Implant Removal and Replacement
Updating or Removing Your Implants
Ensure the ongoing health and beauty of your breasts by choosing to update your older implants or remove them entirely to reclaim your natural silhouette.
Whether your implants have reached the end of their lifespan or your lifestyle has changed, removing or replacing them is a standard part of breast maintenance. We offer expert guidance for those looking to "downsize," switch from saline to silicone, or return to their natural state with an explant procedure.
The Exchange and Explant Process
For an implant exchange, the surgeon uses the original incision to remove the old implant and replace it with a new one. This is often an opportunity to switch to a different size or a newer implant technology. If scar tissue has formed around the old implant, the surgeon may perform a capsulectomy to remove it.
In the case of permanent removal (explant), the implant and its surrounding capsule are removed. Depending on the amount of remaining natural tissue and skin laxity, a breast lift may be recommended during the same session to ensure the breasts maintain a pleasing shape without the internal support of an implant.
Candidates for Implant Changes
This surgery is ideal for women with older implants (typically over 10–12 years) who are concerned about potential rupture or sagging. It is also suited for those who simply no longer desire the look of implants or who want to upgrade to a more modern, cohesive silicone gel option.
If you are experiencing "implant fatigue" or if your aesthetic tastes have shifted toward a more natural look, this procedure provides the necessary transition. Candidates should be in good health and have a clear goal for their post-implant appearance. We will discuss the expected changes in your breast shape during your consultation.
Benefits of Replacement or Removal
Managing your implants ensures your long-term health and aesthetic satisfaction. Updating your implants can provide a more natural feel and better projection, while removal can alleviate physical weight and simplify your lifestyle, allowing you to feel more comfortable in your skin.
Replaces older implants with newer, safer, and more natural-feeling cohesive gel options.
Allows adjustment of breast size to better suit current lifestyle, fitness, and personal preferences.
Removing larger implants can reduce back, neck, and shoulder strain for improved physical comfort.
Safely addresses silent ruptures in older saline or silicone implants when present.
Provides an opportunity to return to a natural breast appearance with or without additional shaping procedures.
Helps ensure breast tissue and implants remain healthy and free from significant complications.
Caring for Your Updated Breasts
Whether you are replacing or removing, your breasts will need time to adjust to the change in internal volume. These steps will help you heal comfortably and safely.
- Wear a supportive, non-wired bra as directed to help the breast tissue adapt to the removal or the new size of the implants.
- Follow a gentle massage routine if replacing with silicone implants to help maintain soft pockets and prevent future capsular contracture from forming.
- Attend all scheduled follow-up appointments so your surgeon can monitor the internal healing and the way the skin is retracting over the new volume.
- Do not participate in any high-impact sports like jogging or aerobics for at least six weeks to allow the breast tissues to stabilize completely.
- Avoid sleeping on your stomach for at least one month, as this can put unnecessary stress on the healing internal pockets and skin incisions.
- Avoid using any over-the-counter creams on your incisions until they are fully closed and have been cleared by your plastic surgery care team.
Any Questions?
If you remove them permanently, you may need a breast lift to tighten the skin that was stretched by the implant.
It is a technique where the implant and its surrounding scar tissue (capsule) are removed together.
Recovery is usually easier than the initial placement; most patients feel great in 3–5 days.
Most surgeons recommend an update every 10–12 years, or if you notice changes in shape or feel.
If you do not replace them, they will return to their natural size, possibly with some volume loss from aging.
It typically takes 1.5–3 hours, depending on if you are replacing them or adding a lift.
Yes, this is a popular way to maintain some volume naturally after removing synthetic implants.
Yes, "explant" surgery is very safe and is a great choice for those who want to return to their natural look.
Often there are no signs (silent rupture), which is why routine imaging or updates are important.
How Lymphatic Drainage Supports Your Transformation
To ensure the most comfortable and efficient recovery, we offer specialized lymphatic drainage massage as a clinical add-on to your implant removal or replacement plan. This gentle, non-invasive technique stimulates the lymphatic system to flush out metabolic waste and the excess fluids that naturally accumulate in the chest wall and underarms. By proactively managing the body’s inflammatory response, these sessions help to soften the breast tissue and prevent the buildup of stagnant fluid, leading to a smoother and more predictable healing journey.
Beyond mere comfort, lymphatic massage is a critical tool for refining your final surgical results. By significantly reducing post-operative swelling and bruising, this therapy allows your new breast shape to settle more quickly and clearly. It also promotes healthy circulation and improved skin texture, ensuring that your aesthetic outcome is as polished and refined as possible. Integrating this specialized care into your post-operative protocol provides a holistic path to both feeling and looking your best sooner.
The Clinical Benefits of Lymphatic Integration
Integrating lymphatic drainage into your breast revision recovery provides targeted support for your body’s natural inflammatory response. This clinical add-on accelerates the clearing of internal debris, ensuring a faster transition from post-operative swelling to final results.
Rapidly flushes out excess interstitial fluid to minimize chest wall bloating.
Accelerates the reabsorption of blood cells to clear skin discoloration faster.
Gentle stimulation calms the nervous system and reduces pressure-induced discomfort.
Prevents the formation of hard scar tissue around the implant pocket.
Assists the lymphatic system in removing cellular waste after revision procedures.
Allows the breast tissue to settle naturally into its new, refined position.
How Lymphatic Drainage Supports Your Transformation
Revision surgery triggers a localized fluid buildup as the breast pockets are adjusted or removed. Lymphatic drainage acts as a manual catalyst to move this fluid toward the axillary nodes, preventing the "tightness" that can slow your recovery.
- Gently alleviates the feeling of "fullness" in the chest wall, making deep breathing and movement much more comfortable post-operatively.
- Focuses on the underarm area to prevent the swelling that can occur near incision sites or around implant pockets.
- Reducing uneven swelling early on helps the breasts settle more symmetrically, allowing you to see your true results faster.
- By softening the surrounding tissue, lymphatic massage helps the area adapt to the presence (or absence) of an implant.
- Improving circulation can help normalize skin sensation and reduce the "tingling" often felt during the healing phase.
- Reducing inflammation more quickly means you can see your surgical results and return to your routine sooner.
Superior Quality Plastic Surgery Care
Our team pursues continuous training to stay current with evolving techniques, safety standards, and aesthetic advancements, ensuring every recommendation reflects thoughtful, modern judgment. Dr. Capraro remains personally involved from consultation through recovery, offering calm guidance, clear communication, and consistent, patient-centered care throughout treatment.
Take the First Step Toward Confident Results
Book a personalized consultation and receive clear, physician-led guidance focused on your goals, comfort, and long-term results, with thoughtful recommendations designed to feel natural, intentional, and never rushed.