Quick Facts
- Potential Candidates: Ideal candidates are typically healthy women experiencing physical discomfort, implant complications, health concerns, or personal dissatisfaction who desire a more natural breast appearance.
- Procedure Details: Breast implant removal surgery involves taking out existing implants, often along with the surrounding scar tissue capsule, and because volume loss and stretched tissue can significantly affect breast shape, many women benefit from a breast lift to restore contour.
- Recovery Timeline: Most patients resume normal activities and return to non-strenuous work within about a week, with swelling and bruising generally improving over several weeks. Strenuous exercise should be avoided for at least four to six weeks.
- Cost: The cost of breast implant removal can vary based on surgical complexity and associated fees.
What Is Breast Implant Removal?
Breast implant removal, also known as explantation, is a surgical procedure designed to remove saline or silicone breast implants, whether for cosmetic or medical reasons. While breast revision often involves implant exchange, some patients choose to undergo explant surgery without implant replacement. In addition to her experience with breast augmentation, Dr. Mary Herte, our board-certified plastic surgeon, has advanced expertise as a breast explant surgeon, working with women to restore their breasts to their natural size.
What Are Common Reasons For Breast Implant Removal?
The decision to undergo breast implant removal surgery is very personal, but there are common reasons many women choose to seek this procedure. In general, many patients relate to one or more of the following:
- No longer want breast implants and wish to return to their natural breast size
- Have a breast implant-related complication such as a rupture or capsular contracture
- Are concerned about a breast implant related illness with generalized or immune symptoms
- Are worried about Lymphoma related to implants like Breast Implant-Associated Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma (BIA-ALCL), an extremely rare non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma with a possible link to certain breast implants (primarily textured implants like the Allergan BioCell® textured implants, which were recalled in July 2019)
What Does En Bloc Capsulectomy Mean?
To perform breast implant removal surgery, Dr. Herte usually recommends removal of the scar capsule to allow the breast tissue to heal back in place without the interference of the intervening scar capsules. While there is popular belief that en bloc capsulectomy is necessary in cases of breast implant illness, extensive scientific studies have shown that type of capsulectomy, and even whether capsulectomy has been done, has no impact on symptom improvement. En bloc capsulectomy involves removal of the implant and capsule as a unit and includes a border of normal tissue which can be quite destructive. En bloc dissections are ordinarily reserved for the treatment of cancer to make sure that a border of normal tissue is removed with the tumor. Most explantation surgeries are elective and not a cancer surgery, and such destruction of normal breast tissue or muscle cannot be justified since en bloc removal can negatively impact the overall aesthetic outcome of explantation surgery. For these reasons, Dr. Herte does not recommend en bloc capsulectomy for explantation or for any reason besides cancer surgery.
En bloc capsulectomy is, however, the preferred technique for any patients showing a diagnosis of BIA-ALCL.
What Is Involved in Explant Surgery?
Removal of the implant and the associated capsule is recommended for the best restoration of tissue relationships. The loss of volume that implant removal has on the breast size and shape can be quite significant and many women will be unhappy with the cosmetic appearance of the breast with simple removal of the implant. Most women will need some sort of breast lift to make the most of the breast tissue volume left after implant removal. After the capsules have been removed, Dr. Herte may perform a breast lift to tighten the surrounding tissue, as it may have stretched to accommodate the implants. Without some sort of mastopexy or breast lift, the explanted breast may be flat, long, and the nipple level may be low and much lower than before implant removal. Having an implant in place for a long time can have significant changes on the breast shape and the passage of time may change the breast tissue volume. Not all patients may need this, and others may choose to get a lift at a later time.
To complete the breast implant removal procedure, Dr. Herte will close the incisions using internal sutures and protect the incision line with DERMABOND® PRINEO® Mesh or SYLKE Mesh (strong yet lightweight mesh material that adheres to the skin). By utilizing these products, Dr. Herte has found patients experience faster healing and less noticeable scarring. Patients can typically go home the same day as their procedure to begin their recovery process.
What Will My Breast Look Like After Implant Removal?
After breast implant removal, the appearance of your breasts will likely depend on factors such as skin elasticity, the presence of excess skin, and whether additional procedures are performed. Some women may experience a softer, more natural look, especially if the implant removed was quite small. Others may have significant sagging or deflation due to the loss of implant volume. In those cases, a breast lift can be performed to improve shape and firmness. It is important to discuss your aesthetic goals during the consultation process so any concerns can be effectively addressed and results can appear more natural-looking and satisfactory. It is important to note that after implant removal, your breasts will not return to their pre-implant state. The changes inherent in weight gain and loss, hormonal changes, and the pressure of the implants on breast tissue and skin are irrevocable and unpredictable.
How Much Does Breast Implant Removal Cost?
The cost of breast implant removal surgery can vary based on the unique details of each patient’s case, such as the complexity of the explant surgery. In addition, surgical facility costs, anesthesia fees, and post-operative garments can all contribute to the overall price of breast implant removal surgery. During your consultation with Dr. Herte, our team will provide you with a personalized financial proposal to help you plan for your procedure. If you would like to sign up for plastic surgery financing options to divide your total cost into smaller, monthly payments, we can help you get started.
Additional Breast Implant Removal Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between implant removal and implant replacement?
Implant removal involves taking out existing breast implants without placing new ones. Some patients choose this option due to personal preference, lifestyle changes, or concerns such as implant rupture or capsular contracture. After removal, the breasts may appear smaller or have some looseness, and a breast lift may be recommended to improve shape.
Implant replacement, on the other hand, includes removing the current implants and replacing them with new ones. Patients may choose replacement to change implant size, type, or address complications, while maintaining or enhancing breast volume and contour.
Can I have a breast lift at the same time as implant removal?
Many patients choose to have a breast lift at the same time as implant removal. When implants are taken out, the breasts may appear deflated or have excess, stretched skin. A breast lift can reshape and tighten the remaining tissue, reposition the nipple, and create a more youthful contour without replacing the implants. Combining procedures allows Dr. Herte to address sagging and skin laxity in a single surgery, often reducing overall recovery time and providing a more balanced, natural-looking result.
Will my nipples or sensation change after implant removal?
Changes in nipple sensation are possible after implant removal, but they are usually uncommon. Some patients experience temporary numbness, increased sensitivity, or mild changes as the nerves adjust during healing. In many cases, sensation gradually returns over time. Permanent changes are rare but can occur, especially if additional procedures like a breast lift are performed. During your consultation, Dr. Herte will review your surgical plan and discuss any potential risks based on your anatomy and goals.
What should I wear after surgery?
After surgery, you’ll typically be advised to wear a supportive surgical bra or soft, non-underwire bra to help minimize swelling and support healing tissues. Choose loose, comfortable clothing, such as button-down or zip-front tops, that are easy to put on without lifting your arms. Avoid underwire bras and tight garments until Dr. Herte clears you.
For more information about breast implant removal surgery, please contact the Herte Center for Cosmetic Surgery to schedule your personal consultation with Dr. Herte.