EXPLANT SURGERY
Whether you wish to return to your natural breast or your implants need to come out, explant surgery removes them safely — together with the scar-tissue capsule where appropriate — and can be combined with a lift to restore a pleasing shape.
THE PROMISE
Breast implant removal — or explant surgery — takes out previously placed breast implants. Women choose it for many reasons: a wish to return to their natural breast, a change in preference, ageing, or a problem with the implants such as hardening, rupture or discomfort.
For women who wish to return to their natural breast tissue, we safely remove the implants and, where appropriate, the surrounding scar-tissue capsule that forms around them. Because the breast can look emptier or looser once an implant is gone, removal can be combined with a lift in the same operation to ensure an aesthetically pleasing shape afterwards.
The implants are removed, usually through the original scar so no new one is added. The scar-tissue capsule that the body forms around an implant may be left, partially removed, or fully removed (a capsulectomy) — the right approach depends on the reason for removal and the state of the capsule. Where the skin and tissue are loose afterwards, a lift (mastopexy) or fat transfer can be added in the same operation to refine the final shape.
Whether a capsulectomy is needed, and whether a lift is added, is decided with Dr. Karatzias at your consultation, along with the type of anaesthesia.
AT A GLANCE
PROCEDURE TIME
3 hours
ANAESTHESIA
General anaesthesia
DISCOMFORT
Mild post-operative pain
RECOVERY TIME
2 weeks
VISIBLE RESULTS
Immediately, final results in 2 to 4 weeks
HOW LONG IT LASTS
Permanent
A supportive surgical bra is worn for several weeks, and a small drain is sometimes used briefly. Most women return to office work within about a week — a little longer if a lift is added — with strenuous activity resumed gradually over four to six weeks. The breasts soften and settle into their final shape over the following weeks and months.
Good candidates are women who want their implants removed — to return to a natural look, because their preferences have changed, or because of a problem with the implants — who are in good general health. At your consultation we assess your breasts and explain what to expect after removal, including whether a lift would give you a better result.
To see if you are a candidate for this procedure or if you wish to learn more details about it, please complete our online consultation form or call at +357 22 275522.
+357 22 275522
BEFORE & AFTER CASES
Results vary from person to person.
Will I have a visible scar after my implants are removed?
Usually the implants come out through your original scar, so no new incision is added and nothing extra shows. If a lift is combined in the same operation it adds its own scar pattern, which is placed to be as discreet as possible and explained to you beforehand.
Will my breasts look saggy or empty once the implants are gone?
They can look a little emptier or looser at first, especially if the skin was stretched by a larger implant — this is normal. Where helpful, a lift (mastopexy) or fat transfer is added in the same operation to restore a firmer, more pleasing shape. What suits you is assessed at your consultation.
What anaesthetic is used, and does it hurt?
Explant surgery is carried out under general anaesthesia, so you feel nothing during the operation. Afterwards most women describe tightness and tenderness rather than sharp pain, eased by simple pain relief and the support of a surgical bra.
How much time off work and downtime should I plan for?
Most women return to office work within about a week, a little longer if a lift is added. Strenuous activity and exercise are resumed gradually over four to six weeks, and the breasts keep softening and settling into their final shape over the following weeks and months.
Can implant removal be combined with another procedure?
Yes. It is commonly combined with a lift, and sometimes with fat transfer to add natural volume, all in one operation so you have a single recovery. Whether to combine procedures is decided with Dr. Karatzias based on your breasts and your goals.
How much does breast implant removal cost?
There is no single figure, because the plan varies from person to person — particularly whether a capsulectomy or a lift is included. The fee is discussed openly at your consultation, once Dr. Karatzias has assessed you and agreed your plan. You can book by completing the online form or calling +357 22 275522.
RELATED PROCEDURES
Lifting and reshaping the breast — often combined with explant to restore shape.
Correcting or updating the results of a previous breast implant operation.
Restoring volume naturally with your own fat instead of implants.
Book a consultation with Dr. Karatzias to discuss whether breast implant removal is right for you. In-person in Cyprus.
CALL +357 22 275522
Staying at the forefront of medical advancement. Dr. Karatzias is proudly accredited by leading global organizations in both Plastic Surgery and Wound Management.
+150
Excellent 4.9 out of 5
Prefer to chat first? Send me an email or connect with me on social.