Breast Explantation (implant removal)

Upon removing the implant, the breast regains the volume provided by your own breast tissue, which is less than what you had with the prosthesis. The skin and gland, adapted over the years to a larger volume, need time to retract: during the first few weeks the breast may appear empty or sagging. In most patients, this process improves progressively between 3 and 6 months. When it is anticipated that retraction will not be sufficient, a lift or filling with one's own fat is performed during the same surgical procedure.

At Instituto de Benito, breast explantation starts from €6000. The final price depends on whether it is an isolated explantation or if a complete capsulectomy, mastopexy, or lipofilling is associated, as each involves different surgical time. We always provide a fixed quote after the assessment, and it is financeable at 0% interest.

It depends on three factors: the elasticity of your skin, the breast tissue you retain, and the size of the removed implant. With small implants, firm skin, and good natural gland, the breast regains a natural shape without further intervention. With large implants, many years of use, or lax skin, it is likely that sagging and excess skin will remain, and therefore a mastopexy, lipofilling, or both are recommended. During the assessment, we will realistically show you your scenario before surgery.

The most common are mild and temporary: swelling, bruising, changes in sensitivity and a feeling of tightness. Seroma (accumulation of fluid in the cavity left by the implant) is the most characteristic incidence of this surgery and usually resolves on its own or with a puncture in consultation. Less frequently, infection, abnormal scarring, residual skin laxity or persistent asymmetry may occur. Serious complications are rare.

Most common risks (and generally mild)

• Haematoma or bleeding: appearance of blood accumulation under the skin; usually resolves with drainage or compression.
• Swelling and temporary discomfort: normal during the first few days; decreases progressively.
• Changes in sensitivity: loss or hypersensitivity of the nipple or breast skin, almost always temporary.
• Mild asymmetries: the body may present subtle differences in the healing process.
• Seroma: accumulation of serous fluid that can be reabsorbed or easily drained.

Very rare risks

• Postoperative infection: very uncommon thanks to aseptic measures and preventive antibiotics.
• Opening of stitches or delayed healing: usually due to skin tension or poor wound handling.
• Allergic reaction or intolerance to anaesthesia or surgical materials.
• Capsular contracture: the body creates a fibrous capsule around the implant; if it hardens, it may require revision or replacement.
• Implant rupture or leakage: extremely rare in modern prostheses, but possible over time or due to trauma.

Not always. If the capsule is thin, healthy and the implant is intact, it can be left for the body to reabsorb. It is removed (capsulectomy) when it is thickened, calcified, contracted, when the implant is broken or when there is suspicion of BIA-ALCL. The decision is made on a case-by-case basis, not as a rule.

It is the technique in which the implant and capsule are removed together, in one piece and without opening the capsule. It is indicated when there is implant rupture with silicone leakage or suspicion of BIA-ALCL. It is technically more demanding and does not provide proven advantage when the capsule is thin and the implant is intact, so we do not recommend it systematically.

Less than an augmentation. A new pocket is not created nor is a foreign body placed that tightens the tissues. Moreover, in Barcelona we apply the Synapta® protocol, which acts on the peripheral nervous system to make the postoperative period practically painless.

It is one of the most requested combinations. The implants are removed and the breast is filled with fat obtained by liposuction of the abdomen, flanks or thighs. It requires having sufficient donor areas, and part of the graft is reabsorbed, so in some cases a second session is planned.

Social life can be resumed in 2-4 days and office work in a week. Drains, when placed, are removed after 3-5 days. Impact sports can be resumed from 6 weeks onwards. The final shape of the breast is noticeable between 3 and 6 months.

We cannot guarantee it, and be wary of anyone who does. There is no proven causal relationship between implants and a systemic autoimmune disease, although there is literature documenting improvement of these symptoms in some patients after explantation. Our recommendation is to first rule out other treatable medical causes. If after that study you decide to remove your implants, we will support you.

Yes, but it is advisable to wait. We recommend a minimum of 6 months for the tissues to stabilise and be assessed under real conditions. If you are undecided between removal or renewal, also consult our breast prosthesis replacement page.

It does not prevent it. After explantation, the radiological study is even simpler than with implants. If lipofilling has been performed, it is important to inform the radiologist, because the oil cysts and microcalcifications of the fat graft have a characteristic radiological pattern that an expert radiologist can identify without difficulty.

Yes, at 0% interest. Check the options on our financing page.