Explant Surgery and Capsulectomy

Explant Surgery and Capsulectomy –
Removal of Breast Implants

Breast implantation is a widespread procedure, with a significant number of women globally opting for breast enlargement.
However, breast implants should not be considered as permanent. There are a number of medical and personal factors
that may necessitate the removal of breast implants or lead to a patient’s preference to have them removed.

Indications for Breast Implant Removal

Oversized Breasts
Morphological Changes: Alterations in breast shape.
Implant Rupture Risk: there is approximately a 10% risk of implant rupture
within a decade post-implantation.
Capsular Contracture: This condition, occurring in an estimated 10% of cases
over ten years, leads to the hardening and distortion of breast shape due to
fibrous tissue formation around the implant.
Breast Implant Illness Considerations: Addressing growing concerns and symptoms
attributed to breast implants, a topic of ongoing medical research and debate.
Concerns with certain specific implants considered associated with the rare
BIA-ALCL (Breast Implant Associated Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma). Concerns would
arise if complications such as fluid collection, lumps, capsular contracture or rupture
have developed and if these implants have been in in-situ for an extended period of time.

You should have regular check ups of your breast implants every 2 to 3 years. This will normally involve consultation with your plastic surgeon who may order imaging tests such as an ultrasound of the breasts. If you notice or experience any problems or complications such as pain, distortion of shape, lumps or obvious enlargement of one or both breasts, you should arrange a check up with your Plastic Surgeon immediately.

You may wish to have your implants removed or you may be advised by your plastic surgeon to have your implants removed. This is called explant surgery and capsulectomy as it involves removal of not only the breast implants, but also the scar tissue (or capsules) around them.

Before and After Gallery

Breast Explant And Lollipop Lift

Implant Removal And Lollipop Lift

Total En-Bloc Capsulectomy

Implant Removal And Lollipop Lift

What is Removal of breast implants with breast-Lift (mastopexy) Surgery?
Empowering Your Journey Towards Natural Beauty: Breast Implant Removal & Rejuvenation Options

At our clinic, we understand that every woman’s journey is unique, especially when it comes to changes in body image and personal well-being. Dr Drielsma, a renowned Specialist Plastic Surgeon, is dedicated to guiding you through the choices and process of breast implant removal, also known as breast explant surgery with capsulectomy.

Understanding Your Choices:

Removal of breast implants, for whatever reason, is known as Explant Surgery. This will ideally always be combined with Capsulectomy, where the scar tissue that surrounds the breast implant, is removed. There are three possible choices following explant surgery. These are:
- Explant and capsulectomy alone – this may be suitable in the case of small implants or where breast skin has not been overstretched.
- Breast implant removal, capsuletcomy and replacement of breast implants- this may be suitable in the absence of overly stretched sagging skin to restore breast volume following explant.
- Explant, capsulectomy and breast lift without implant replacement. This will restore the breast to a natural state and give a smaller, perky appearance. A breast Lollipop breast lift will be recommended where breast sagging is present and tightening and lifting of the breast will be required to restore breast aesthetics.
The choice to replace breast implants should be considered carefully and discussed with your surgeon. Breast implants are associated with risks and complications. Returning to all natural breasts without implants means there will be no problems to worry about in the future.

Your Surgical Journey:
- Bilateral Explant Surgery with Capsulectomies: Typically a 2.5-hour procedure, including a comforting overnight stay in the hospital.
- Bilateral Explant surgery, capsulectomies breast lifting: A comprehensive 4-hour procedure, also with a reassuring overnight stay.
- Bilateral Implant removal and replacement of implants with capsulectomies and breast lift: A 4.5-hour procedure that may be offered in suitable candidates
Visualise Your Transformation:

Explore our gallery to witness the before and after results of explant and lollipop breast lift procedures performed by Dr. Drielsma, all without the use of implants.

Safety & Personalised Care:

We prioritise your safety and individual needs. While all surgeries carry risks, our team is committed to providing exceptional care. We encourage you to seek a second opinion from a Specialist plastic surgeon and are here to support you every step of the way.

Connect with Us:

Ready to explore your options or have questions? Our friendly team is here to assist you. Contact us for more information or to arrange a consultation with Dr. Drielsma.
Embrace your natural elegance with confidence.

Meet our Specialist Plastic Surgeon Dr Robert Drielsma MBBS, BSc(Med), FRACS

(AHPRA MED00001073756)
Dr Drielsma is an Australian trained Specialist Plastic Surgeon with over 30 years of extensive experience in plastic surgery of the face, breasts and body. He is a fellow of the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons (FRACS), a member of the Australian Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) and a member of the Australian Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons (ASAPS)