Breast Implant Removal Surgery (Explant Surgery) in Raleigh, NC

Breast implant removal surgery, also called explant surgery, removes breast implants for women who no longer wish to have implants or who are experiencing implant-related concerns. Some women choose explant surgery because they prefer a more natural appearance, while others are dealing with capsular contracture, implant rupture, breast implant illness (BII), changes following pregnancy or weight loss, or simply feel their goals have changed over time.

Board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Michael Law performs breast implant removal, implant exchange, complete capsulectomy, breast lift after explant surgery, fat grafting, and natural breast reconstruction for women seeking personalized treatment. Every surgical plan is tailored to the patient’s anatomy, implant history, breast tissue, skin quality, cosmetic goals, and overall health.

Removing breast implants is rarely a one-size-fits-all procedure. Some women simply want their implants removed, while others want to replace older implants with newer ones, restore breast volume using fat grafting, or combine explant surgery with a breast lift to improve breast shape. During your consultation, Dr. Law carefully discusses every available option and develops an individualized surgical plan designed to help you achieve the most natural-looking and satisfying long-term result.

View More Breast Implant Removal (Explant Surgery) Before and After Photos

Why Do Women Choose Breast Implant Removal?

In recent years, more women have chosen explant surgery as their goals have shifted toward achieving a natural breast appearance and addressing implant-related concerns.

Women choose to have their breast implants removed for many different reasons, and every patient’s decision is personal. Some simply prefer a more natural appearance today than when they originally underwent breast augmentation. Others experience physical discomfort from implants that now feel too large or heavy after pregnancy, weight loss, menopause, or the natural aging process. Some women develop complications such as capsular contracture, implant rupture, implant malposition, or recurrent implant-related problems that make implant removal or replacement the best long-term solution.

There is also a growing number of women who choose explant surgery because they believe their breast implants may be contributing to symptoms commonly associated with Breast Implant Illness (BII). While scientific research continues to evolve, many patients seek consultation to better understand their options and determine whether breast implant removal is appropriate for their individual situation.

Who Is a Candidate for Breast Implant Removal?

Women choose breast implant removal for many different reasons, and there is no single “right” reason to undergo explant surgery. Some patients experience complications related to their implants, while others simply decide they no longer want breast implants. During your consultation, Dr. Michael Law carefully reviews your medical history, implant history, breast anatomy, skin quality, lifestyle, and long-term goals before recommending the most appropriate surgical approach.

You may be a good candidate for breast implant removal if you:

• Would like to return to a more natural breast appearance
• Feel your implants are too large or uncomfortable
• Have developed capsular contracture
• Have a ruptured or leaking breast implant
• Are experiencing implant malposition, bottoming out, or asymmetry
• Are concerned about symptoms you believe may be related to Breast Implant Illness (BII)
• Want to replace older implants with newer implants
• Would like to combine implant removal with a breast lift or fat grafting
• Are in good overall health and have realistic expectations

Every woman has different goals after breast implant removal. Some patients are perfectly happy returning to their natural breasts, while others prefer additional procedures to restore breast shape or volume. Dr. Law takes time to understand your priorities before recommending surgery.

Breast Implant Removal and Explant Surgery Options

Breast implant removal is not a single procedure. Depending on your anatomy, implant history, and personal goals, several different surgical options may be appropriate.

For some women, the best solution is simply removing the breast implants. Others may benefit from removing the implants along with the surrounding capsule, replacing older implants with new ones, combining explant surgery with a breast lift, or restoring lost volume using fat grafting. The best approach depends on your individual circumstances rather than a one-size-fits-all treatment plan.

During your consultation, Dr. Law explains the advantages and limitations of each option so you fully understand what each procedure can realistically accomplish before making your decision.

Breast Implant Removal vs. Implant Exchange

Not every woman seeking consultation wants to permanently remove her breast implants. Some patients are happy with the appearance of augmented breasts but would like to replace older implants with newer implants, change implant size, or correct complications such as capsular contracture or implant malposition.

Breast implant removal permanently removes the implants and may be combined with a breast lift or fat grafting to reshape the breasts using your own natural tissue. Implant exchange removes the existing implants but replaces them during the same operation with new implants chosen to better match your current goals. Dr. Law will help you determine which option best fits your lifestyle and desired outcome.

Breast Implant Removal for Ruptured Implants

A ruptured breast implant is one of the most common reasons women choose breast implant removal or implant exchange. Saline implant ruptures are usually obvious because the implant quickly deflates as the saline solution is safely absorbed by the body. Silicone implant ruptures are often more difficult to detect because the silicone gel typically remains within the surrounding capsule. These are sometimes referred to as “silent ruptures” and may only be discovered during routine imaging or evaluation.

If a rupture is suspected, Dr. Michael Law may recommend ultrasound or MRI to better evaluate the implant. During surgery, the ruptured implant is removed, and depending on the condition of the surrounding capsule and the patient’s goals, implant removal may be combined with complete capsulectomy, implant replacement, breast lift surgery, or fat grafting. Every treatment plan is personalized based on the patient’s anatomy and long-term goals.

Breast Implant Removal for Capsular Contracture

Capsular contracture is one of the most common complications following breast augmentation. Every breast implant naturally becomes surrounded by a thin layer of scar tissue called a capsule. In some women, that capsule gradually tightens around the implant, causing firmness, distortion, discomfort, or pain. In more advanced cases, the breast may appear misshapen or sit higher on the chest than normal.

Treatment depends on the severity of the contracture and the patient’s goals. Some women prefer implant exchange with capsulectomy, while others choose to permanently remove their implants. During your consultation, Dr. Law carefully evaluates the degree of capsular contracture and discusses the surgical options that are most appropriate for your situation.

What Is Breast Implant Illness (BII)?

Some women begin experiencing symptoms months or even years after breast augmentation and wonder whether their breast implants could be contributing to the way they feel. This collection of symptoms has become commonly known as Breast Implant Illness (BII). Although Breast Implant Illness is not currently recognized as a specific medical diagnosis and research is ongoing, many women report significant improvement in their symptoms following breast implant removal.

Patients who believe they may be experiencing Breast Implant Illness commonly report symptoms such as:

• Chronic fatigue
• Brain fog or difficulty concentrating
• Joint or muscle pain
• Headaches
• Hair thinning or hair loss
• Skin rashes
• Anxiety or depression
• Difficulty sleeping
• Autoimmune-type symptoms

While I practice evidence-based medicine, I also believe that every patient deserves to have her concerns taken seriously. We still have much to learn about Breast Implant Illness, and I believe a woman’s intuition regarding her own body should never be dismissed. Many of my patients who have undergone breast implant removal have reported feeling significantly better afterward, although every patient’s experience is unique and symptom improvement cannot be guaranteed.

If you are concerned that your implants may be contributing to your symptoms, we will discuss your medical history, review your concerns, and determine whether breast implant removal may be an appropriate option for you.

What Is BIA-ALCL?

Breast Implant-Associated Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma (BIA-ALCL) is a rare type of lymphoma that has been associated primarily with certain textured breast implants. Unlike Breast Implant Illness, BIA-ALCL is a recognized medical condition with established diagnostic and treatment guidelines.

The most common signs of BIA-ALCL include persistent swelling of one breast, fluid collecting around the implant years after surgery, pain, or the development of a mass surrounding the implant. When diagnosed early, BIA-ALCL is highly treatable and, in most cases, can be successfully managed by removing the breast implant and the surrounding capsule.

The textured implant responsible for the majority of reported BIA-ALCL cases has been voluntarily withdrawn from the market. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration does not currently recommend preventive removal of textured implants in women who have no symptoms. However, some women choose explant surgery because they feel more comfortable no longer having textured implants, and that decision is tailored during consultation.

Capsulectomy During Breast Implant Removal

One of the most important decisions during explant surgery is whether the capsule surrounding the breast implant should also be removed. The capsule is a layer of scar tissue that naturally forms around every breast implant as part of the body’s normal healing process.

For some patients, removing the implant alone is appropriate. Others benefit from partial or complete removal of the capsule depending on their symptoms, implant condition, history of capsular contracture, or personal preferences. During your consultation, Dr. Michael Law carefully explains the advantages, limitations, and potential risks of each approach so that together you can determine the most appropriate surgical plan.

Breast Implant Removal vs. Complete Capsulectomy

One of the most common questions I hear is whether the capsule surrounding the breast implant should be removed during explant surgery. The answer depends on your anatomy, the condition of your implants, your medical history, and the reason you are having your implants removed.

For some women, removing the implant alone is an appropriate and effective treatment. This procedure is generally shorter, requires a smaller incision, and in some cases can even be performed under local anesthesia. The capsule is left in place and, over time, often shrinks naturally after the implant has been removed.

Other patients prefer to have the capsule removed at the same time as the implant. A complete capsulectomy removes nearly all of the scar tissue capsule that formed around the implant. This procedure is more technically demanding, requires general anesthesia, typically involves a longer incision, and often requires temporary surgical drains during recovery.

During your consultation, Dr. Michael Law carefully evaluates your implants, capsule, symptoms, and surgical goals before recommending whether implant removal alone or complete capsulectomy is the most appropriate approach.

What Is an En Bloc Capsulectomy?

An en bloc capsulectomy is a specialized surgical technique in which the breast implant and the surrounding capsule are removed together as one intact piece. Many patients request this procedure because they prefer that the tissues surrounding the implant are not exposed to the contents of the capsule during surgery.

Although en bloc capsulectomy receives significant attention online, it is important to understand that it is not the safest or most appropriate procedure for every patient. The decision depends largely on where the implant is located, the thickness of the capsule, and how firmly the capsule is attached to the surrounding tissues.

Is En Bloc Capsulectomy Always Necessary?

No. In women whose implants are located beneath the chest muscle, the capsule is often extremely thin and tightly adherent to the ribs and pectoralis muscle. Attempting to remove the implant and capsule together as one piece in these situations may unnecessarily increase the risk of complications, including injury to the chest wall or even collapse of the lung (pneumothorax).

When an en bloc capsulectomy cannot be performed safely, Dr. Law can often perform a complete capsulectomy. In this procedure, the capsule is carefully opened, the implant is removed, and nearly all of the remaining capsule is meticulously dissected away. Any small areas that cannot be safely removed are treated appropriately to minimize residual capsule while protecting the surrounding tissues.

For patients diagnosed with BIA-ALCL, complete removal of both the implant and capsule is considered an essential part of treatment. For patients without BIA-ALCL, the surgical plan is based on anatomy, safety, symptoms, and each patient’s goals rather than using a single approach for everyone.

Testing During Explant Surgery

Some women choose to have laboratory testing performed as part of their breast implant removal procedure. Depending on the patient’s concerns, testing may include evaluation for bacterial or fungal contamination, heavy metals, or other specialized laboratory studies. When medically indicated, tissue samples or capsule specimens obtained during surgery can also be submitted for pathological examination.

If there is any concern for BIA-ALCL, fluid, capsule tissue, or other specimens are submitted for specialized pathological analysis, including CD30 testing and additional studies when appropriate. Dr. Law discusses which tests, if any, are appropriate based on each patient’s medical history and surgical findings.

What Will My Breasts Look Like After Implant Removal?

One of the biggest concerns women have before explant surgery is how their breasts will look afterward. The answer depends on several factors, including the size of the implants, how long they have been in place, your skin elasticity, the amount of natural breast tissue you have, pregnancies, weight fluctuations, and the aging process.

Immediately after surgery, the breasts often appear flatter than expected because the skin and breast tissue have stretched around the implants over many years. Fortunately, this appearance is not permanent. During the weeks and months following surgery, the skin gradually contracts and the natural breast tissue begins to settle into a new position. Many women are pleasantly surprised by how much their breasts improve during the healing process without additional surgery.

For this reason, I often recommend allowing several months of healing before deciding whether additional procedures are necessary. Once the tissues have stabilized, we can better determine whether a breast lift, fat grafting, or another procedure would further improve breast shape and volume.

Will I Need a Breast Lift After Breast Implant Removal?

Not every woman needs a breast lift after explant surgery, but it is one of the most commonly requested procedures following breast implant removal. Women who have had larger implants for many years or who have experienced pregnancy, breastfeeding, weight loss, or significant skin stretching are more likely to benefit from a lift.

A breast lift (mastopexy) removes excess skin, reshapes the breast tissue, and repositions the nipple and areola to create a more youthful breast contour. The goal is not simply to remove implants, but to create breasts that look natural, balanced, and proportional to your body.

Some women choose to have a breast lift performed during the same operation as implant removal, while others prefer to allow the breasts to heal before deciding whether a lift is necessary. During your consultation, Dr. Michael Law will discuss both approaches and recommend the option that best matches your anatomy and long-term goals.

Can Fat Grafting Replace Breast Implants?

For women who want additional fullness but no longer wish to have breast implants, fat grafting to the breast may be an excellent option. Fat transfer uses your own body’s natural fat to restore volume while maintaining a soft, natural appearance and feel.

The procedure begins with gentle liposuction to remove fat from an area such as the abdomen, flanks, or thighs. The fat is carefully processed and then strategically injected throughout the breast to improve contour and upper-pole fullness.

Fat grafting cannot typically replace the volume of very large implants in a single procedure, but it can provide meaningful improvement for many women seeking a natural alternative to breast implants. Some patients choose to undergo more than one fat grafting procedure to gradually build additional volume over time.

Breast Reconstruction After Implant Removal

Every woman’s goals after explant surgery are different. Some are delighted returning to their natural breasts, while others wish to restore shape, projection, or fullness after long-standing implants are removed.

Depending on your anatomy and cosmetic goals, reconstruction after breast implant removal may include:

• Breast lift (mastopexy)
• Fat grafting (fat transfer)
• Auto-augmentation using your own breast tissue
• Replacement with new breast implants
• A staged combination of procedures performed over time

Rather than recommending the same operation for every patient, Dr. Law develops an individualized surgical plan based on your anatomy, skin quality, remaining breast tissue, and the appearance you hope to achieve.

Recovery After Breast Implant Removal Surgery

Recovery depends on the type of explant procedure performed. Patients who undergo implant removal alone generally experience a shorter recovery than those undergoing complete capsulectomy, breast lift, fat grafting, or multiple procedures during the same operation.

Most patients experience temporary swelling, bruising, tightness, and soreness during the first several days after surgery. When a capsulectomy is performed, temporary drains are often used to reduce fluid accumulation and are typically removed once drainage has decreased appropriately.

Walking is encouraged immediately after surgery, while strenuous exercise and heavy lifting should be avoided until healing has progressed appropriately. Swelling gradually improves over several weeks, while the breasts continue to soften and settle over the following months. Final results are usually appreciated once healing is complete and the tissues have fully adapted to their new shape.

Typical Recovery Timeline

• First Week: Swelling, bruising, and mild discomfort are expected. Patients are encouraged to walk but should avoid strenuous activity. Drains, if placed, are typically removed during the first postoperative visits.
• Weeks 2–4: Most patients gradually resume normal daily activities while swelling continues to improve. Light exercise may be resumed as directed by Dr. Law.
• One to Three Months: The breasts continue to soften, settle, and assume a more natural appearance. Most swelling has resolved.
• Three to Six Months: Final breast shape and contour become apparent as tissues fully heal and mature.

How Much Does Breast Implant Removal Cost?

The cost of breast implant removal varies because every procedure is customized to the patient’s needs. Factors that influence the overall cost include whether the implants are removed alone or combined with complete capsulectomy, breast lift surgery, fat grafting, implant exchange, pathology testing, or additional reconstructive procedures.

During your consultation, Dr. Michael Law will develop a personalized surgical plan and provide a detailed estimate based on your specific anatomy and treatment goals. Our team is also happy to discuss financing options that may be available.

Dr. Michael Law’s Philosophy on Breast Implant Removal

One of the most important conversations I have with women considering breast implant removal has very little to do with the surgery itself. Instead, we spend time discussing what they hope to achieve after their implants are gone. Every woman arrives with a unique story. Some simply want to feel like themselves again. Others are experiencing implant-related complications, while some are looking for a more natural appearance after many years with implants. There is no single “right” reason to undergo explant surgery.

My responsibility is not to convince someone to remove or replace her implants. My responsibility is to listen carefully, understand her concerns, explain every available option, and develop a treatment plan that best aligns with her goals. Some patients are happiest removing the implants alone. Others achieve a better result by combining explant surgery with a breast lift, fat grafting, or breast reconstruction. Every recommendation I make is individualized because every patient is different.

I also believe it is important to be honest about what surgery can and cannot accomplish. My goal is to help each woman make an informed decision, understand what to expect during recovery, and achieve a result that feels natural, comfortable, and consistent with her long-term goals. Whether a woman chooses implant removal because of physical symptoms, cosmetic preferences, or simply because this chapter of her life has changed, she deserves to feel heard, respected, and supported throughout the process.

Every patient brings her own experiences, expectations, and reasons for considering explant surgery.. Some are relieved to remove implants that no longer fit their lifestyle. Others feel emotional because breast implants were an important part of their identity for many years. My goal is never to judge that decision. My responsibility is to listen carefully, understand each patient’s priorities, and help her choose the option that will provide the greatest confidence and long-term satisfaction.

Choosing the Right Breast Implant Removal Surgeon

Breast implant removal is much more than simply taking an implant out. Every patient has a different anatomy, different goals, and different reasons for seeking explant surgery. The best surgical plan depends on factors such as implant size, implant placement, capsule thickness, skin elasticity, the amount of natural breast tissue, previous breast surgeries, and whether additional procedures such as a breast lift or fat grafting are planned.

One of the most important parts of the consultation is determining what outcome you hope to achieve after your implants are removed. Some women want to return to their natural breasts with as little surgery as possible. Others would like to restore breast shape with a lift, regain fullness with fat grafting, or replace older implants with newer implants. There is no single operation that is right for everyone.

Dr. Michael Law believes that successful breast implant removal begins with careful listening. Understanding why a woman wants her implants removed is just as important as understanding how to perform the surgery itself. By combining thoughtful surgical planning with meticulous technique, his goal is to help every patient achieve a result that feels natural, balanced, and consistent with her long-term goals.

Frequently Asked Questions About Breast Implant Removal

Why do women choose to remove their breast implants?

Women choose breast implant removal for many reasons, including changes in personal preferences, discomfort from large implants, capsular contracture, implant rupture, implant malposition, concerns about Breast Implant Illness (BII), or simply a desire to return to a more natural appearance.

Can breast implants be removed without replacing them?

Yes. Many women choose to permanently remove their breast implants without replacement. Depending on your goals and anatomy, breast implant removal may be combined with a breast lift, fat grafting, or no additional procedures at all.

Will my breasts sag after implant removal?

The appearance of the breasts after explant surgery depends on implant size, skin elasticity, natural breast tissue, pregnancies, weight fluctuations, and how long the implants have been in place. Some women are pleased with their natural appearance after healing, while others benefit from a breast lift or fat grafting.

Can I remove only one breast implant?

Although breast implant removal is most commonly performed on both breasts, there are situations in which removal of a single implant may be appropriate. Dr. Law will discuss the advantages and potential cosmetic differences during your consultation.

Will I need a breast lift?

Not every patient requires a breast lift. Women with excess skin or drooping breast tissue after implant removal often achieve a more youthful breast shape by combining explant surgery with mastopexy.

Can fat grafting replace breast implants?

Fat grafting can restore modest breast volume using your own body’s fat. While it cannot usually replace the volume of large breast implants during a single procedure, it offers a natural alternative for many women seeking additional fullness without implants.

What is the difference between implant removal and implant exchange?

Breast implant removal permanently removes the implants. Implant exchange removes the existing implants and replaces them with new implants selected to better match your current goals.

Do I need a complete capsulectomy?

Not always. The need for capsule removal depends on your implant history, symptoms, anatomy, and surgical goals. During consultation, Dr. Law explains whether implant removal alone, partial capsulectomy, or complete capsulectomy is the most appropriate option.

Is an en bloc capsulectomy always possible?

No. En bloc capsulectomy cannot be safely performed in every patient. When the capsule is tightly attached to the chest wall or surrounding muscles, attempting an en bloc removal may unnecessarily increase surgical risks. Patient safety always comes first.

Can I replace my implants later?

Yes. Some women choose implant removal now and decide to have new implants placed later. Others ultimately decide they prefer their natural breasts or choose fat grafting instead.

Will Breast Implant Illness symptoms improve after explant surgery?

Many women report improvement in symptoms following breast implant removal, although every patient’s experience is different and symptom resolution cannot be guaranteed. Research into Breast Implant Illness continues to evolve.

Does insurance cover breast implant removal?

Insurance coverage depends on the reason for surgery and the specific insurance policy. Implant removal performed for certain medical conditions may qualify for coverage, while cosmetic implant removal is generally considered a self-pay procedure.

Can breast implant removal be combined with other procedures?

Yes. Breast implant removal is frequently combined with breast lift surgery, fat grafting, implant exchange, liposuction, or other body contouring procedures depending on each patient’s goals and overall surgical plan.

Schedule Your Breast Implant Removal Consultation

If you’re considering breast implant removal, explant surgery, implant exchange, or breast reconstruction after implant removal, Dr. Michael Law will take the time to understand your goals and explain every available option. Together, you’ll develop a personalized treatment plan designed to achieve a natural, comfortable, and long-lasting result.

Schedule Your Consultation Today