Breast Implant Removal
Lower Manhattan, New York, NY
The decision to remove breast implants is deeply personal and may be motivated by a desire for a smaller or more natural breast appearance, concerns about implant-related illness, a diagnosis of BIA-ALCL (breast implant-associated anaplastic large cell lymphoma), capsular contracture, implant rupture, or simply the desire to return to an implant-free state. Dr. Pierce Janssen approaches every implant removal consultation with thorough attention to the patient's medical history, implant history, and goals — including whether concurrent capsulectomy, breast lift, or fat grafting is appropriate to achieve the best aesthetic outcome after removal. Whether you are seeking removal due to a change in aesthetic preference, concerns about implant longevity, or physical symptoms, our practice provides a supportive environment to help you feel at home in your own skin once again.
Permanently removes silicone or saline implants and addresses the capsule.
Can be combined with a breast lift (mastopexy) to restore youthful shape. Partial or total intact capsulectomy can be performed for most cases. Total en bloc capsulectomy is performed for BIA-ALCL or textured implant concerns.
Insurance-based options available for functional medical necessity.
Most patients return to their downtown routines within 7 to 14 days.
Breast implant removal is the surgical process of removing previously placed breast prosthetics. While many patients choose removal to return to a more natural aesthetic, others do so to address implant-related concerns such as capsular contracture (scar tissue tightening) or implant rupture.
Dr. Janssen’s approach ensures that the procedure is not just a removal, but a restorative step. Depending on your goals and the quality of your remaining tissue, Dr. Janssen may also perform a capsulectomy, the removal of the scar tissue surrounding the implant, to ensure the healthiest possible outcome for your chest wall.
The capsule is a layer of scar tissue that forms naturally around every breast implant. In most patients it is thin, soft, and asymptomatic. When it becomes thickened, calcified, or contracted (capsular contracture), it can distort the breast or cause pain and typically warrants removal. In cases involving textured implants and concerns about BIA-ALCL, en bloc capsulectomy — removal of the implant and capsule as a single intact unit — is recommended. Dr. Janssen is experienced in all levels of capsulectomy and approaches the decision based on the individual patient's history, implant surface type, and clinical findings. He works collaboratively with breast surgery and oncology colleagues when BIA-ALCL is suspected or confirmed.
Breast implant removal is performed under general anesthesia. Simple implant removal without capsulectomy is typically a one to two hour procedure. Total intact capsulectomy and en bloc capsulectomy procedures adds operative time proportional to the complexity of the capsule. A surgical bra is worn post-operatively. When combined with mastopexy or fat grafting, the procedure is longer and recovery is accordingly more involved. Most patients are comfortable returning to daily activities within seven to fourteen days. Dr. Janssen provides thorough pre-operative counseling about the expected breast appearance after removal and, when indicated, plans any concurrent reshaping procedures in advance.Dr. Janssen ensures the final result is functional, balanced, and harmonious with your natural frame.
If you are experiencing physical discomfort, notice a change in the shape or feel of your implants, or simply desire a smaller, more natural silhouette, removal may be the right choice. Dr. Janssen will discuss your history and goals to create a customized surgical plan.
In specific cases where removal is medically necessary, such as a documented rupture of a silicone implant or severe capsular contracture, insurance may cover the cost. As an out-of-network provider, we work with third-party billers to help you navigate these benefits and maximize your coverage.
Most patients report that recovery from removal is more straightforward than the initial augmentation. You may experience mild soreness and swelling for about a week. Most patients feel ready to navigate their New York City neighborhood within 10 days, though heavy lifting should be avoided for six weeks.
This depends on your skin elasticity and the size of your implants. If the skin has been significantly stretched, a breast lift can be performed simultaneously to remove excess skin and reposition the nipple, ensuring your natural breasts look youthful and uplifted.
Not necessarily. For patients with thin, asymptomatic capsules and smooth-surface implants, simple implant removal (explantation) without capsulectomy is often appropriate. Capsulectomy is indicated for calcified or contracted capsules, textured implants associated with BIA-ALCL risk, or patients with implant rupture. Dr. Janssen will review your implant history and imaging to make a recommendation tailored to your specific situation.
This is one of the most important pre-operative discussions. The appearance of the breast after removal depends on many factors: your native breast tissue volume before augmentation, implant size, skin elasticity, and how long the implants have been in place. Many patients find that the breast has adapted well and the result is acceptable without additional procedures. Others benefit from mastopexy (lift) or fat grafting to restore shape and position.
BIA-ALCL is a rare form of T-cell lymphoma linked specifically to textured surface implants. It is distinct from breast cancer and, when diagnosed early, is typically treatable with implant and capsule removal alone. If you have textured implants and develop new-onset swelling, fluid accumulation, or a lump, Dr. Janssen will evaluate you promptly and coordinate with oncology colleagues as appropriate.
Yes — implant exchange (removal and simultaneous replacement with new implants) is a common procedure. Patients who are satisfied with breast augmentation but require implant replacement due to rupture, contracture, or aesthetic dissatisfaction are excellent candidates for exchange. The new implant size, type, or plane of placement can be changed at the time of exchange based on current goals.
