What Is Breast Implant Removal?
Breast implant removal — also known as explant surgery — is a procedure that takes out previously placed breast implants. Women choose to remove their implants for many reasons: discomfort, health concerns, lifestyle changes, or complications like rupture or scar tissue formation (capsular contracture).
Some women feel their implants no longer reflect who they are. Others seek relief from physical symptoms or unexplained health issues. In recent years, growing awareness of implant-related complications — like breast implant illness (BII) or the rare BIA-ALCL — has led many to explore removal.
Whatever the reason, breast implant removal is often a deeply personal and empowering decision.
Why Do Women Choose to Remove Their Implants?
There is no single story — but here are some of the most common reasons:
- Rupture or leakage, especially with older silicone implants
- Capsular contracture, where internal scar tissue causes pain or distortion
- Visible rippling, asymmetry, or unnatural shape
- Aesthetic change of mind — some women simply prefer a more natural look
- Health concerns, including:
- Breast Implant Illness (BII) — a group of symptoms like fatigue, joint pain, or brain fog
- BIA-ALCL, a rare lymphoma linked to textured implants
- Aging implants — many surgeons recommend removing or replacing implants after 10–15 years
For many, implant removal is about regaining comfort, health, and confidence.
Find a trusted explant surgeon near you to explore your options with clarity, respect, and medical insight.
What Happens During Explant Surgery?
Your surgeon will tailor the procedure to your anatomy, symptoms, and goals. Common techniques include:
- Simple explantation: The implant is removed, usually through the original incision
- Total capsulectomy: The implant and surrounding capsule are both removed
- En bloc capsulectomy: The implant and capsule are removed together, as one unit (often requested in cases of silicone rupture or BII symptoms)
- With breast lift (mastopexy): Lifts sagging tissue after large or long-term implants
- With fat transfer: Fat is taken from another area (like the abdomen) to naturally restore volume
Some women choose to remove the implants only, then reassess later. Others prefer to combine procedures in one surgery.
What Will My Breasts Look Like After Explant?
This is one of the most common — and valid — concerns.
If your skin still has good elasticity and your implants were small, your breasts may settle into a soft, natural shape. But large or long-term implants often stretch the skin, and you may see:
- Sagging or deflation
- Flattening, especially in the upper breast
- Loose or wrinkled skin
This is why some women opt for a breast lift or fat grafting at the same time.
It’s important to set realistic expectations. Your body has changed — but so have you. The goal of explant surgery isn’t to return to the past, but to restore comfort and confidence in the present.
Breast Implant Illness (BII)
BII is not a medically recognized diagnosis, but thousands of women have reported chronic symptoms they associate with their implants — including fatigue, memory issues, anxiety, joint pain, or general inflammation.
Some women experience dramatic improvement after removal — both physically and visibly. In fact, many explant patients share before-and-after photos showing tired, puffy, inflamed faces before surgery — and noticeably brighter, clearer, and healthier faces just days or weeks afterward.
“I didn’t realize how sick I looked — until I got them out.”
While research is ongoing, the experiences are real. If you suspect your implants may be contributing to your symptoms, a consultation with a trusted surgeon can help you explore your options respectfully and safely.
What About BIA-ALCL?
Breast Implant–Associated Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma (BIA-ALCL) is a rare immune system cancer linked to textured breast implants. It is not breast cancer and usually presents as swelling or fluid buildup around the implant, often years after surgery.
A major long-term study found the risk to be approximately 1 in 559 for patients with textured implants, with a median time to diagnosis of over 10 years. While this is higher than early manufacturer estimates, the condition remains rare — and highly treatable.
When detected early, BIA-ALCL is usually resolved with surgical removal of the implant and capsule. Smooth implants have not been linked to any confirmed cases in most studies.
This risk shouldn’t cause panic, but it’s important to understand and discuss with your surgeon — especially if you currently have textured implants or symptoms such as swelling or persistent fluid buildup.
What’s Recovery Like After Implant Removal?
Recovery is often faster than your original augmentation surgery. Most women can expect:
- 1–2 weeks of soreness, bruising, and swelling
- Light activity within a few days
- Full healing and exercise after 4–6 weeks
You’ll likely wear a supportive post-surgical bra and avoid upper body strain. Scars are often placed in the original incision sites and fade gradually over time.
Your breasts will continue to settle and reshape over several months — final results are typically seen between 3 to 6 months.
Emotional Recovery Is Real, Too
For many, breast implant removal is more than just a procedure — it’s a shift in identity. Whether you’re stepping away from a past decision or simply embracing a more natural version of yourself, this can be emotional.
It’s okay to feel relief. It’s also okay to feel grief, doubt, or a complex mix of emotions.
What matters most: you’re choosing alignment with your body — and your comfort — on your own terms.
Still not sure if removal is right for you?
That’s okay. It’s not always a simple decision. Whether you’re dealing with symptoms, discomfort, or just a quiet feeling that something isn’t right — you don’t have to navigate this alone. Talk to an experienced surgeon who will listen without pressure.
You’re allowed to change your mind. And you’re allowed to feel good in your own body again.
How Much Does Breast Implant Removal Cost in Belgium?
Prices vary depending on the complexity of the surgery, the technique used, and whether it includes a breast lift or fat transfer. On average:
- Simple implant removal: €2,500 – €4,500
- With total capsulectomy or en bloc removal: €4,500 – €6,500
- With lift and/or fat grafting: €6,000 – €8,500+
These are general estimates. Some private clinics may charge more depending on the surgeon’s expertise, anesthesia type, and hospitalization needs.
Health insurance may cover part of the cost in rare cases — for example, if there’s a medical indication like rupture or capsular contracture. Always check with your insurer and surgeon.
