For many women, breast implants are a source of confidence for many years, even decades. But circumstances change. Your body changes. And sometimes, the choice that felt right at 25 doesn’t feel right at 45.
At Fox Valley Plastic Surgery, our board-certified plastic surgeons, Dr. David Janssen and Dr. Doubek, have performed breast implant removal (explant surgery) for patients from all over Wisconsin and beyond. Whether you’re seeking removal due to complications, a shift in personal preference, a fear of developing health issues, or simply a desire to return to your natural shape, we’re here to help you navigate this next chapter in your life.
Breast implant removal, also referred to as explant surgery, is a procedure that removes breast implants from the body. For some patients, removal alone is enough to achieve their goals. Others may benefit from additional procedures, such as a breast lift or fat transfer, to restore shape and volume after the implants are gone.
At Fox Valley Plastic Surgery, we take an individualized approach to every explant procedure. During your consultation, Dr. Janssen or Dr. Doubek will assess your current implants, evaluate the surrounding tissue and discuss your goals to create a surgical plan tailored specifically to you. We also see patients who had their original augmentation performed elsewhere and are now seeking removal or revision.
If you’ve been researching breast implant removal, you’ve likely come across terms like total capsulectomy and en bloc capsulectomy. Understanding these terms can help you have a more informed conversation with your surgeon about which approach is right for you.
Partial capsulectomy involves removing the implant along with some, but not all, of the surrounding capsule tissue. This approach may be appropriate when removing the entire capsule would pose unnecessary risk to surrounding structures like the chest wall or ribs, or when the capsule is thin and healthy with no signs of concern.
Total capsulectomy is the complete removal of all capsule tissue surrounding the implant. The capsule may be removed in sections or as a single intact piece (total intact capsulectomy). For most patients seeking implant removal, a total capsulectomy provides thorough removal of the capsule without the added risks of more extensive procedures.
En bloc removal is often confused with total capsulectomy. It is a technique that involves removing the breast implant and capsule in one piece, along with a margin of healthy surrounding tissue. True en bloc procedures are usually reserved for tumor resection, and in most cases, are more extensive than necessary for routine breast implant removal.
According to a consensus statement released by the Breast Surgery Collaborative Community (BSCC), en bloc removal is appropriate for cases of established or suspected implant-related cancers, such as BIA-ALCL. For patients without suspected cancer, a total or total intact capsulectomy achieves complete capsule removal with less risk and smaller incisions. During your consultation, Dr. Janssen or Dr. Doubek will evaluate your situation and recommend the safest, most effective approach for you.
The decision to remove breast implants is deeply personal, and no two patients have the same reasons. Some women are addressing a complication, while others simply feel ready for a change. Here are some of the most common reasons patients come to us for explant surgery.
Our bodies evolve over time, and so do our preferences. A woman who wanted fuller breasts in her 20s may feel differently in her 40s or 50s. Some patients find that their implants no longer suit their frame, their wardrobe or their lifestyle. Others simply prefer a more natural silhouette. Whatever the reason, choosing to remove your implants because they no longer align with your vision for yourself is completely valid.
While the vast majority of women enjoy their implants for years without issue, complications can occur. Implant rupture, whether from trauma or gradual wear, may require removal or replacement. Saline implants deflate noticeably when ruptured, while silicone ruptures can be more subtle and may require imaging to detect.
Capsular contracture is another common reason for removal. This occurs when the scar tissue that naturally forms around an implant begins to tighten and harden, causing discomfort, distortion or both. Other complications that may prompt removal include implant displacement, asymmetry, rippling and infection.
Breast implants can last for 20 years or more, but are not meant to be lifetime devices. As they age, the risk of issues such as leakage or rupture becomes more likely. While the removal of intact implants isn’t necessary regardless of when they were placed, some women choose to have them removed or exchanged due to concerns about implant durability or integrity.
Breast implant-associated anaplastic large cell lymphoma (BIA-ALCL) is a rare type of cancer that has been linked to textured implants. BIA-ALCL is not breast cancer but a type of lymphoma that forms in the capsular tissue surrounding implants, typically presenting as swelling or fluid accumulation. If BIA-ALCL is confirmed with fluid testing and caught early, surgical removal of the implants and surrounding capsule is often the only treatment needed. According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS), only 1,618 cases have been reported worldwide, and there are no confirmed cases in patients with smooth implants.
Before & Afters
Breast implant removal is appropriate for any woman who has undergone breast augmentation and no longer wants her implants, regardless of the reason. If you’re considering explant surgery, you may be a good candidate if you:
During your consultation, Dr. Janssen or Dr. Doubek will evaluate your implants, assess your breast tissue and skin quality, and discuss what you can expect after removal. For some patients, a breast lift or fat transfer may be recommended to achieve the best possible outcome.
Your explant journey begins with a consultation at our Oshkosh or Appleton office. Virtual consultations are also available for your convenience. During your consultation, Dr. Janssen or Dr. Doubek will review your medical history, examine your current implants and discuss your goals for surgery. They will also talk you through different removal options and help determine whether your surgical plan should include a breast lift or fat transfer to restore your natural breast shape. If you had your original augmentation performed elsewhere, please bring any records you have regarding the type, size and placement.
Preparing for surgery helps ensure a safe procedure and smooth recovery. You may be asked to obtain medical clearance, especially if you have any underlying health conditions. Certain medications and supplements that can increase bleeding, such as aspirin, ibuprofen and fish oil, should be discontinued at least two weeks before surgery. If you smoke, you’ll need to stop one to two months before your procedure and avoid smoking for at least one month afterward to support proper healing.
Breast implant removal is typically performed under general anesthesia. The length of the procedure depends on the technique used and whether additional procedures, such as a breast lift, are being performed at the same time. In most cases, your surgeon will make an incision along the existing scar from your original augmentation, typically in the breast crease. The implant is then carefully removed. Depending on your surgical plan, the capsule may be left in place, partially removed or completely removed. If en bloc removal is appropriate and possible, the implant and capsule will be removed together as a single unit.
Recovery from breast implant removal is generally easier than recovery from augmentation, especially if no additional procedures are performed. Most patients take one to two weeks off work, depending on the nature of their job, and return to light daily activities within a few days.
You can expect some swelling, bruising and discomfort in the first week, which can be managed with prescribed pain medication. Wearing a supportive bra or compression garment as directed helps minimize swelling and support the healing tissues. If you’ve had a breast lift in combination with your explant surgery, your recovery timeline may be slightly longer. Your surgeon will provide specific guidelines based on your procedure.
You’ll notice a difference in your breast appearance immediately after surgery, though swelling will temporarily affect the final shape. For patients who undergo implant removal alone, results depend on factors like skin elasticity, natural breast tissue and how long you had your implants. Some patients are pleased with the natural look they achieve, while others may notice loose skin or a deflated appearance. If this occurs and you’re unhappy with the result, a secondary breast lift can be performed once healing is complete.
For patients who combine explant with a breast lift or fat transfer, final results typically develop over three to six months. Scars will continue to fade over time, and our team will provide guidance on scar care to optimize healing.
Once your implants are removed, the results are permanent. Your body will continue to age naturally, and factors like weight fluctuations, pregnancy and gravity will affect your breast appearance over time. Many patients report feeling a sense of relief and renewed confidence after explant surgery, having made a choice that feels right for this chapter of their lives.
For over 30 years, Fox Valley Plastic Surgery has been Wisconsin’s leader in plastic surgery, serving more than 50,000 patients with a commitment to safety, precision and personalized care. Our surgeons, Dr. David Janssen and Dr. William Doubek, are both board-certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery and members of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons and The Aesthetic Society.
We’ve performed explant surgery for patients from Green Bay, Fond du Lac, Appleton and communities throughout Wisconsin and beyond. Many of our explant patients originally had their augmentation performed elsewhere and came to us seeking experienced, thoughtful care for their removal. Whether your implants were placed here or at another practice, we’ll treat you with the same attention and expertise.
At Fox Valley Plastic Surgery, we don’t chase trends or rush to adopt every new technique. We focus on proven approaches that deliver safe, consistent results. When it comes to breast implant removal, that means taking the time to understand your goals, honestly discussing what’s achievable and creating a surgical plan that’s right for you.
“Years later my breasts still look great and feel very natural.”
- Mandy
The capsule is the tissue envelope (scar tissue) that the body forms around the implant following breast augmentation. It did not exist before the implant was placed, but its development is a normal part of the healing process. Every woman with implants has capsules surrounding them. Capsules form because the body does not know if a foreign object is good or bad, and walls it off from the rest of the body. Once the implants are removed, the body can actually reabsorb some of the capsule naturally, which can be confirmed with an ultrasound.
Capsulectomy is the act of removing the capsule around the implant. Surgeons usually perform a capsulectomy for either capsular contracture or permanent removal of the implant. This does not necessarily mean all capsule tissue is removed, as a capsulectomy can be partial or complete/total. Total capsulectomy is the removal of the entire capsule.
Capsular contracture is a complication that occurs when the capsule surrounding a breast implant thickens or tightens. It can distort the shape of your implant and cause the breasts to feel firm and hard. Capsular contracture is thought to be caused by bacterial biofilm that adheres to the implant, triggering a subclinical infection and chronic inflammation.
Total capsulectomy is the complete removal of the breast implants and capsules, though not necessarily as a single unit or in one piece. While all of the capsule is taken out with total capsulectomy, sometimes it may be too thin or too close to the surrounding structures for intact removal, requiring your surgeon to carefully dissect it instead.
En bloc removal refers to removing the breast implant and capsule in one piece, with the implant still within the wall of the capsule. A margin of healthy tissue is also removed. During this surgery, the goal is to minimize any silicone leakage or other problems, and as such, true en bloc removal is more complicated than placing implants. It also requires a larger incision, which means a larger scar, and patients with an axillary or periareolar incision cannot have the procedure performed through these same incisions.
Unfortunately, your surgeon may not know with certainty if en bloc removal is possible until the actual surgery occurs, based on intraoperative findings. Sometimes they will need to disturb a portion of the capsule to avoid damaging the nearby muscles, ribs or lungs.
Not always. The decision to remove part or all of the capsule depends on your individual situation. If your capsule is thin, soft and healthy, it may be left in place or only partially removed. In fact, the body can naturally absorb the capsule over time once the implant is gone.
The need for a breast lift depends on your skin quality, the size of your implants and how long you’ve had them. During your consultation, our surgeons will evaluate your anatomy and help you understand what your breasts will likely look like after removal alone versus with a lift.
Yes. Some patients choose to exchange their current implants for a different size or type rather than remove them entirely. This can be done in the same procedure. During your consultation, we can discuss whether an implant exchange might be a better fit for your goals.
It depends. If your implants were placed after a mastectomy and removal is deemed medically necessary, insurance is legally required to cover the procedure. For cosmetic implants, coverage is quite difficult to obtain, but some insurers will approve removal for documented complications like implant rupture or severe capsular contracture. Our team can help you understand your options and provide documentation when needed. For more details, visit our Insurance Coverage for Implant Removal page.
Ready to explore whether breast implant removal is right for you? Contact Fox Valley Plastic Surgery in Oshkosh and Appleton, WI, at 920-233-1540 to schedule your consultation, or request an appointment through our online form.