By Dr Chris Davis | Expert plastic surgery for women on London's Harley Street.
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Breast implant removal, also known as explant surgery, is the removal of previously placed breast implants. Some women choose removal for personal or lifestyle reasons; others need it because of complications such as capsular contracture, implant rupture, or changes in breast shape over time. Patients with older implants — including Allergan textured implants or PIP (Poly Implant Prothèse) implants — often choose to have them removed.
Dr Chris Davis will discuss whether removal alone will give you the result you want, or whether combining it with a breast lift and/or fat transfer would be more appropriate.
The procedure is carried out under general anaesthetic and typically takes one to three hours. Where possible the original incision is used. Depending on your circumstances, the capsule of scar tissue around the implant may also be removed — in some cases as an en bloc capsulectomy, where the implant and the surrounding capsule are removed together in one piece. Where appropriate, the removed tissue can be sent to a laboratory for analysis.
Women commonly consider implant removal when they are experiencing discomfort, capsular contracture or hardening, concerns about implant integrity, or simply because their preferences have changed and they no longer want implants.
It is important to understand that removing implants changes breast shape. Depending on skin elasticity and how long implants have been in place, some women benefit from a breast lift, or fat transfer, at the same time to achieve a satisfying result.
A consultation is the clearest way forward, where Dr Davis will examine you, review your history and explain the realistic outcome of removal with or without a lift or fat transfer.
Most patients go home the same day. Recovery is often more straightforward than the original augmentation, with soreness and swelling settling over the first weeks. A supportive bra is worn to aid healing.
Most patients return to desk-based work within about a week. Breast shape continues to settle over several months, and the final appearance depends on skin quality, tissue volume and how long the implants were in place.
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This depends on skin quality and breast tissue. A breast uplift or fat transfer can be discussed if volume or shape is a concern.
Not always. Dr Davis will advise whether partial or full capsule removal is appropriate for your situation. In some cases a full en bloc capsulectomy is recommended, where the implant and the surrounding capsule are removed together in one piece, and the tissue can be sent to a laboratory for analysis.
Soreness, swelling and limited activity are usual in the first 1–2 weeks, with mild to moderate pain. Most people resume light activities and desk work by 2–4 weeks, return to normal routines by 4–6 weeks avoiding heavy lifting, and reach full recovery beyond 6 weeks as swelling and firmness continue to improve.
Temporary changes can occur, but sensation usually improves over time.
Some patients report symptom improvement, though outcomes vary. This is discussed carefully during consultation. A range of blood tests and heavy metal testing can be offered alongside full capsulectomy if breast implant illness is suspected.
Existing scars are usually reused where possible, avoiding unnecessary new incisions.
The starting price is £6,900.
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