604.281.3866
Unit 209 - 575 16th St 
West Vancouver, BC

​​What Does Breast Implant Removal Involve?

The process begins with a thorough consultation to discuss your reasons for removal, review your health history, and assess your breasts. Together, you and Dr. Klok will explore your options, including whether you’d like a lift or fat transfer for shape enhancement after removal.

During surgery, the implants and, if needed, the surrounding scar tissue (capsule) are removed. The approach is tailored to your needs—sometimes the original incision can be used, minimizing additional scarring.

 

Benefits of Breast Implant Removal

• Relief from implant-related discomfort or complications

• A return to a more natural breast size and feel

• Peace of mind if there are concerns about implant rupture or safety

• Improved breast shape when combined with a lift

• Freedom from the need for future implant replacement surgeries

​

The Procedure

Surgery is performed under general anesthesia. The length of the procedure varies depending on whether the capsule is removed and whether additional steps, like a lift, are performed. In most cases, the incisions are placed in discreet locations and closed with dissolving stitches. You’ll go home the same day.

​

Recovery

Expect some swelling, bruising, and mild discomfort for the first week or two. Most patients can return to light activities within several days and resume exercise in 4 weeks. A supportive surgical bra is worn during healing, and follow-up visits ensure everything is progressing well.

​

Results

Your breasts will look different immediately after surgery, but final results settle over the following weeks to months as swelling resolves. Depending on skin quality and whether a lift was done, your breasts will generally have a softer, natural appearance.  Many patients are pleasantly surprised by how much natural volume they have after their implants are removed, and feel happy to return to a more authentic version of themselves.

​

About the Capsule
It’s important to understand that capsule removal is not necessary in all situations—and in some cases, attempting to remove it can cause more harm than good. If the capsule is very thin or tightly adherent to surrounding tissues, complete removal is not recommended. Doing so can risk injury to nearby structures, which may lead to significant breast deformity, excessive bleeding (hematoma), or trauma to the muscle, ribs, or lung.

Thickened or calcified capsules are more likely to be partly or completely removed if it is surgically safe to do so. An “en bloc” capsulectomy is rarely indicated, necessary, or safe, and would typically only be considered in the rare case of a known malignancy involving the capsule.

If any portion of the capsule is removed, it is routinely sent for standard pathology review.

​

​

​