Will my implants be replaced?
Not unless replacement is part of your agreed plan.
Explant surgery can leave you without implants. Implant exchange removes the existing implants and places new ones.
Breast & Chest
Breast Implant Removal / Explant
Breast implant removal, also called explant surgery, removes breast implants and may include treatment of surrounding scar tissue or reshaping.
Does all scar tissue need to come out?
Not always.
The scar-tissue capsule may be left in place, partly removed, or fully removed depending on your findings and the risks of removal.
Will removal also lift my breasts?
Removal alone does not reliably lift the breasts.
A breast lift is a separate reshaping procedure that may be discussed if loose skin or a lower nipple position concerns you.
01 · Overview
Understanding breast implant removal
Breast implant removal takes out saline or silicone implants. People choose it because of personal preferences, discomfort, implant rupture, or firm scar tissue around an implant, called capsular contracture. [1]
The body naturally forms a scar-tissue capsule around an implant. Removing the implant and removing that capsule are different steps. Your surgeon should explain whether capsule surgery is needed and how much can be removed safely. [1]
Explant surgery does not add volume. Without an implant, breasts may look smaller, flatter, or looser. A lift reshapes existing tissue, while fat transfer adds some volume using your own fat; neither is automatically included in removal. [1]
- Procedure
- Removal of breast implants
- Anesthesia
- Often general anesthesia; individualized to the plan
- Additional procedures
- Capsule surgery or a breast lift may be considered
- Final appearance
- Develops over months as swelling and tissues settle
What do capsulectomy and en bloc removal mean?
Capsulectomy means removing part or all of the capsule around an implant. Removing the implant inside an intact capsule is not always possible or necessary. En bloc is a cancer-surgery term involving removal with a margin of surrounding tissue; it is not a routine requirement for elective explant surgery. Ask which approach is medically indicated and what extra risks it carries.
What if I have symptoms I believe are related to my implants?
Some people report fatigue, joint pain, or brain fog and use the term breast implant illness. These symptoms deserve evaluation, including consideration of other causes. Some people report improvement after removal, but improvement is not predictable or guaranteed.
02 · Concerns & Goals
What brings people to consider explant surgery
You may have discomfort, changes in breast shape, or simply feel that implants no longer fit your preferences. Your reasons deserve a thoughtful discussion.
Firmness or discomfort
A tightened capsule can make a breast feel firm, painful, or distorted. An examination helps determine whether the capsule, implant, or another condition is contributing.
Possible implant damage
A change in size or shape can prompt evaluation for rupture. Silicone rupture may not cause obvious symptoms, so imaging may be needed.
A different size or feel
You may want smaller breasts or no longer want implanted devices. Discuss how much natural tissue you have and what removal alone may look and feel like.
Loose skin or volume loss
Skin and breast tissue change with time, pregnancy, weight shifts, and implant size. Removing implants can make existing looseness or differences between breasts more noticeable.
03 · Options
How the approaches differ
The right approach depends on your goals, implant condition, capsule findings, and available breast tissue. These options may overlap.
Implant removal alone
Removes the implants without a separate reshaping procedure.
How it worksThe surgeon removes the implants through an incision, sometimes using an existing scar, and assesses the surrounding tissues.
May suitMay suit someone who wants no replacement implants and accepts the likely change in volume and skin drape.
Main tradeoffLoose skin, hollowness, or unevenness may remain, and later reshaping may be considered.
Removal with capsule surgery
Treats some or all of the scar tissue surrounding the implants.
How it worksThe surgeon removes part or all of the capsule when indicated by symptoms, implant findings, or another medical concern.
May suitMay be considered for significant contracture, rupture-related findings, or an abnormal capsule.
Main tradeoffMore extensive dissection can increase bleeding and injury risk, especially when the capsule is attached to the chest wall.
Removal with a breast lift
Combines explant surgery with reshaping and removal of excess skin.
How it worksA lift reshapes the remaining breast tissue and adjusts nipple position when appropriate.
May suitMay suit someone concerned about loose skin or a lower breast and nipple position.
Main tradeoffAdds scars and healing considerations and does not replace the implant's volume.
Removal with fat transfer
Uses your own fat to add a modest amount of breast volume.
How it worksFat is collected by liposuction and injected into the breasts, either during removal or at a later operation.
May suitMay suit someone with enough donor fat who wants some fullness without another implant.
Main tradeoffSome fat is absorbed, repeat treatment may be needed, and fat necrosis or imaging changes can occur.
A lift or fat transfer may be performed at the same operation or staged later. Combining procedures is not appropriate for everyone. [1] [2] [3].
Why might my surgeon recommend waiting before reshaping?
Waiting allows swelling to resolve and the skin and breast tissue to settle. It can help clarify whether you still want a lift or added volume, though it means another recovery if you proceed.
Will removed tissue or fluid be tested?
Testing depends on your symptoms and surgical findings. New swelling, fluid, a mass, or an abnormal capsule may need imaging and targeted testing, sometimes before surgery. Ask what will be sent to pathology and how results will be shared.
04 · Results
What may improve and what may remain
Size and contour
Breasts will usually have less volume after removal without replacement.
- The amount of natural tissue, skin stretch, and implant size influence the result.
- Upper-breast hollowness, dimpling, or asymmetry may become more visible.
- A lift can reshape tissue but cannot recreate implant volume.
Comfort and symptoms
Symptom changes depend on what caused them.
- Treating a painful contracted capsule may help local discomfort.
- Some discomfort can persist or develop after surgery.
- Improvement in broader symptoms such as fatigue or brain fog cannot be promised.
Scars and longer-term changes
Healing continues beyond the first weeks.
- Scars usually soften and fade but remain permanent.
- Breast shape can continue changing as swelling settles and skin adjusts.
- Aging, pregnancy, and weight changes continue to affect the breasts.
Your surgeon can discuss likely changes based on your examination, but the final contour and degree of skin tightening cannot be predicted precisely. [1]
05 · Recovery
Planning your recovery
Recovery at a glance
- Stay after surgery
- Usually same day
- Initial recovery at home
- First 1–2 weeks
- Return to desk work
- Varies by Procedure and Work Activity
- Light daily activities
- Based on Individual Recovery
- Strenuous exercise
- Confirm specific activity with surgeon
Returning to work does not mean fully healed. Follow your surgeon’s instructions; strenuous activity requires clearance.
Sources and planning notes
Research-based planning estimates; follow your surgeon’s guidance
- Stay after surgery source — meaning you can leave the same day.
- Initial recovery at home source — For the first one to two weeks after surgery
- Strenuous exercise source — When can I resume normal activity and exercise?
Recovery depends on whether removal is performed alone or with capsule surgery, a lift, or fat transfer. Follow your surgical team's plan rather than a fixed timeline.
Step 1 · Day of surgery
Treatment day
You are monitored as anesthesia wears off. Dressings, a support garment, or drains may be used. If you go home that day, arrange an adult escort and help as directed.
Step 2 · First several days
Early recovery
Soreness, swelling, bruising, and temporary tightness are common. Your team will explain wound care, prescribed medicines, movement limits, and any drain care.
Step 3 · Following weeks
Gradual return
Energy and comfort usually improve gradually. Follow-up visits guide the return to work, lifting, and exercise; additional procedures may extend restrictions.
Step 4 · Following months
Settling and scar care
Breast shape and scars continue to change. Discuss scar care and any remaining concerns after your surgeon has assessed healing.
Planning everyday activities
ActivityGeneral planning contextWhat affects the plan
Desk workPlanning context: Some people can return within about one to two weeks; others need longer.What affects it: Pain, fatigue, drains, commuting, and the extent of surgery
DrivingPlanning context: Wait until your team clears you and you can steer and brake comfortably without impairing medicines.What affects it: Arm movement, alertness, and seat-belt comfort
Lifting and upper-body exercisePlanning context: Resume only according to your surgeon's restrictions. [1]What affects it: Capsule dissection, incisions, and any lift or fat transfer
Showering and swimmingPlanning context: Ask when showering is allowed; avoid soaking until your team confirms it is safe.What affects it: Incision closure, dressings, and drains
Returning to work does not mean healing is complete. Ask your surgical team whether compresses are appropriate and exactly how to use them.
Before your procedure
- Bring implant records, device cards, and details of prior breast operations if available.
- Discuss pain, swelling, shape changes, and any broader symptoms you have noticed.
- Complete any examination, breast imaging, or other testing your surgeon recommends.
- Review all medicines, supplements, and allergies; change medicines only with guidance from the prescribing clinician.
- Discuss nicotine use and follow your team's plan for stopping before and after surgery.
- Arrange transportation, home support, time away from work, and help with lifting or caregiving.
Will I need drains?
Possibly. Drains may be used when fluid could collect after implant or capsule removal. Your team will explain care and decide when to remove them based on your recovery rather than a guaranteed date.
What support bra should I wear?
Your surgeon will advise whether a surgical bra or other support is appropriate, how it should fit, and how long to wear it. Instructions can differ after a lift or fat transfer.
06 · Safety
Risks and what your clinician assesses
Temporary swelling, bruising, soreness, and altered sensation are common. Symptoms should generally improve; sudden changes or worsening pain need assessment.
Bleeding or fluid buildup
Blood or fluid can collect in the surgical space and may require drainage or another procedure.
Infection or delayed healing
Infection, wound separation, or loss of skin or fatty tissue may require additional treatment.
Scars and sensation changes
Scars can be raised or uncomfortable. Nipple or breast sensation may change temporarily or permanently.
Contour changes or persistent pain
Loose skin, asymmetry, dimpling, or ongoing discomfort can remain. Further surgery may be considered but cannot guarantee correction.
Injury during capsule removal
Removing a capsule attached to deeper tissues can injure muscle or the chest wall. Rarely, a lung injury can cause a pneumothorax.
Anesthesia and blood clots
Anesthesia reactions and blood clots in the legs or lungs are uncommon but potentially serious surgical complications.
Discuss these risks and your individual health history with your surgeon. [1]
What your clinician assesses
- Implant type, placement, age, integrity, and prior surgical history
- Capsule firmness, breast tissue, skin quality, and any unusual swelling or mass
- Overall health, nicotine use, medicines, and bleeding or clotting history
- Goals, expectations, and whether additional reshaping is appropriate
07 · Costs
What makes up the Total Procedure & Care Cost
Compare written estimates for the same planned scope: removal alone can involve different services from removal with capsule surgery, a lift, or fat transfer.
Surgeon
Surgical care
Surgeon's services for implant removal and any agreed capsule surgery or reshaping.
Ask your surgeonAsk which procedures are included and how unexpected findings could affect the plan and charges.
Facility
Anesthesia and facility
Anesthesia services, operating-room use, and recovery monitoring.
Ask your surgeonAsk whether these are separate bills and whether the estimate includes all expected facility time.
Supplies
Supplies and follow-up
Potential charges for garments, medicines, drains, pathology, and follow-up care.
Ask your surgeonAsk what is included and how additional visits, testing, or treatment of complications are handled.
TRC
Patient Services
Any separately billed coordination or administrative support, if applicable.
Ask TRCAsk whether there is a charge, what it covers, and whether the service is optional.
Your written estimate should explain the services included, any separate charges, and payment terms.
08 · Questions
Common questions
Will insurance cover implant removal?
Coverage depends on your policy and the reason for removal. Medically necessary removal may be considered differently from elective removal or cosmetic reshaping. Ask about prior authorization, documentation, and separate charges before scheduling.
Can saline and silicone implants both be removed?
Yes. The surgical plan depends on the implant type, whether it is intact, and the capsule. A ruptured silicone implant may require additional work to address silicone outside the implant.
Will I still need breast screening?
Yes. Implant removal does not replace routine breast cancer screening. Tell your imaging team about your implants, removal, and any lift or fat transfer so they can interpret changes appropriately.
Can I breastfeed after removal?
Breastfeeding may still be possible, but prior implant surgery, explant surgery, and especially additional reshaping can affect milk production or delivery. Discuss future pregnancy and breastfeeding goals before choosing a plan.
0 consultation questions in your plan
View in My TRC workspaceMy Aesthetic Plan
Prepare for your consultation
Bring these to help your consultation:
- Confirm whether the plan includes removal only, capsule surgery, or additional reshaping.
- Get personalized recovery instructions and a clear way to reach the surgical team.
- Review the written estimate, any insurance requirements, and arrangements for home support.
View My Aesthetic Plan
Choices stay in this visit until saving to your account completes. Nothing is sent to a clinician.
Sources
- [1]American Society of Plastic Surgeons: Breast Implant RemovalReasons for explant surgery, implant and capsule removal, variable appearance after removal, surgical risks, recovery planning, and warning signs requiring medical attention.
- [2]American Society of Plastic Surgeons: Breast LiftBreast lifting through tissue reshaping and excess-skin removal, nipple repositioning, scarring, and limits on restoring volume.
- [3]American Society of Plastic Surgeons: Fat Transfer Breast AugmentationUse of liposuction and fat injection for modest breast augmentation, fat absorption, possible touch-up treatment, and fat necrosis or imaging-related changes.
Photographs are illustrative scenes, not patients, staff, facilities or outcomes. This information does not replace a personal assessment by your treating clinician.