More people are reconsidering their implants for a variety of reasons such as health concerns, lifestyle changes or simply wanting a more natural appearance of their breasts.
One of the first questions most people consider would be, “what is the breast implant removal pain like?”
Well, the procedure has become safer and more comfortable with smoother recovery in modern plastic surgery.
What’s more, at our “near me” located aesthetic clinic in Tokyo, you can expect English-speaking medical staff that are highly regarded with patients receiving clear explanations, personalized guidance and gentle support throughout their treatment journey.
That is why in this article, we explain what breast implant removal involves, how we manage breast implant removal pain, and how your plastic surgery team minimize discomfort at every stage of the process.
What is Breast Implant Removal?
Breast implant removal, also known as explant surgery, is a plastic surgery procedure that removes silicone or saline breast implants.
Depending on your individual and medical situation your plastic surgery specialist may remove the implant alone, the implant and some of the surrounding scar tissue (capsule), or the implant and capsule together in an “en bloc” (capsulectomy).
Key Features of Breast Implant Removal Surgery
A plastic surgery specialist will try to reuse the implant incision to reduce the need for more scars, with the procedure performed under general anesthesia or deep sedation with local numbing depending on your surgical plan.
Optional additional procedures to improve the breast appearance include breast lifts (mastopexy) and fat transfer to the breasts.
We use before and after photographs to help planning and align expectations.
Benefits of Breast Implant Removal
Many patients will report less tightness and discomfort after removal of their implants.
The chest feels lighter which might result in improved posture.
The breasts have a more natural appearance and long-term breast maintenance is easier.
Relief from concerns about tightening of the scar tissue around the breast implant (capsular contraction) or asymmetry gives peace of mind for those wishing to live free of implants.
How Severe is Breast Implant Removal Pain?
After your breast implant removal pain is always a concern for most patients.
However, with today’s multimodal pain management, patients feel pressure or tightness or even muscle ache rather than any kind of severe pain.
Typically, in the first day or two after your plastic surgery, breast implant removal pain and discomfort are reported as around 3-5 out of 10 and is managed with medication and supportive care.
In the first week, there is some soreness and tightness which gradually eases and over the following weeks, the discomfort wanes as the body heals.
A simple implant removal involves less discomfort compared with a full capsulectomy or implant removal and breast lift.
Most people are able to return to desk work in 3–7 days, while heavy exercise is postponed for 4–6 weeks.
The level of discomfort is related to the extent of surgery, the position of the implant (deep sub-muscle implants cause more soreness than sub-gland implants), individual factors such as pain sensitivity and the quality of aftercare.
Breast Implant Removal Pain Management at BIANCA CLINIC in Tokyo
At BIANCA CLINIC in Tokyo, our approach focuses on precision, cleanliness, safety and optimal recovery.
We follow “Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS)” principles in our surgical protocols to minimize nausea, swelling, and breast implant removal pain, to support your recovery and help you return to your daily routine as soon as possible.
Before your procedure:
Your plastic surgery surgeon will take time to review your medical history, discuss if you need any imaging, and review your treatment goals.
Together, you will have made a personalized treatment plan created with before-and-after photographs coming as standard and your plastic surgery specialist giving expectations from the procedure itself.
We will discuss with you, anesthesia options and any medications to avoid before surgery.
All your pre-operative instructions including how long to how fast, showering before operation, and arrangements for transport, will be provided in plain English by our multilingual medical team.
On the day of surgery:
You’ll meet your anesthesiologist to confirm your anesthetic plan.
Who will recommend the use of a combination of numbing local anesthetics, nerve blocks, and anti-inflammatory regimens to keep breast implant removal pain to an absolute minimum when you wake.
By using careful tissue handling and meticulous surgical techniques, bleeding and swelling are minimized during recovery.
Breast Implant Removal Pain | FAQs
Will I feel pain during surgery?
No.
With general anesthesia or deep sedation plus local numbing, you should not feel pain during the operation.
How long does soreness last?
Most patients experience the greatest breast implant removal pain during the first 48–72 hours.
After that, there is gradual improvement in soreness.
Daily activities usually resume within a week, while high-impact exercise should wait 4–6 weeks.
Can I avoid opioids such as morphine?
Often yes.
Many modern plastic surgery protocols use multimodal pain management with a combination of acetaminophen, NSAIDs if appropriate and nerve blocks.
Opioids are typically reserved for breakthrough pain only.
Is numbness or increased sensitivity normal?
Yes.
Temporary changes in sensation can occur as tissues and nerves heal.
These typically improve over weeks to months.
When should I seek medical advice?
Contact your plastic surgery team urgently if pain suddenly worsens, one breast becomes very swollen or red, you develop fever, or drainage from the incision changes in amount or color.
Your Next Steps
If you are considering breast implant removal and worried about breast implant removal pain, our team at BIANCA CLINIC in Tokyo will ensure that you’ll receive precision plastic surgery and personalized care from your first consultation to your full recovery.
Contact us now to schedule a free consultation because we’re here to provide clear guidance so that you can make the decision that’s right for you.
Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon (Japan Society of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery)
Masataka Fujihashi, MD
As a board-certified plastic surgeon, Dr. Masataka Fujihashi has extensive experience in trauma, reconstructive surgery, and congenital conditions, through which he has developed highly precise surgical techniques and a deep understanding of anatomy.
Believing that changes in appearance can positively impact one’s mindset, he pursued a career in aesthetic surgery to bring that transformative power to his patients. His areas of expertise include periocular procedures, injectable treatments, and anti-aging/lifting treatments.
With a patient-centered approach grounded in sincerity, he is committed to delivering refined, aesthetically focused results tailored to each individual’s goals.
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Clinic Locations
📍 Ginza Clinic
12F Ginza ONE, 1-8-19 Ginza, Chuo-ku, Tokyo, Japan
☎ 050-3196-4834
🚇 Access:
🚶♀️ A 4-minute walk from Ginza Station on the Tokyo Metro Ginza Line.
🚶♀️ A 1-minute walk from Exit 7 of Ginza-itchome Station on the Tokyo Metro Yurakucho Line.
🚶♀️ A 3-minute walk from Exit 3 of Kyobashi Station on the Tokyo Metro Ginza Line.
🚶♀️ An 8-minute walk from the Kyobashi Exit of JR Yurakucho Station .
📍 Omotesando Clinic
Minami-Aoyama 511 Building 2F, 5-11-10 Minami-Aoyama, Minato-ku, Tokyo, Japan
☎ 050-1807-1593
🚇 Access:
🚶♀️ A 5-minute walk from Exit B1 of Omotesando Station on the Tokyo Metro Ginza Line, Hanzomon Line, and Chiyoda Line.
Consultation Hours: 10:00–19:00 Closed: Irregular holidays
About BIANCA Clinic
At BIANCA, we redefine beauty care by offering a holistic approach that transcends traditional cosmetic surgery and dermatology. 20 specialized doctors in different fields including plastic surgery, dermatology, internal medicine, regenerative medicine, gynecology will carefully listen to your needs and help you to enhance your beauty and wellness from the inside out. We are committed to creating personalized treatment plans with precision and care, and ensuring you experience the true spirit of Japanese omotenashi and hospitality.