Sometimes, breast implant removal is necessary to treat problems that occur with the implants, including: deflation or rupture; shifting; the formation of scar tissue that tightens around the implant (capsular contracture), which may cause the breast to feel tight or hard; necrosis, or the formation of dead tissue around the implant, which may prevent wound healing; calcium deposits; implant wrinkling; sagging; asymmetry; bleeding; infection; or diagnosis of breast cancer. The three most common reasons for breast implant removal are change of size and shape, implant leakage or rupture, and capsular contracture.

Breast implant removal is done under either general anesthesia or local anesthesia combined with IV sedation. The procedure usually takes 30 minutes to an hour and takes place in an outpatient surgical center. Operating through an incision in the inframammary fold (under the breast) or the peri-areolar incision (through the nipple), surgeons carefully remove implants. If the implant is made of saline, doctors may choose to deflate it first to facilitate removal.

Immediate recovery from breast implant removal surgery is usually quick, with many patients returning to everyday activity within a few days and full activity within two to three weeks. Full recovery often takes a few months. For the first few days after breast implant removal, there may be mild discomfort, swelling and bruising. Some uncommon, but possible, complications include: loss of nipple sensation; scarring; bleeding; and loose skin.

Occasionally, women who opt for removal of large breast implants, especially those that are inserted subglandularly (on top of the muscle and under the breast glands) are left with major cosmetic deformity in their breasts if they opt to not replace the breast implants or have further cosmetic surgery. Tissue atrophy and chest wall deformity often result from breast implant removal. Breasts may also be smaller than they were before the implants because of hormone changes or weight loss. Sagging may also become more apparent after breast implant removal.

Some women suffer from psychological distress after breast implant removal. The change in the body's shape affects some women as profoundly as a mastectomy affects others. It is normal to feel some sadness after witnessing such a drastic body transformation. If psychological symptoms do not subside within a reasonable amount of time after breast implant removal, it is wise to seek treatment from a professional.