Breast Implant Removal (Explant Surgery) in London

Although breast implants can provide long-lasting results, patients may choose to remove their implants to alter the size or shape of their breasts. 

Breast implant removal surgery, also termed explant surgery, is a procedure to take out silicone or saline implants from the chest, reducing the volume of the breasts. Patients may do this to effectively resolve aesthetic concerns, or to address complications from their initial breast augmentation surgery.  

The CREO Clinic’s Medical Director, Dr. Omar Tillo, is an accomplished body contouring surgeon – one with a history of providing high-quality breast implant removal options. Whether performing explant surgery, implant adjustments or replacements, Dr. Tillo’s breadth of training and experience allow him to minimise scarring and help you achieve your aesthetic goals.

Contact the CREO Clinic today and find out how Dr. Tillo can help safely and expertly remove your breast implants.

What is Breast Implant Removal or Explant Surgery?

The purpose of breast implant removal is to remove existing silicone or saline implants. Different techniques can be used depending on the patient’s needs – in cases of capsular contracture, an explant and capsulectomy may be needed. Capsular contracture refers to the development of hardened scar tissue in the capsule (the pouch in which breast implants sit). The presence of capsular contracture will be assessed by Dr. Tillo during your consultation – if it is found to be an issue, the scar tissue will be removed during your surgery.

Breast implant removal procedures should only be performed by an experienced surgeon who has the detailed knowledge and understanding of the breasts and how best to create the desired aesthetic effect. To achieve the precise effect, Dr. Tillo often uses fat transfer to ensure the breasts do not appear deflated – this can add both volume and a natural-looking shape.

Reasons You May Want to Remove Your Breast Implants

Everyone has their own reasons for removing their breast implants, but here are some of the most common:

• Changes due to ageing  – As you age, sagging of the breasts or skin around the implant may cause the appearance of your implants to change or look less natural
• Changes in implant placement – Your implants can become displaced or move as a result of trauma or capsular contracture
• Capsular contracture – This is where scar tissue around your implants hardens, creating discomfort 
• Rupture of implants – Although it is not dangerous if an implant ruptures, you will lose the volume they provided. For this reason, many women wish to remove the ruptured implant and replace it to restore volume and symmetry.
• Replacement of implants – You may wish to replace your implants, perhaps changing size or shape to align with your desired aesthetic
• Breast implant illness (BII) – This is a variety of symptoms that may be associated with breast implants — brain fog, fatigue, gastrointestinal issues. Explant surgery may be performed to help resolve the issues. Dr. Tillo states that ‘BII is rare, I’ve never had any patients develop it or ask to have implants removed because of it.”

What to Expect from an Explant Surgery

Breast implant removal is a relatively short procedure that consists of making incisions along the sites of your previous breast implant scars, then removing your implants and any scar tissue that may have formed if you have experienced capsular contracture. The incisions are then closed shut with dissolvable sutures – in the hands of a skilled surgeon such as Dr. Tillo, the resulting scars should be minimal. 

After your surgery, your breasts will likely appear somewhat deflated and sagging – this should improve over time, but some of the effects may be permanent, which is why many breast implant removals are combined with either a breast uplift or fat transfer to restore firmness and volume. 

If you choose not to replace your implants or restore volume with fat transfer, you can expect your breasts to return to their original size. Prepare yourself for the changes in your physique – ensure you have comfortable bras that fit your previous size, and bear in mind that certain clothing will fit differently with your new, smaller sized breasts.

Ideal Candidates for Breast Implant Removal

Breast Implant Removal Surgery Process

Breast explant surgery is usually performed under general anaesthetic to ensure you will be comfortable and without pain throughout the surgery. Dr. Tillo makes an incision across the breast crease in order to access the implant – this is usually made across the original breast implant scar to avoid creating a new scar.

At this stage, for a straightforward removal of your implants, they will be separated from the breast tissue and removed. Depending on your particular needs, capsulectomy may be performed at this stage – this is where the scar tissue (capsule) that has developed around the breast implant may need removing. In some cases, implants can be removed alongside the capsule in one procedure.

In addition to removing the breast implants, explant surgery can entail a breast lift or replacement of implants with new implants of a different size or shape.

Cost of Explant Surgery in London

At the CREO Clinic, breast explant surgery starts from £4,500. Additional procedures like the insertion of new implants or capsulectomy will be priced separately.  

As each surgery at the CREO Clinic is bespoke to your needs, a full cost breakdown will only be available after your initial consultation with Dr. Tillo.

Should you wish to spread the cost of your breast explant surgery over multiple instalments, our financing partner, Chrysalis Finance, offers a variety of financing options.

Results of Breast Implant Removal

After your breast explant surgery, the appearance of your breasts will change – generally this means a reduction in size, unless you are opting to replace your implants with new, larger implants. If you are not replacing your implants, you may experience some sagging in your breasts as a result of the stretching created by the implants over time.

This is where an experienced breast surgeon is crucial, as they are able to make artful adjustments to the tissue available in order to tighten up the skin and give them a firmer, more natural look overall.

Recovery Following Explant Surgery

Immediately after your breast implant removal you may experience some soreness, swelling, and tightness at the incision sites at the infra-mammary fold. After the first week or two these side-effects should have eased enough for you to feel comfortable returning to work.

Full recovery from breast implant removal surgery generally takes around six weeks – you must wear your compression garment during this time as this will keep swelling to a minimum. After six weeks have passed you should feel comfortable resuming all of your daily routine, including strenuous physical exercise.

Breast Implant Removal FAQs

Book A Consultation

Book a consultation at the CREO Clinic today to speak to Dr. Tillo about your breast implant removal. Dr. Tillo is a highly experienced practitioner with a specialist’s understanding of breast shape, size and the safe and effective removal of breast implants.