Sometimes patients want to remove or replace implants due to complications, aesthetic changes, or personal preference. Understanding explantation, implant exchange, and capsulectomy helps you make informed, safe decisions about your breast surgery options.
Reasons for Implant Exchange
- Medical: rupture, capsular contracture, malposition, inflammation
- Aesthetic: size/shape changes, aging, post-pregnancy changes, surface type change
- Reoperation rates: 11.7% (augmentation) vs. 25% (reconstruction) at 7 years
Revision surgery is common and can be tailored to your goals and comfort.
Explant (Implant Removal)
- Complete removal is an option; breast appearance varies by tissue volume, elasticity, and implant history.
- May be combined with breast lift or fat grafting.
- Recovery and cosmetic outcomes are individualized.
Explantation restores a natural look, and planning ensures you feel confident with your results.
Capsulectomy
- Surgical removal of the capsule surrounding the implant.
- Indicated for severe contracture, rupture with leakage, chronic inflammation, or BIA-ALCL.
- Some patients with Breast Implant Illness may also ask about total capsulectomy – Dr. Iyengar’s preference is an individualized, and often conservative approach to address patient concerns
- Not required for routine implant removal or prophylactic purposes.
- Surgical risks: longer procedure, increased bleeding, more pain, longer recovery, potential for pneumothorax.
Capsulectomy is reserved for specific medical indications and should be done safely and thoughtfully.
Making the Right Decision
- Revision, removal, or capsulectomy decisions should consider both medical and personal factors.
- Shared decision-making with a board-certified plastic surgeon ensures safe, satisfying outcomes.
Working with an expert surgeon ensures your choices are safe, personalized, and aligned with your goals.
Next steps.
Discover your best options with confidence! Schedule a personalized consultation at Iyengar Plastic Surgery to explore revision, removal, or capsulectomy tailored to your goals.
