In specific circumstances, generally if patients are old and infirm, the implants can sometimes be removed under local anaesthetic.
With capsulectomy surgery when removing implants there is a slightly higher occurrence of haematoma after surgery, which might mean a return to theatre. A few weeks down the line and we see fluid collecting in the old implants space, which is called a seroma. This is perfectly notional in the weeks that follow after the implant has been removed, but this is usually a short term problem only. After capsulectomy, and in particular total en-bloc capsulectomy the chest area feels very sore and tender.
The biggest problem is of course the cosmetic outcome that you are left with and this may leave some patients desiring additional procedures to improve their breasts. We would always advise that you give yourself plenty of time to adjust before making any decisions on additional surgery. You can wear padded bras, and mask the appearance while your breasts and body adjust. If you have problems adjusting, become excessively focused and you feel this becomes intrusive, it would be important that you seek a specialist clinical psychologist who can help, such as Maggie Bellew, at Spire Hospital Leeds. Otherwise get support from your friends, family and your GP.
Secondary surgical procedures after explantation are limited and expensive. If you have a lot of loose skin and a very low nipple position then a mastopexy will help. It brings the nipple back to the front of the breast and removes the skin that hangs below the crease of the breast. But it will not improve the volume. To improve the volume you might consider a series of lipomodelling operations.