Implant Removal & Explantation

Patients choose to have breast implants removed for many reasons: rupture, capsular contracture, discomfort, changing preferences, a wish to return to a natural silhouette, or concerns about long-term implant health.

Whatever the reason, Dr. Low treats it as valid and focuses on the part that matters clinically — removing the implants safely and leaving you with a breast shape you’re content with afterwards.

What Is Explantation?

Explantation removes breast implants and, depending on circumstances, the surrounding scar capsule.

Implant removal alone

Appropriate where the capsule is thin, healthy, and uncontracted.

Removal with partial capsulectomy

Removal of affected portions of the capsule while preserving healthy tissue.

Removal with total capsulectomy

The entire capsule is removed. Indicated for capsular contracture, calcification, or silicone rupture.

En bloc capsulectomy

Implant and capsule removed together as a single intact unit, without opening the capsule. Indicated for silicone rupture and requested by many patients with broader health concerns. Technical feasibility depends on capsule thickness and the implant’s position relative to the chest wall and ribs; Dr. Low will assess and discuss this with you honestly before surgery.

Managing Shape After Removal

The question most patients actually want answered is what the breast will look like afterwards. That depends on implant size, how long they’ve been in place, tissue quality, and skin elasticity.

Options include:

• Removal alone — appropriate where skin quality is good and implants were modest
• Removal with breast lift — repositions the remaining tissue and removes excess skin
• Removal with fat grafting — restores volume using your own tissue
• Removal with lift and fat grafting — for the most complete reshaping
• Staged approach — remove first, allow tissues to settle, reshape later

Dr. Low will give you a realistic account of what to expect, including where a lift will meaningfully improve the outcome.

Who Is a Candidate?

Patients experiencing capsular contracture, implant rupture, pain or tightness, implant malposition, or who simply no longer want implants.

Recovery & Expectations

Recovery is generally more comfortable than the original augmentation. Desk work resumes within 5–7 days for straightforward removal; longer where capsulectomy or a lift is performed. Exercise resumes at 4–6 weeks.