Breast Implant Removal (Explant)
Remove breast implants, with or without capsule removal or a lift.
Breast Implant Removal (Explant) - Our Approach
Breast implant removal, or explant, takes out breast implants for patients who no longer want them, who have a problem with an implant, or who have symptoms they attribute to their implants. It can be done alone or with removal of the capsule, the scar tissue the body forms around an implant. Some patients also choose a breast lift or fat transfer at the same time to restore shape. The right plan depends on why the implants are being removed, the condition of the capsule, and how the breast looks without the implant.
InquireThe Ideal Candidate
- Patients who no longer want their breast implants
- A problem such as rupture, capsular contracture, or malposition
- Symptoms a patient attributes to their implants (breast implant illness)
- Interest in a natural look without implants
- Realistic expectations about breast shape after removal
Procedure Quick Facts
Surgical Technique
The implant is removed through the original scar when possible. Depending on the situation, the capsule around the implant may be left, partially removed, or fully removed. A full capsule removal, called a total capsulectomy, is often chosen for a thick, calcified, or contracted capsule. The term en bloc means the implant and capsule are taken out together as one unit, which is specifically indicated for a rare implant-associated cancer of the capsule. If the breast sags after removal, a lift or fat transfer can be added to restore shape. The plan is individualized and based on examination and imaging.
Who Is a Good Candidate for Breast Implant Removal (Explant)?
Good candidates want their implants removed because of a problem, a change of preference, or symptoms they attribute to the implants, and they understand the breast may look smaller, softer, or lower without the implant. The condition of the capsule and the amount of natural breast tissue guide whether a capsulectomy, lift, or fat transfer is recommended. Final recommendations depend on an in-person exam, imaging when appropriate, and goals. Breast implant illness is approached honestly, since it is not a formal diagnosis, while still taking symptoms seriously.
Recovery
Recovery is usually easier than the original augmentation when implants are simply removed, and more involved when a full capsulectomy or lift is added. Expect swelling, some soreness, and drains in certain cases. The breast often looks deflated at first and settles over weeks to months. Final shape, especially after a lift or fat transfer, becomes clear over several months.
Days 1 to 3
Expect swelling, soreness, and possibly drains. Rest, limit arm activity, and wear the recommended support garment.
Week 1
Discomfort eases and many patients return to light activity. The breast may look deflated, which is normal early on.
Weeks 2 to 6
Swelling settles and shape begins to appear. Avoid heavy lifting and vigorous exercise until cleared, especially after capsulectomy or a lift.
Months 2 to 6
The final shape becomes clear, especially if a lift or fat transfer was added. Scars continue to mature.
Breast Implant Removal (Explant) Risks & Considerations
Risks include bleeding, infection, fluid collection, changes in nipple or skin sensation, asymmetry, contour irregularity, and a breast that looks deflated or sagging after removal. Capsulectomy adds a small risk of bleeding or injury to the chest wall or lung, which is uncommon in experienced hands. If a lift or fat transfer is added, those procedures carry their own risks. No procedure can guarantee resolution of symptoms attributed to implants.
- Bleeding, infection, or fluid collection
- Deflated or sagging appearance after removal
- Asymmetry or contour irregularity
- Changes in nipple or skin sensation
- Risks of capsulectomy near the chest wall (uncommon)
- Added risks if a lift or fat transfer is combined
- No guaranteed resolution of implant-attributed symptoms
- Possible need for further surgery
Alternatives to Breast Implant Removal (Explant)
Implant exchange replaces the implants rather than removing them, which suits patients who still want implants but need a size change or a fix. A breast lift alone can reposition sagging tissue if implants are kept. Fat transfer can add modest volume without an implant. For patients removing implants for symptoms, removal with or without capsulectomy is the direct approach, and the specific plan is matched to the capsule and the breast.
Breast Implant Removal (Explant) vs Implant Exchange
Breast implant removal takes the implants out, with or without the capsule, and does not put new implants in. Implant exchange removes the old implants and places new ones. Removal suits patients who want to be implant-free or who are removing implants for a problem or symptoms, while exchange suits patients who still want implants but need a size change or a fix.
Implant ExchangeBreast Implant Removal (Explant) vs Breast Lift
After implants are removed, skin stretched by the implant can look deflated or low. A breast lift repositions that tissue and the nipple for a firmer shape without an implant. Not every patient needs a lift with removal; the decision depends on how much natural tissue is present and how the breast looks without the implant.
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Medical Sources
Breast Implant Removal (Explant) - Frequently Asked Questions
- What is en bloc removal?
- En bloc means the implant and the surrounding capsule are removed together as one unit. It is specifically indicated for a rare implant-associated cancer of the capsule. For most patients, a total capsulectomy removes the capsule without requiring a true en bloc technique.
- Do I need my capsule removed?
- Not always. A thin, healthy capsule may be left, while a thick, calcified, or contracted capsule is often removed. The decision is based on the capsule, the reason for removal, and imaging.
- Will my breasts sag after implant removal?
- Often some. Skin stretched by an implant may look deflated or lower after removal. A breast lift or fat transfer can be added to restore shape if desired.
- Can implant removal cure breast implant illness?
- Breast implant illness is not a formal medical diagnosis and has no specific test. Many patients report improvement after removal, but improvement cannot be guaranteed. Symptoms are taken seriously and discussed honestly.
- Is implant removal covered by insurance?
- Sometimes, depending on the reason, such as rupture or contracture, and the plan. Purely elective removal is often not covered. This is reviewed case by case.
- Should I replace or just remove?
- That depends on your goals. Some patients want new implants (an exchange), some want to go implant-free, and some add a lift or fat transfer for shape. The plan is individualized.
Performed by Dr. Ruben Castro in Newport Beach, California