--- title: "Breast Implant Removal" --- Breast implant removal, or explantation, takes out breast implants and, when indicated, the surrounding capsule (capsulectomy). Reasons include capsular contracture, rupture, malposition, breast implant-associated anaplastic large cell lymphoma (BIA-ALCL), systemic symptoms some patients attribute to implants, and personal preference. Capsule removal ranges from partial to total to en bloc; the surgery can be paired with a lift or fat transfer to restore shape. ## What it does Removal takes the implants out, and then addresses the space and shape they leave behind. - Removes the implants. Permanently, for a complication or simply because you want to be implant-free. - Handles the capsule. Depending on the situation, the scar capsule may be left, partly removed, or fully removed. - Restores shape. A lift can firm loose skin, and fat transfer can restore modest volume, if you want them, sometimes staged for safety. The honest part is that removal reliably takes the implants out; what it will do for symptoms some people attribute to implants is less certain, and a good surgeon says so. ## How it works Removal is performed under anesthesia, usually through the original incision. The surgeon takes out the implant and, based on the clinical situation, removes the capsule partially, totally, or en bloc (in one piece with the implant). If you want the breast reshaped, a lift or fat transfer can sometimes be done at the same time, though a lift and a full capsulectomy are occasionally staged to protect the breast's blood supply. Recovery is often straightforward, with many people back to exercise within a couple of weeks. How much capsule to remove is a medical decision, not a default. Evidence guides it, and it is discussed openly with you. ## How much capsule, and why the evidence matters The capsule question is where honest, evidence-based counsel matters most, because online advice often overstates it. ApproachWhat it removesWhen it is indicatedImplant onlyThe implant, capsule leftHealthy, thin capsule, no other issuePartial capsulectomyImplant plus part of the capsuleSome capsule involvementTotal capsulectomyImplant plus all the capsuleContracture, calcification, ruptureEn bloc capsulectomyImplant and capsule in one pieceBIA-ALCL, or a ruptured silicone implant Professional societies note that the one absolute indication for en bloc removal is a capsule malignancy (BIA-ALCL); for symptoms attributed to implants, studies show improvement can occur regardless of how much capsule is removed, so a more extensive operation is not automatically better. A board-certified surgeon matches the capsule approach to the evidence, not to a marketing promise. ## Reasons people choose removal This is what the consultation clarifies, because the reason shapes the plan and the honesty required. Your situationWhat it meansThe approachHard, distorted, painful breastCapsular contractureRemoval with total capsulectomyShape change or known leakRuptureRemoval, en bloc for a ruptured silicone implantConfirmed BIA-ALCLCapsule malignancyEn bloc removal, oncologic careSystemic symptoms you link to implantsReported symptoms, association unprovenRemoval, discussed without overpromisingSimply want them outPersonal choiceRemoval, shape restored if you wish The value is not the list. It is that a board-certified surgeon takes your reasons seriously, including symptoms that are real to you, while being straight about what the evidence does and does not show. ## Why Santa Barbara Face & Body Implant removal is an area thick with online certainty and marketing, and what most patients need is a surgeon who will tell them the truth. Dr. Polynice is a Mayo-trained, board-certified plastic surgeon focused on breast and body surgery, and he takes reported symptoms seriously while practicing evidence-based medicine, matching the capsule approach to the clinical situation rather than to a promise, and restoring shape with a lift or fat transfer when you want it. Honesty, not a guarantee, is the standard here. ## What to expect Dr. Polynice listens to your reasons, examines the breasts, and reviews imaging when it helps. He explains the capsule approach the evidence supports for your situation, whether a lift or fat transfer would restore shape, and is candid that while removal takes the implants out reliably, symptom improvement varies and cannot be guaranteed. You leave with a plan grounded in evidence and your goals, not a sales pitch. ## What it costs Removal is quoted by the plan, not by a shelf price, because it depends on how much capsule work is involved and whether you add a lift or fat transfer. You will have that number in writing at your consultation, before anything is scheduled. > Patient Safety Advisory: Breast Implant Removal and Capsulectomy, The Aesthetic Society (United States). Systemic symptoms attributed to implants (more accurately described as systemic symptoms associated with breast implants) reflect a potential association, not proven causation; symptom improvement can occur regardless of the extent of capsulectomy, and the absolute indication for en bloc removal is a capsule malignancy. — [Patient Safety Advisory: Breast Implant Removal and Capsulectomy, The Aesthetic Society](https://www.theaestheticsociety.org/medical-professionals/patient-safety/patient-safety-advisory-breast-implant-removal-and-capsulectomy) > Risks and Complications of Breast Implants, U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Breast implants are not lifetime devices; complications including capsular contracture, rupture, and BIA-ALCL may lead to removal, and en bloc removal is associated with BIA-ALCL management. — [Risks and Complications of Breast Implants, U.S](https://www.fda.gov/medical-devices/breast-implants/risks-and-complications-breast-implants) ## Breast Implant Removal in Santa Barbara, CA Deciding to remove or replace implants is a personal choice, and you deserve a physician who listens without judgment. In our Santa Barbara practice, Dr. Polynice approaches explant surgery with care — restoring a natural, comfortable shape and guiding you through every option. Whatever your reasons, we're here to help you feel like yourself again. Fill out the form below or call us at [(805) 764-9074](tel:+18057649074). We'd love to meet you. ```ld+json { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@graph": [ { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@type": "Service", "@id": "https://santabarbarafaceandbody.com/treatments/implant-removal/#service", "name": "Breast Implant Removal", "url": "https://santabarbarafaceandbody.com/treatments/implant-removal/", "description": "Breast implant removal, or explant, takes implants out permanently, with or without the surrounding scar capsule, for reasons from capsular contracture and rupture to simply wanting to be implant-free. 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At Santa Barbara Face & Body in Santa Barbara, California, a board-certified plastic surgeon performs it for reasons from capsular contracture and rupture to a personal choice to go implant-free, and can restore shape with a lift or fat transfer, planning the approach around current evidence." }, "isPartOf": { "@id": "https://santabarbarafaceandbody.com/treatments/implant-removal/#webpage" }, "url": "https://santabarbarafaceandbody.com/treatments/implant-removal/" }, { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@type": "FAQPage", "mainEntity": [ { "@type": "Question", "name": "Do I need an \"en bloc\" capsulectomy?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "For most people, no. Professional societies note the one absolute indication for en bloc removal is a capsule malignancy (BIA-ALCL); it is also preferred for a ruptured silicone implant to avoid gel spread. For symptoms attributed to implants, studies show improvement can occur regardless of how much capsule is removed, so a more extensive operation is not automatically better. A surgeon matches the approach to your clinical picture." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "Will removing my implants make my symptoms go away?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Many patients report feeling better after removal, and their symptoms are real, but current evidence shows an association rather than proven causation, so no honest surgeon can guarantee symptoms will resolve. What can be promised is that the implants will be removed and your reasons taken seriously. A candid conversation about expectations is part of the consultation." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "What will my breasts look like afterward?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "That depends on your tissue and how long the implants were in. Some skin may be loose once the implant is gone, and a lift can firm it, or fat transfer can restore modest volume, if you want them. Some women are happy with the natural result on its own. Your surgeon will show you the likely options." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "Can I have a lift at the same time?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Often yes, though when a full capsulectomy is also being done, a lift is sometimes staged to a later date to protect the blood supply to the breast and nipple. Whether to combine or stage is a safety judgment your surgeon makes for your specific case, and will explain." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "Is recovery difficult?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "A straightforward removal is often an outpatient procedure with a short recovery, many people return to exercise within a couple of weeks. A more extensive capsulectomy, or an added lift, lengthens it somewhat. Your surgeon will give you a recovery timeline matched to the operation you actually need." } } ] }, { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@type": "Article", "@id": "https://santabarbarafaceandbody.com/treatments/implant-removal/#citation-e954fd28", "name": "Patient Safety Advisory: Breast Implant Removal and Capsulectomy, The Aesthetic Society", "url": "https://www.theaestheticsociety.org/medical-professionals/patient-safety/patient-safety-advisory-breast-implant-removal-and-capsulectomy" }, { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@type": "Article", "@id": "https://santabarbarafaceandbody.com/treatments/implant-removal/#citation-c2c83346", "name": "Risks and Complications of Breast Implants, U.S", "url": "https://www.fda.gov/medical-devices/breast-implants/risks-and-complications-breast-implants" } ] } ```