Comparing 4 Breast Implant Removal (Explant Surgery) Techniques – Updated 2023

Explant surgery is a safe and effective way to remove breast implants, whether you are experiencing complications or have simply had a change of heart. The reasons why women choose to have their implants removed are unique to each individual, and so is the approach to explant surgery. At my At my cosmetic surgery practice near Arlington Heights, I perform a variety of explant techniques to accommodate as many different cases as possible. The right method for each person is chosen through open communication, trust, and an experienced eye for several contributing factors.

If you are considering breast implant removal, this blog post is for you. It covers a few of the most common approaches to the surgery and the unique benefits each of them offers.

Breast Implant Removal

Also called simple breast implant removal, this procedure uses an incision made in the scar tissue capsule to remove the implant while leaving the scar tissue capsule in place. Scar capsules typically break down or dissolve naturally over time without causing harm to the body. This procedure works best for those with thin scar capsules that the body can easily break down.

Benefits: This is a simple procedure that involves minimal injury to surrounding tissues. It is also less costly than complex surgeries to remove the capsule, whether intact or in separate pieces.

Total Capsulectomy With Breast Implant Removal

A total capsulectomy removes the implant and scar tissue capsule, but not necessarily in one piece. After removing the implant through an incision in the capsule, I separate the scar capsule from the surrounding breast tissue and remove it, sometimes in multiple pieces. This is more thorough than a partial capsulectomy, which removes pieces of scar capsule and leaves others in the body to be naturally broken down.

Benefits: A total capsulectomy removes all scar tissue from the body and is less complex and difficult to perform than an en bloc capsulectomy.

En Bloc Capsulectomy With Breast Implant Removal

The most complex approach to breast implant removal, an en bloc capsulectomy removes the implants and scar tissue capsule from the breast intact. Because this procedure is delicate and difficult to perform, it requires the expertise of a plastic surgeon who is experienced specifically in en bloc capsulectomies. Learn more about why the procedure requires such expertise in this previous blog post.

Benefits: This technique is ideal for ruptured implants because it prevents the implant from ever coming in contact with breast tissue, limiting the risk of infection or other complications.

Any Approach Combined With a Breast Lift

Many women choose to combine breast implant removal with a breast lift to tighten the stretched tissues left behind. This can all be done within the same surgery, although a breast lift will require a new scar on the underside of the breast.

Benefits: A breast lift tightens and rejuvenates stretched tissue for an attractive look after implant removal. Recovery time is not significantly longer for those who choose to add a lift to their procedure.

To see more examples of the results you can expect after breast implant removal surgery, please visit our before-and-after photo gallery. You can also find additional information about breast implant removal on the American Society of Plastic Surgeons’ website.

If you would like to discuss your breast implant removal options with a breast surgeon in the North Shore area, please contact us online or call (847) 504-2333.