Breast Implant Removal in Delafield
Implants out, confidence intact.
Breast implant removal, also known as explantation, is a surgical procedure to remove breast implants placed during augmentation or reconstruction. The surgeon may remove the implant alone or perform a capsulectomy to also remove the surrounding scar tissue capsule. Breast implant removal may be combined with a breast lift or fat transfer to reshape the breast after the implants are removed.
At a Glance
- ASPS reported over 41,000 breast explant procedures in the United States in 2023, representing a 9 percent increase from the prior year[4]
- The FDA notes that breast implants are not lifetime devices, and the longer a patient has implants, the more likely removal or replacement may become necessary[3]
- Capsulectomy options include partial capsulectomy, total capsulectomy, and en bloc resection, with the appropriate technique selected based on the clinical indication[1]
- A multicenter retrospective study of over 1,000 explantation cases found capsular contracture to be the most common indication for implant removal[6]
Overview
Breast implant removal is performed for a variety of reasons, including capsular contracture (hardening of scar tissue around the implant), implant rupture or deflation, dissatisfaction with size or appearance, lifestyle changes, and concerns related to breast implant illness (BII). The procedure can be performed on patients with either saline or silicone gel implants placed during cosmetic augmentation or reconstructive surgery.
The procedure involves making an incision, typically along the original augmentation incision or at the inframammary fold, to access and remove the implants. Depending on the clinical situation, the surgeon may perform a partial or total capsulectomy to remove the scar tissue capsule that forms naturally around every breast implant. In cases involving suspected malignancy such as breast implant-associated anaplastic large cell lymphoma (BIA-ALCL), an en bloc resection may be performed to remove the implant and capsule as an intact unit.
Following implant removal, the breasts may appear smaller, deflated, or asymmetric depending on the patient's natural breast tissue and how long the implants were in place. Many patients elect to have a concurrent breast lift (mastopexy), fat transfer, or implant exchange to address changes in breast shape and volume. A board-certified plastic surgeon can evaluate the options most appropriate for each patient.
What to expect
- Preoperative consultation including physical examination, review of implant history (type, size, placement date), imaging if needed, and discussion of goals and options for concurrent procedures.
- Preoperative imaging such as MRI or ultrasound may be ordered to evaluate implant integrity, especially for silicone implants.
- On the day of surgery, general anesthesia or intravenous sedation with local anesthesia is administered.
- The surgeon makes an incision, typically at the inframammary fold or along the previous augmentation scar, to access the implant pocket.
- The implant is carefully dissected from the surrounding tissue and removed. For capsulectomy, the scar tissue capsule is also excised.
- The implant pocket is irrigated and inspected. Any residual silicone material from a ruptured implant is removed.
- If a concurrent breast lift is planned, excess skin is removed and the breast tissue is reshaped and repositioned.
- Surgical drains may be placed to prevent fluid accumulation during early healing.
- The incisions are closed in layers with sutures, and a supportive surgical bra or compression garment is applied.
- The patient receives post-operative instructions covering activity restrictions, drain care, pain management, and signs of complications.
How a breast implant removal works
- The surgeon accesses the implant through an incision, often placed at the inframammary fold (the crease beneath the breast) or along the existing augmentation scar. Using the original incision helps minimize additional scarring.
- For implant-only removal, the surgeon separates the implant from the surrounding capsule tissue and removes it, leaving the capsule in place. This approach involves less surgical dissection and may be appropriate when the capsule is thin and healthy.
- For total capsulectomy, the surgeon removes both the implant and the entire scar tissue capsule. This is commonly performed when there is capsular contracture, silicone gel leakage into the capsule, or when the patient requests complete removal of all implant-related tissue.
- En bloc resection involves removing the implant and capsule together as a single intact unit without opening the capsule. This technique is indicated when there is suspected BIA-ALCL or when comprehensive capsule removal is desired.
- If the patient elects concurrent procedures, the surgeon may perform a breast lift to tighten and reshape the breast envelope, or autologous fat transfer to restore volume using the patient's own fat tissue.
When it's recommended
- Capsular contracture causing pain, firmness, or distortion of breast shape
- Implant rupture (silicone gel) or deflation (saline)
- Desire to return to natural breast appearance or reduce breast size
- Symptoms associated with breast implant illness (BII), such as fatigue, joint pain, or cognitive difficulties
- Implant malposition, rippling, or other cosmetic concerns
- Aging or damaged implants beyond their expected lifespan
- Diagnosis or suspicion of breast implant-associated anaplastic large cell lymphoma (BIA-ALCL)
- Recurrent infections around the implant
- Planned breast reconstruction revision
Is a breast implant removal right for you?
Reach out to learn more from Dr. Lucas Boehm.
Recovery & aftercare
- Initial recovery typically involves 1 to 2 weeks of limited activity
- Surgical drains, if placed, are usually removed within 1 to 2 weeks
- A supportive bra or compression garment is typically worn for several weeks to reduce swelling
- Bruising and swelling are common and generally resolve within 2 to 4 weeks
- Most patients can return to desk work and light daily activities within 1 to 2 weeks
- Strenuous exercise and heavy lifting are typically restricted for 4 to 6 weeks
- Final breast shape and appearance may take several months to stabilize as tissues settle
- Scars continue to mature and fade over 6 to 12 months
Alternatives
- Implant exchange (replacing existing implants with different size, type, or profile)
- Capsulotomy (scoring or releasing the capsule without removal) for capsular contracture
- Observation and monitoring for asymptomatic patients with intact implants
- Breast lift without implant removal to address sagging
- Fat transfer alone to adjust breast shape without implant exchange
Related treatments
How much does a breast implant removal cost?
A breast implant removal at Consona with Dr. Boehm costs around $13,000. The exact amount depends on your unique goals and treatment needs. Schedule a consultation today to learn more and receive a personalized quote.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Breast implant removal, also called explantation, is a surgical procedure to take out breast implants that were placed during augmentation or reconstruction. The surgeon may remove the implants alone or also remove the surrounding scar tissue capsule. Some patients choose to combine the procedure with a breast lift or fat transfer to reshape the breasts.
- The procedure is performed under general anesthesia or sedation, so patients do not feel pain during surgery. Afterward, discomfort, soreness, and tightness are common but typically manageable with prescribed pain medication. Most patients find that discomfort decreases significantly within the first week.
- Breast implant removal is generally considered a safe surgical procedure when performed by a board-certified plastic surgeon. As with any surgery, there are risks including bleeding, infection, and changes in breast appearance. A thorough consultation helps patients understand their individual risk profile.
- Most patients can return to light activities within 1 to 2 weeks. Strenuous exercise and heavy lifting are typically restricted for 4 to 6 weeks. Swelling and bruising generally resolve within 2 to 4 weeks, and the final breast shape may take several months to stabilize.
- Breast appearance after implant removal depends on factors such as natural breast tissue volume, implant size, how long the implants were in place, and skin elasticity. Some patients experience dimpling, sagging, or loss of volume. A concurrent breast lift or fat transfer can help address these changes.
- Patients with active infections, uncontrolled bleeding disorders, or significant medical conditions that increase anesthesia risk may need to delay the procedure. Patients considering removal should discuss their goals and health history with a board-certified plastic surgeon to determine the appropriate timing and approach.
Breast Implant Removal risks & candidacy
Who should avoid this
- Active systemic infection that increases surgical risk (procedure may be delayed until resolved)
- Uncontrolled bleeding disorders or anticoagulation therapy without medical clearance
- Significant unmanaged medical conditions that impair ability to undergo general anesthesia safely
- Unrealistic expectations about post-removal breast appearance without concurrent reshaping procedures
- Active skin infection or wound at the planned incision site
Possible risks
- Changes in breast shape, volume, or symmetry after implant removal
- Breast tissue dimpling, puckering, or wrinkling, especially after long-term implant use
- Scarring at the incision site
- Bleeding or hematoma formation
- Infection at the surgical site
- Seroma (fluid collection) in the implant pocket
- Temporary or permanent changes in nipple or breast skin sensation
- Chest wall irregularity or concavity after removal of large implants
- Need for additional surgery to achieve desired breast appearance
- General risks associated with anesthesia
Your surgeon
Care that respects what makes you, you.
Dr. Lucas Boehm is a Wisconsin native, board-certified, fellowship-trained plastic surgeon and the founder of Consona Plastic Surgery and Aesthetics. His practice is dedicated exclusively to aesthetic surgery of the face, nose, breast, and body, with particular expertise in deep plane facelifts, rhinoplasty, and aesthetic breast surgery. He completed his undergraduate education at the University of Wisconsin–Madison, earned his medical degree from the Medical College of Wisconsin, and completed his plastic surgery residency there as well. He then pursued an Aesthetic Society-endorsed fellowship in aesthetic surgery under the mentorship of Dr. Bradley Calobrace in Louisville, Kentucky. Known for meticulous attention to detail, he approaches each case with precision and intention. His philosophy emphasizes harmony and balance – enhancing what is already beautiful while ensuring every change feels natural, thoughtful, and uniquely you.
- Board-certified
- Am. Board of Plastic Surgery
- Fellowship-trained
- Aesthetic surgery
- 12+ years
- In practice
Sources & references
This article draws on 7 sources, including government health agencies, peer-reviewed research, leading medical institutions.
Government & research
Medical institutions
Medically reviewed by Dr. Lucas Boehm, MD · Last reviewed: 2026-06-13