Breast Implant Removal in NYC

Breast implant removal, also known as breast explant surgery, is a procedure designed for individuals who wish to remove their breast implants for various reasons, including health concerns, implant rupture, capsular contracture, or simply a change in preference.

Breast implant removal is a significant decision, whether due to medical concerns, aesthetic preferences, or lifestyle changes. Dr. Itay Wiser, a board-certified plastic surgeon in NYC, specializes in breast implant removal surgery, ensuring safe, effective, and natural-looking results.

If you’re considering breast implant removal due to discomfort, rupture, capsular contracture, or simply because you’ve changed your mind, this guide covers everything you need to know, from procedure details to recovery expectations.

Breast Implant Removal: Before & After

Why Patients Trust Dr. Wiser

Why Do Women Choose Breast Implant Removal?

Breast Implant Rupture or Leakage

Saline and silicone breast implants are durable but not lifetime devices. A ruptured breast implant can lead to changes in breast shape, discomfort, and health concerns. Silicone breast implant ruptures can be difficult to detect (known as “silent rupture”), while saline implant ruptures result in immediate deflation. Regular MRI scans or ultrasounds are recommended for women with silicone implants to check for leaks.

Capsular Contracture – Hardening of the Implant

Capsular contracture is one of the most common complications associated with breast augmentation and breast implants. It occurs when the body’s natural immune response causes excess scar tissue to form around the breast implant, leading to hardening, discomfort, and distortion of the breast. This condition can develop months or even years after breast implant surgery and may require breast implant removal with capsulectomy to restore a natural look and feel.

Symptoms of Capsular Contracture

Capsular contracture typically develops gradually and is classified into four Baker Grades, based on severity:

Grade 1: The breast feels soft and looks natural. No symptoms are present.
Grade 2: The breast is slightly firm but still appears natural. Mild discomfort may be noticeable.
Grade 3: The breast is firm and visibly distorted, with noticeable changes in shape.
Grade 4: The breast is hard, painful, and significantly misshapen, often requiring breast implant removal with capsulectomy.

If you experience breast pain, tightness, or noticeable changes in breast shape, you may have capsular contracture. Consulting a board-certified plastic surgeon like Dr. Itay Wiser is crucial to determine the best treatment approach.

Breast Implant Removal for a More Natural Look

Many women decide to remove breast implants to achieve a more natural breast appearance. This may involve additional procedures such as breast lift (mastopexy) or fat transfer breast augmentation for volume restoration.

Breast Implant Illness (BII)

Breast Implant Illness (BII) is a term used to describe a collection of symptoms that some individuals experience after undergoing breast augmentation or breast reconstruction with implants. While breast implants have been widely used for decades, some patients report unexplained health issues that they attribute to their silicone breast implants or saline implants.

If you are experiencing chronic fatigue, brain fog, joint pain, hair loss, or autoimmune symptoms, you might be dealing with breast implant-related illness. At Dr. Itay Wiser’s PC MD in NYC, we specialize in breast implant removal surgery, helping patients find relief and restore their health.

Breast Implant Removal Due to Lifestyle Changes or Aesthetic Preferences

Over time, personal preferences change. Many women choose to remove breast implants as they age, have children, or simply prefer a smaller, natural breast appearance.

Breast Implant Removal: Addressing Complications from Previous Surgery

Issues such as implant displacement, asymmetry, or excessive sagging may lead women to consider breast implant removal with lift or implant replacement

What Happens During Breast Implant Removal Surgery?

Your breast explant surgery journey begins with a personalized consultation. Dr. Wiser will assess your implants, discuss your goals, and recommend the best surgical approach tailored to your needs.

The technique used for breast implant removal depends on the reason for surgery and your desired outcome.

1. Simple Breast Implant Removal (Explant Surgery)

Involves removing the implants only.
Best for patients with minimal complications.

2. En Bloc Capsulectomy (Total Capsulectomy)

Removes both the implant and surrounding scar tissue (capsule) in one piece.
Recommended for breast implant illness, ruptured implants, or capsular contracture.

3. Breast Implant Removal with Breast Lift

If significant breast sagging occurs after implant removal, a breast lift can restore firmness and shape.
Addresses excess skin and repositions the nipple.

4. Breast Implant Removal with Fat Transfer

Natural fat grafting breast augmentation can restore volume without implants.
Fat is taken from areas like the abdomen or thighs and injected into the breasts for natural enhancement.

Most patients return home the same day.
Expect swelling, bruising, and mild discomfort for 1-2 weeks.
Avoid strenuous activity for 4-6 weeks.
Full healing takes 3-6 months.
Wear a supportive surgical bra to promote healing.

Cost of Breast Implant Removal in NYC

The cost of breast implant removal depends on several factors:

Surgical technique used (explant only, capsulectomy, lift, fat transfer).
Anesthesia fees and surgical facility costs.
Post-surgery medications and compression garments.

Breast Implant Removal – FAQs

Will My Breasts Look Saggy After Implant Removal?

Not always. If your implants were small or you have good skin elasticity, your breasts may regain some volume naturally. If needed, a breast lift can improve shape and firmness.

What Happens to the Scar Tissue After Implant Removal?

If you have capsular contracture, the scar tissue is removed with the implant. In simple removals, some soft tissue may remain but will soften over time.

Can I Get New Implants After Removal?

Yes! Some women choose to replace old implants with new ones, opting for a different size, shape, or type (saline/silicone).

How Soon Can I Return to Work?

Most patients resume light work within 1 week, but strenuous activity should be avoided for 4-6 weeks.

How Do I Know If My Breast Implant Has Ruptured?

Saline rupture: Sudden deflation.
Silicone rupture: Often silent; MRI is needed for detection.

Does Insurance Cover Breast Implant Removal?

Insurance may cover breast implant removal if it’s deemed medically necessary due to:

Breast implant rupture.
Capsular contracture causing pain.
Breast implant illness symptoms.
Breast cancer concerns.

Breast Implant Removal in NYC