Is a Breast Implant Removal Painful?

Most women are surprised to find that breast implant removal is not as painful as they expect, and in fact, many report it to be easier than their original augmentation. During the procedure, you’ll be under anesthesia and feel no discomfort. In the days following surgery, you may experience chest soreness, swelling, or tightness, but this improves quickly with prescribed medication and proper rest. Within a week or so, most patients feel well enough to resume light activities, and the majority find the temporary discomfort well worth the long-term results.

How Many Appointments Will I Need?

The number of appointments depends on your treatment plan, but most patients can expect at least four: the initial consultation, the pre-surgical visit, the day of surgery, and follow-up visits during recovery. The first follow-up typically occurs within one week of surgery, with additional appointments scheduled in the following weeks to monitor your recovery. If you combine your implant removal with other procedures, such as a breast lift, Dr. Wilson may recommend extra visits to ensure your results are progressing as planned.

How Long Until I See Results?

You’ll notice changes right away, with continued improvement over several weeks as swelling resolves and tissues settle. Final results typically take shape within two to three months.

What Will the Scarring Look Like?

Whenever possible, Dr. Wilson utilizes existing incision lines and closes with meticulous technique to keep scars as discreet as possible. Over time, scars usually fade and become less noticeable. All patients receive a customized skin care regimen to support healing and help minimize the appearance of scars.

Can I Combine a Breast Implant Removal With Other Procedures?

Yes, combining procedures is very common and can enhance your overall outcome. Many patients pair implant removal with a breast lift to address stretched skin or changes in breast position after implant removal. Others may opt for fat transfer to restore natural volume without implants, or combine it with body contouring procedures such as liposuction or a tummy tuck.

What Are the Risks Associated With a Breast Implant Removal?

Possible risks include infection, bleeding, adverse reactions to anesthesia, scarring, or changes in breast sensation. There is also the possibility of asymmetry or loose skin, particularly if implants were large or in place for many years, which is why Dr. Wilson may recommend pairing removal with a lift or reshaping procedure. By carefully reviewing your medical history, employing precise techniques, and providing thorough aftercare, Dr. Wilson takes every step to minimize risk and support a safe and smooth recovery.

Breast Implant Removal

Lake Norman Plastic Surgery

Introduction

Introduction to Breast Implant Removal

At Lake Norman Plastic Surgery in Huntersville, NC, Dr. Henry Wilson performs breast implant removal for patients throughout the Lake Norman region—including Cornelius, Davidson, Mooresville, Denver, and the greater Charlotte area. This procedure can be performed with or without implant replacement, depending on each patient’s goals. Breast implant removal may be sought for personal preference, implant rupture, capsular contracture, or changes in breast shape over time.

Before + After Gallery

Breast Implant Removal Patient

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A young woman with long brown hair poses near a sheer white curtain, looking directly at the camera with a slightly serious expression. She wears an off-white, lacy strappy top that combines elements of a bra and top, with semi-sheer lace revealing some skin. Soft lighting highlights her facial features and the delicate lace texture. The background is softly blurred, with hints of light blue and white patterns suggesting an indoor setting. - Breast Implant Removal in Huntersville, NC

What is a Breast Implant Removal?

Breast implant removal involves carefully removing the implant and, when indicated, the surrounding capsule (capsulectomy) to achieve the safest and most appropriate result. Each procedure is tailored to the patient’s anatomy and medical needs, and unnecessary or non-beneficial steps—such as routine “en bloc” removal—are avoided when not medically warranted. Dr. Wilson focuses on precision, safety, and natural outcomes, using techniques that preserve healthy tissue and minimize visible scarring.

Who Are the Best Candidates for a Breast Implant Removal?

Ideal candidates are healthy women who wish to remove their implants due to personal preference, implant-related complications, or aesthetic changes over time. Candidates should be non-smokers, in good health, and have realistic expectations about the procedure and results. During your consultation, Dr. Wilson will review your history, discuss your options, and determine the safest and most effective plan for your goals.

What Are the Benefits of a Breast Implant Removal?

Patients throughout the Lake Norman area choose breast implant removal for benefits such as:

• Relief from discomfort or tightness

• Correction of capsular contracture or implant rupture

• Restoration of a more natural breast appearance

• Freedom from ongoing implant maintenance

• Improved symmetry and comfort

What’s the First Step?

Your Breast Implant Removal Journey with Henry WIlson, MD

Your breast implant removal journey begins with a private consultation at Lake Norman Plastic Surgery in Huntersville. Dr. Wilson will take time to understand your concerns and review your surgical history, current implants, and goals. He’ll perform a focused physical examination, discuss your options—including whether capsule removal is appropriate—and explain the recovery process, expected results, and costs. You’ll have the opportunity to ask any questions and review before-and-after photos of similar cases. Once your personalized plan is complete, our team will schedule your surgery and provide detailed preoperative instructions to ensure a smooth experience.

A physician, Dr. Henry Wilson, wearing a dark suit and yellow tie, shows a tablet to a seated female patient with long dark hair in an examination room. The tablet screen displays before-and-after photos of a woman's face. The patient is looking intently at the tablet. A framed certificate hangs on the wall behind the patient.

What to Expect on the Day of Surgery

Your procedure will be performed at an accredited surgical facility in Huntersville, where Dr. Wilson maintains privileges. Anesthesia is administered and overseen by board-certified physician anesthesiologists to ensure comfort and safety. Dr. Wilson makes discreet incisions, typically following the same approach as the original augmentation when possible, to minimize scarring. Depending on your treatment plan, he may also perform partial or total capsulectomy. Once the implants and any indicated capsule tissue are removed, the incisions are closed with meticulous technique to preserve breast contour and minimize visible scars.

Close up shot of Dr. Henry Wilson outdoors, wearing protective scrubs, mask and hair cap. He wears glasses and a magnifying glass emphasizing his precision.

Breast Implant Removal Recovery

Your Guide to Post-Breast Implant Removal Care

Following surgery, mild swelling, tightness, or bruising are expected for several days but improve steadily. Most patients return to work and light activities within one week, with full recovery typically achieved in several weeks. All patients receive a personalized post-surgical regimen, including specialized skin care to help minimize the appearance of scars and support smooth healing. Dr. Wilson and his team provide detailed aftercare instructions and schedule regular follow-up visits to ensure optimal results.

How Much Does a Breast Implant Removal Cost in Charlotte, NC?

The cost of breast implant removal in Huntersville, Lake Norman, and the greater Charlotte area varies depending on the complexity of the procedure and whether additional surgeries—such as implant replacement or lift—are performed. During your consultation, Dr. Wilson will provide a personalized quote that includes all surgeon, anesthesia, and facility fees, along with available financing options.

Why Choose Dr. Wilson?

Dr. Henry Wilson is a double board-certified plastic surgeon with over 20 years of surgical experience. He completed advanced fellowship training in breast and aesthetic surgery at Georgetown University Medical Center under Dr. Scott Spear, one of the most respected authorities in aesthetic and reconstructive breast surgery. Dr. Wilson’s expertise combines precision, artistry, and judgment to deliver natural, safe, and balanced results. He is certified by both the American Board of Surgery (ABS) and the American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS) and is a member of the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS), the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS), and the American College of Surgeons (FACS).

Portfolio shot of Dr. Henry Wilson outdoors, wearing a navy suit, light blue shirt and yellow tie. He looks past the camera smiling.

Breast Implant Removal FAQ’S

Most women are surprised to find that breast implant removal is not as painful as they expect, and in fact, many report it to be easier than their original augmentation. During the procedure, you’ll be under anesthesia and feel no discomfort. In the days following surgery, you may experience chest soreness, swelling, or tightness, but this improves quickly with prescribed medication and proper rest. Within a week or so, most patients feel well enough to resume light activities, and the majority find the temporary discomfort well worth the long-term results.
The number of appointments depends on your treatment plan, but most patients can expect at least four: the initial consultation, the pre-surgical visit, the day of surgery, and follow-up visits during recovery. The first follow-up typically occurs within one week of surgery, with additional appointments scheduled in the following weeks to monitor your recovery. If you combine your implant removal with other procedures, such as a breast lift, Dr. Wilson may recommend extra visits to ensure your results are progressing as planned.
Yes, combining procedures is very common and can enhance your overall outcome. Many patients pair implant removal with a breast lift to address stretched skin or changes in breast position after implant removal. Others may opt for fat transfer to restore natural volume without implants, or combine it with body contouring procedures such as liposuction or a tummy tuck.
Possible risks include infection, bleeding, adverse reactions to anesthesia, scarring, or changes in breast sensation. There is also the possibility of asymmetry or loose skin, particularly if implants were large or in place for many years, which is why Dr. Wilson may recommend pairing removal with a lift or reshaping procedure. By carefully reviewing your medical history, employing precise techniques, and providing thorough aftercare, Dr. Wilson takes every step to minimize risk and support a safe and smooth recovery.
Look for board certification by the American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS), extensive experience in breast surgery, and a consistent record of natural, safe results. Dr. Wilson is a double board‑certified plastic surgeon with over 20 years of surgical experience and advanced fellowship training under Dr. Scott Spear at Georgetown University Medical Center—credentials that patients across Huntersville and the Lake Norman region trust.

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