Breast implant removal, also known as explant surgery, involves the surgical removal of breast implants to restore a natural breast appearance or address concerns such as discomfort, capsular contracture, or personal preference. This procedure is ideal for individuals who no longer wish to have implants due to changes in lifestyle, health considerations, or a desire for their original breast shape, and it focuses on achieving a balanced, natural contour that aligns with your body and goals, drawing from insights gained through thousands of patients over the years.
Key Benefits
- Restored natural breast shape and feel without implants.
- Relief from implant-related discomfort or complications.
- Improved body confidence through a more authentic silhouette.
What to Expect
Consultations involve a thorough review of your implant history, concerns, and goals, often using imaging to preview outcomes after removal. Surgery typically lasts 1-3 hours under general anesthesia, with incisions placed to minimize additional scarring. Recovery allows a return to light activities within 1-2 weeks, with swelling subsiding over several weeks as final contours emerge. Costs start around $6,000 to $10,000, varying based on technique and any combined procedures like a lift or fat transfer.
As a board-certified plastic surgeon with decades of experience at Cary Plastic Surgery in Cary, NC, I have performed breast implant removal on many patients, earning multiple "Voted Best Plastic Surgery" awards in the area. This procedure is often empowering for women who want to return to their natural breast shape, whether due to implant complications, lifestyle changes, or simply a preference for a more authentic look. Important aspects I deem essential based on patient outcomes include thorough pre-operative discussions about expectations, customized techniques to preserve breast tissue, and detailed aftercare to support healing and symmetry.
Why Choose Dr. Hanna?
With over 30 years and hundreds of breast implant removals, I've refined techniques that prioritize complete capsule removal when needed, natural reshaping, and minimal additional scarring.
Patients often share how this surgery brought them relief and renewed confidence in their own bodies.. As a multiple award-winner for Best Plastic Surgery in Cary, NC, I emphasize thorough consultations to align expectations, drawing from real outcomes where satisfaction remains high when patients maintain stable weight and follow aftercare.
Benefits of Breast Implant Removal Surgery
From my experience, breast implant removal offers more than just explantation... It restores comfort and authenticity.
Key benefits include:
- Return to a natural breast shape and feel without implants.
- Relief from implant-related discomfort or health concerns.
- Improved symmetry and proportion through customized reshaping.
- Greater ease in clothing and daily activities.
- Boosted self-esteem; patients frequently report feeling more comfortable in their skin.
- Long-term firmness is supported by healthy habits and optional lift or fat transfer.
Visit the American Society of Plastic Surgeons website for complete information on Breast Implant Removal Surgery.
Ideal Candidates
Ideal candidates are healthy women who no longer desire implants, often due to complications, lifestyle changes, or preference for a natural look. Success peaks in those with:
- Implant-related issues like capsular contracture or rupture.
- Stable weight and non-smoking status for optimal healing.
- Realistic goals for post-removal appearance.
- You should be free from certain medical conditions.
- If volume loss is a concern, we may recommend combining with fat transfer or a lift.
Schedule a Consultation to find out if you're a candidate.
Breast Implant Removal Surgery, Step-by-Step
Performed in our accredited facility under general anesthesia, the surgery lasts 1-3 hours. Steps include:
- Incision:
Usually through existing scars for minimal new marks.
- Implant Removal:
Carefully extract implants and, if needed, the capsule.
- Reshaping:
Tighten or reposition tissue for natural contour.
- Closure:
Layered sutures; no drains in most cases.
You go home the same day with a surgical bra.
Recovery & Aftercare
Recovery is manageable—most patients return to light work in 1-2 weeks and full activities in 4-6 weeks. Based on my protocols:
- Week 1: Rest, manage swelling with pain meds, wear support bra.
- Weeks 2-4: Light activities; swelling subsides.
- Month 1+: Resume exercise; final shape at 3-6 months.
Tips from experience:
Stay hydrated, avoid heavy lifting, attend follow-ups. Long-term: Annual check-ups; results last with stable weight.
Risks & Complications
As with any surgery, risks exist but are minimized through expertise. Common complications include scarring, temporary sensation changes, asymmetry, or infection. Rare complications can include: hematoma or nipple issues.
We discuss all during consultation, emphasizing health optimization to reduce them. Benefits often outweigh risks for suitable candidates, but informed consent is key.
** Individual results vary
Cost & Financing
We will always provide transparent pricing with no hidden costs. Breast implant removal surgery typically starts around $6,000 (includes anesthesia, facility, and follow-ups). Combinations with other surgeries such as a breast lift and/or fat transfer and different techniques may affect the pricing.
We offer financing through CareCredit and accept major cards. During consultation, get a custom quote; insurance may cover if medically necessary.
Schedule a consultation and we'll provide you with a personalized quote for your breast implant removal surgery.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How long does breast implant removal surgery take? Breast implant removal surgery usually lasts between 1 and 3 hours at our practice, depending on the extent of removal and whether additional reshaping is performed.
- Will breast implant removal leave visible scars? Scars are inevitable but we minimize them by using existing incision sites whenever possible; they usually fade over 6-12 months, and we offer scar treatments like creams or lasers.
- What are the potential risks or complications of breast implant removal? Risks include infection, changes in sensation, asymmetry, or healing issues, but these are rare in our experience and we will cover them fully in consultation. *Individual results may vary
- Can I combine breast implant removal with other procedures? Yes, it often pairs well with a breast lift or fat transfer for optimal natural contouring.
- What if I gain weight after breast implant removal surgery? Breasts may change proportionally, but they will stay more natural than before the procedure; we advise a healthy lifestyle for best outcomes.