Breast Implant Removal (Explant) in Sacramento

Every year, hundreds of thousands of women have breast implants placed during breast augmentation or breast reconstruction. While many of these women enjoy their breast surgery results, some require breast implant removal due to complications or personal reasons. Breast implant removal, also called breast explant, removes saline or silicone implants. Our board-certified plastic surgeons at The Plastic Surgery Center offer breast explant in Sacramento and Granite Bay.

Why Women Have Breast Implants Removed

Women may choose to have breast implants removed for a variety of reasons.

Capsular contracture is one of the most common. This occurs when your body forms scar tissue around the breast implant after breast augmentation or reconstruction. That scarring is typically soft but may harden and constrict the implant, causing discomfort and visible distortions.

Another common reason for breast explant surgery is implant rupture. The outer shell of the implant is made of durable silicone but may leak or rupture, spilling the saline (sterile salt water) or cohesive silicone gel into the scar capsule. An implant rupture requires breast explant to remove or exchange the affected shell.

Calcium buildup around the implant is another reason for breast implant removal.

BIA-ALCL (breast implant-associated anaplastic large cell lymphoma) is a type of cancer linked to textured implants. This rare cancer may develop in the scar capsule around the breast implant and requires implant removal.

Some women may choose to remove their implants to avoid future procedures. Breast implants are not lifelong medical devices. According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, patients should exchange their implants every 10 to 15 years.

Sometimes, an implant can move or shift in place, and breast implant removal (or breast revision surgery) can correct the implant’s position and appearance.

Other reasons for breast implants include natural aging, pregnancy, breastfeeding, and weight gain, all of which can impact the appearance of breast implants in the chest. Women may choose to remove or replace their implants to address these changes and may combine the procedure with a breast lift.

Candidates

Most women with breast implant complications or personal preferences can qualify for breast explant surgery. However, you must be in good physical health, at a stable weight, and a nonsmoker. It’s best to have realistic expectations because your breasts will look different after the procedure and may appear deflated or droopy. Combining breast implant removal with breast lift, or mastopexy, can improve results.

Procedure

Breast explant is an outpatient procedure performed under general anesthesia or with IV sedation. One of our board-certified plastic surgeons will form an incision in the inframammary fold under the breasts or around the areolas. Surgical techniques vary depending on the reason for removal.

Generally, the breast implant and scar capsule are removed. One method is the en bloc capsulectomy, which removes the implant and scar tissue as a complete piece, but some surgeons may leave the scar tissue in place. Once the breast implants are removed, one of our plastic surgeons will replace the implants or reshape the remaining breast tissue.

Your breasts may appear flatter or sit lower on your chest because the skin stretches to accommodate breast implants. You may have some skin indentions or tissue irregularities, but fat grafting or mastopexy can address these cosmetic concerns.

Recovery

Our doctors will use gauze, bandages, and a support bra to dress the incisions and breasts after breast explant. Some women may have surgical drains to drain the excess serous fluid or blood that can collect after surgery, but these thin tubes under the skin are temporary (typically 10 days or longer). The initial healing period is about two weeks, but you will have activity restrictions for up to six weeks.

The Plastic Surgery Center will provide you with detailed instructions for wound care, such as wearing the support bra or compression garment 24/7 for several weeks and using medications for discomfort. Following these directions ensures optimal results.

Results

Your results depend on the size of your implants, whether you have the implants replaced, and if you combine breast explant with breast lift. Complete healing may take up to one year, but your results are visible after six to eight weeks when much of the swelling is gone.

Breast Implant Removal Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know if my implants need to be removed?

Some patients pursue removal due to noticeable changes such as firmness, asymmetry, or discomfort, while others choose removal for personal or lifestyle reasons. Imaging technology like an ultrasound or MRI may be recommended if rupture is suspected. A consultation allows your surgeon to evaluate implant integrity, surrounding tissue, and overall breast health to determine whether removal or revision is appropriate.

Will my breasts look natural after implant removal?

After implant removal, the breast tissue may appear softer and less full, especially if implants were in place for many years. Skin elasticity plays a significant role in how the breasts reshape. In some cases, the breast may gradually adjust over time. For patients seeking additional contour improvement, options such as a breast lift or fat grafting can help refine shape and restore proportion.

What is the difference between en bloc and total capsulectomy?

An en bloc capsulectomy removes the implant and surrounding capsule in one intact piece, while a total capsulectomy removes the capsule but not necessarily as a single unit. The most appropriate approach depends on factors such as implant condition, scar tissue characteristics, and patient goals. Your surgeon will recommend a technique based on safety and clinical findings.

Can I replace my implants during the same procedure?

Yes, many patients choose to exchange implants at the time of removal. This is often done when patients want to change implant size, type, or placement. Combining removal and replacement allows for a single recovery period while addressing both functional and aesthetic concerns.

Will I have loose skin after implant removal?

Skin laxity is possible, particularly if your implants were large or in place for an extended period. The degree of looseness varies depending on skin quality and elasticity. A breast lift may be recommended to remove excess skin and reposition the tissue for a more supported contour.

How long should I wait before returning to exercise?

Light walking is typically encouraged soon after surgery, but more strenuous activities should be resumed gradually. Most patients return to low-impact exercise within a few weeks, while higher-intensity workouts may require additional time. Your surgeon will provide a personalized timeline based on your healing progress.

Does implant removal affect breast cancer screening?

After implant removal, routine breast imaging such as mammograms may become easier to interpret. It is important to inform your imaging provider of your surgical history so they can adjust techniques accordingly. Your surgeon can also coordinate with your primary care provider if needed.

Can implant removal improve physical comfort?

Some patients report improved comfort following implant removal, particularly if they previously experienced tightness, heaviness, or restricted movement. While experiences vary, removing the implant and its surrounding capsule may alleviate certain physical sensations associated with implant placement.

Why choose The Plastic Surgery Center for breast implant removal?

At The Plastic Surgery Center, procedures are performed by board-certified plastic surgeons Dr. Wayne Yamahata, Dr. Scott Green, and Dr. Rudy Coscia, who bring decades of combined experience in breast surgery and revision procedures. Their approach focuses on safety, careful surgical technique, and individualized planning based on each patient’s anatomy and goals. With accredited surgical facilities in Sacramento and Granite Bay and a collaborative team model, patients benefit from both expertise and a thorough, personalized experience from consultation through recovery.

If you require or desire breast implant removal, contact The Plastic Surgery Center to schedule a consultation with one of our plastic surgeons. Call our Sacramento, California office at (916) 848-5780 or our Granite Bay, California office at (916) 773-5559.