Breast Implant Removal in Delafield
Implants out, confidence intact.
Breast implant removal, also known as explantation, is surgery to take out breast implants placed during an augmentation or a reconstruction. The surgeon may remove the implant on its own or perform a capsulectomy, which also takes out the capsule of scar tissue around it. The procedure 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 several reasons: capsular contracture, which is hardening of the scar tissue around an implant; implant rupture or deflation; dissatisfaction with size or appearance; lifestyle changes; and concerns related to breast implant illness (BII). It can be performed for saline or silicone gel implants placed during cosmetic augmentation or breast reconstruction.
The implant is accessed through an incision, typically along the original augmentation scar or at the inframammary fold beneath the breast. Depending on the clinical situation, part or all of the scar tissue capsule that forms naturally around every implant may also be removed. When a malignancy such as breast implant-associated anaplastic large cell lymphoma (BIA-ALCL) is suspected, an en bloc resection may be performed to remove the implant and capsule intact.
After removal, the breasts may look smaller, deflated, or asymmetric. Their appearance depends on the amount of natural breast tissue and how long the implants were in place. A breast lift, fat transfer, or implant exchange can be performed at the same time to address changes in shape and volume.
At Consona, the usual version is one operation rather than a series of separate decisions. The procedure Dr. Boehm quotes combines implant removal, capsulectomy, and a breast lift. This reflects how most patients arrive: they want the implants and capsule removed, but do not want to wait until the breast looks deflated to decide how it will be reshaped. Fat transfer is also offered for patients who prefer to restore volume with their own tissue. The capsule is assessed and the remaining breast tissue is reshaped in the same sitting, by the same hands.
What to expect
- A preoperative consultation covering physical examination, a review of your implant history (type, size, placement date), imaging if needed, and a discussion of your goals and the options for combining 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.
- You receive post-operative instructions covering activity restrictions, drain care, pain management, and signs of complications.
How a breast implant removal works
- The implant is reached through an incision, often at the inframammary fold or along the existing augmentation scar. Reusing the original incision helps minimize additional scarring.
- With implant-only removal, the implant is separated from the surrounding capsule and taken out while the capsule remains in place. This requires less surgical dissection and may be appropriate when the capsule is thin and healthy.
- A total capsulectomy removes the implant and the entire scar tissue capsule. It is commonly performed for capsular contracture, silicone gel leakage into the capsule, or when someone asks for all implant-related tissue to be removed.
- An en bloc resection removes the implant and capsule together as one intact unit without opening the capsule. This technique is indicated when BIA-ALCL is suspected or when comprehensive capsule removal is desired.
- A breast lift can be performed during the same operation to tighten and reshape the breast envelope. Autologous fat transfer is another option, using the patient’s own fat to restore volume.
- At Consona, capsulectomy, implant removal, and a lift are generally handled as one decision. The operation Dr. Boehm plans and prices combines all three in one sitting, with the breast reshaped as the implant and capsule come out.
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 surgery to take out implants placed during augmentation or reconstruction. The implant may be removed on its own, or the capsule of scar tissue around it may also be removed. A breast lift or fat transfer can be added to reshape the breasts.
- The procedure is performed under general anesthesia or sedation, so patients do not feel pain during surgery. Soreness, tightness, and discomfort are common afterward but are typically manageable with prescribed pain medication. Most patients find that the discomfort decreases significantly within the first week.
- Breast implant removal is generally considered safe when performed by a board-certified plastic surgeon. As with any surgery, it carries risks, including bleeding, infection, and changes in breast appearance. A thorough consultation helps each person understand their own risk.
- Most patients return to light activities within 1 to 2 weeks. Strenuous exercise and heavy lifting are typically restricted for 4 to 6 weeks. Bruising and swelling generally resolve within 2 to 4 weeks, while the final breast shape may take several months to stabilize.
- The result depends on the amount of natural breast tissue, implant size, how long the implants were in place, and skin elasticity. Dimpling, sagging, or loss of volume can occur. A breast lift or fat transfer performed at the same time can address some of these changes.
- Patients with an active infection, an uncontrolled bleeding disorder, or a significant medical condition that increases anesthesia risk may need to delay surgery. Goals and health history can be reviewed with a board-certified plastic surgeon to determine the appropriate timing and approach.
- No. The combined procedure Dr. Boehm quotes assumes a lift, but it is not the only route available. Skin that has held an implant for years does not spring back when the implant is removed, so a breast that looked full before surgery frequently looks deflated afterward. Reshaping it in the same sitting means one recovery instead of two. Some patients prefer to remove the implants first and decide about breast shape later, which can be raised during consultation.
- In the operation Dr. Boehm quotes, yes. Capsulectomy is included in the procedure and its price. Whether part or all of the capsule is removed depends on what is found. A thin, healthy capsule is different from one that is contracted or stained by silicone, and the latter situation is the more common reason patients arrive for explantation. Bring your implant records if you have them, since implant age and fill type both shape that assessment.
- The published cost is $13,000 for the combined operation: capsulectomy, implant removal, and a breast lift performed as one procedure. Implant removal alone is a smaller piece of work, so ask for a figure specific to that operation if it is your goal. Dr. Boehm does not bill insurance. Explantation is paid for privately whether the reason is capsular contracture, rupture, or breast implant illness.
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: 2026-09-12