissue and remove any excess skin in the same procedure. Dr Köhler may also elevate the nipples to achieve an aesthetic result.

Implant removal involves the same anaesthetic and surgical risks as breast augmentation. Potential complications include infections, secondary haemorrhages, swelling and wound healing disorders.

You may also experience temporary sensory disturbances around the nipples. In very rare cases, this loss of sensation can be permanent.

At our clinic in Zurich, we work in accordance with strict hygiene standards to ensure your treatment is as safe as possible. You can also reduce the risk of complications to a minimum by performing diligent aftercare. If you do experience any problems, you can contact us for support at any time.

As a general rule, we perform the surgery under sedation, which means it is entirely painless for you. You should not experience any severe pain after the procedure, either. In the event that you experience light wound pain, we can of course prescribe suitable painkillers.

The price of breast implant removal can vary considerably from patient to patient. As a general rule, you can expect to pay around CHF 4,900. However, if the removal procedure is more complex or you opt to combine it with a breast lift, the price will be higher. We will give you a precise estimate during your consultation appointment.

Contact

PREVENTION-CENTER AG UTOSCHLOSS
Utoquai 31
8008 Zürich
How to get there

PREVENTION-CENTER AG ZUG
Aabachstrasse 8
6300 Zug
How to get there

PREVENTION-CENTER AG BERN
Kornhausplatz 7
3011 Bern

VISITING HOURS

MO - FR    8 AM - 6 PM


OVER THE PHONE

MO - FR    9 AM - 5 PM