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Implant Removal

Explant surgery

Breast implant removal, or explantation, is a surgical procedure to permanently take out breast prostheses. Patients often choose this to return to a natural look, address complications like rupture or capsular contracture, or resolve health concerns. The surgery may involve removing just the implant or, more commonly, the implant alongside the surrounding scar tissue (capsulectomy).

Procedure Overview

Procedure Time 1–2 Hours
Hospital Time Day Case
Return to Work 1 Week
Full Recovery 4–6 Weeks
Support Bra 6 Weeks
Final Results 6 Months

The Different Types of Implant Removal

Breast Implant Removal is highly individualised. The technique, implant type, and placement are carefully selected based on body shape, tissue characteristics, and aesthetic goals.

Implant Removal Journey

Before & After Gallery

View authentic transformations from real patients who have undergone breast implant removal with Mr Nakul Patel, showcasing natural, elegant results tailored to each individual’s anatomy and aesthetic goals.

Breast Augmentation Gallery

Benefits of Implant Removal

Are You Suitable for Implant Removal?

You may be suitable if

  • You are experiencing physical pain, such as chronic back and neck discomfort, or have developed medical complications like capsular contracture or a confirmed rupture.
  • Your personal aesthetic preferences have shifted toward wanting a softer, more natural appearance that better aligns with your current lifestyle and body proportions.
  • You have significant concerns regarding the long-term impact of foreign objects on your health or find that your implants are interfering with clear results during routine mammograms.

Alternatives

  • An implant exchange allows you to replace your existing devices with smaller or differently shaped modern prostheses if you still desire volume but want to address specific complications.
  • A mastopexy, or breast lift, can be performed to remove excess skin and reposition your natural tissue, restoring a firm and youthful contour without the need for a new implant.
  • Fat transfer involves using liposuction to harvest fat from another area of your body and injecting it into the breasts to provide a modest, natural increase in volume after the implants are removed.

The Procedure: What's Involved ?

Labiaplasty Incision Diagram

Step 1: Incision and Access

The surgeon typically reopens the original incisions used during your initial breast augmentation, such as the fold under the breast or around the areola, to minimize new scarring. Through these access points, the surgeon carefully reaches the breast pocket where the implant is located.

Labiaplasty Reshaping Diagram

Step 2: Implant and Capsule Removal

Depending on your surgical plan, the surgeon removes the implant itself and, if necessary, the surrounding scar tissue known as the capsule. This may involve a total capsulectomy to remove all scar tissue or an "en bloc" removal where the implant and capsule are taken out as a single, unopened unit to ensure no material is left behind.

Labiaplasty Suturing Diagram

Step 3: Tissue Reshaping and Closure

Once the implants are removed, the surgeon may reshape the natural breast tissue or perform a mastopexy to address any skin laxity caused by the previous volume. The incisions are then closed with fine, dissolvable sutures, and a supportive surgical bra is applied to help the breast tissue settle into its new, natural position.

Preparing for Surgery

During your consultation, we will plan:
  • We examine the integrity of your current implants to check for signs of rupture or capsular contracture.
  • We decide between a simple explant, total capsulectomy, or en bloc removal based on your health needs.
  • We assess your skin's ability to "snap back" to determine if the tissue will settle naturally after volume loss.
  • We discuss if a breast lift or fat grafting is required to prevent a deflated or drooping appearance.
  • We plan to use existing surgical scars whenever possible to minimize the creation of new permanent marks.
  • We finalise your anaesthetic plan and review medical steps to ensure safe healing and optimal recovery..

Avoiding Complications

Change in Shape/Volume: The breasts will appear smaller and may look “deflated” or saggy initially.

Temporary Swelling & Bruising: This is expected as the internal pocket heals.

Numbness: Changes in nipple or breast skin sensation, which usually improves over several months.

Firmness: The breast tissue may feel firm or “lumpy” as internal scar tissue settles.

Seroma/Haematoma: Collection of fluid or blood in the old implant pocket that may require drainage.

Persistent Pain: “Ghost” sensations or discomfort where the implant used to sit.

Infection: Redness or fever that may require antibiotics.

Asymmetry: The breasts may settle differently depending on the original tissue quality.

 

Pneumothorax: A very rare risk of a “collapsed lung” if the surgery involves deep dissection near the ribs.

Skin Loss (Necrosis): If the blood supply to the skin is compromised, particularly in smokers.

DVT / Pulmonary Embolism: Blood clots associated with any major surgery.

Frequently Asked
Questions about Implant Removal

A breast augmentation is an operation that uses silicone or saline (salt water) implants to make your breasts larger and usually to improve their shape. The procedure can also help balance breasts that are asymmetrical (different sizes).

There are various types, shapes, and sizes available. Implants can be round or anatomical (teardrop-shaped) and filled with either silicone gel or saline. Your surgeon will discuss the options with you—such as implant texture and firmness—to recommend the most appropriate type for your body and goals.

Yes. Silicone is a common element used in many healthcare products, such as heart valves and pacemaker wires. Extensive studies have shown no evidence that women with silicone implants have a higher risk of developing diseases such as breast cancer or arthritis.

Breast implants are not lifetime devices. While results usually last for a long time, you may need another operation in the future to replace or remove them, commonly after about 10 years.

You should be able to breastfeed, and there is no evidence that silicone passes into breast milk. However, in some cases, changes in nipple sensation or the surgery itself may affect breastfeeding capability.

Implants placed behind the breast tissue can interfere with mammograms (breast x-rays). You must inform your doctor or the person performing the scan that you have implants, as they may need to use ultrasound or MRI scans instead to check your breasts properly.

Scars are inevitable but usually settle with time, taking up to 18 months to fade. Your surgeon will try to place the incision in an area that is less noticeable, such as the crease under the breast, around the areola, or in the armpit.

Pain is usually mild and can typically be controlled with simple painkillers like paracetamol. You may feel soreness along the breastbone, and moving your arms can be uncomfortable for 2 to 3 weeks.

Gravity, age, and weight changes will alter the shape and size of your breasts over time,. It is often recommended that you be at a stable weight before surgery, as significant weight loss or gain can affect the long-term results.

Changes in breast and nipple sensation are possible. While this usually settles within a year, the change can sometimes be permanent. You may experience numbness or continued pain in the outer part of the breast.

You can have the surgery before having children, but you should let your surgeon know your plans. Pregnancy can change the size and shape of your breasts, which may affect the long-term aesthetic results of the surgery.

Yes, alternatives include using padded bras or inserts to improve shape. Some surgeons may offer fat injection (using your own fat), though this can cause lumps or infection. Injecting synthetic fillers is generally discouraged as it can cause infection, scarring, and only offers temporary results.
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