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Breast implant removal / explant - implant removal, done properly.

Removal of breast implants - with or without capsulectomy, with or without mastopexy - for rupture, capsular contracture, BIA-ALCL screening, symptoms attributed to implants, or personal choice. A consultant plastic surgeon and an honest conversation about the ’deflated’ look.

A stethoscope on a clinical desk

Indicative pricing

What a private breast implant removal / explant costs in the UK.

Indicative ranges across UK consultants and hospitals.

In short

Bilateral explant + capsulectomy: £5,500–£8,500, home the same day or one night.

Procedure Indicative range
Implant removal only (bilateral) £4,500–£7,000
Implant removal + total capsulectomy £5,500–£8,500
En bloc capsulectomy £7,000–£11,000
Explant + mastopexy (lift) £8,500–£12,500
Explant + mastopexy + fat transfer £11,000–£16,000
Consultation with a consultant plastic surgeon £200–£400

Prices vary by hospital, by consultant, by technique and by any combined procedures.

The problem

The right technique, honest expectations, and a plan tailored to you.

Breast implant removal / explant is a personal choice - the technique, the recovery and the risks all deserve a proper conversation, up front.

  • The right technique for you

    Not every breast implant removal / explant suits every patient.

  • Honest expectations, up front

    Realistic before-and-after photographs, honest downtime and known limits - named before you consent.

  • No overseas shortcut

    We only match to UK-registered consultants and clinics. No "surgery holiday" packages, no unregulated overseas cosmetic work.

When it helps

When breast implant removal / explant is the right step.

The situations we see most, plus the one red flag that means specialist assessment first, not a cosmetic booking.

  • Change that will not respond to non-surgical measures

    You have exhausted non-surgical options and the concern remains.

  • Well-defined anatomical concern

    The change you would like fits within the recognised indications for breast implant removal / explant.

  • Functional impact on daily life

    The concern affects daily activity, comfort or confidence - not simply a passing wish.

  • Realistic goals

    You have looked at real one-year photographs and your expectations match the honest outcome.

  • Stable weight and health

    Weight has been stable for at least three months and any long-term conditions are well controlled.

  • Non-smoker or willing to stop

    You are a non-smoker or willing to stop six weeks before and six weeks after - non-negotiable.

  • Age and skin quality appropriate

    You are of an age and skin quality where the operation will give a durable result.

  • Red flag: unrealistic expectations or BDD screen positive

    A cosmetic-surgery consultation is also a psychological one. We decline where BDD screening is positive or expectations cannot be met safely.

Procedure options

Options for breast implant removal / explant - explained.

What each variant involves and when it fits.

  • Primary breast implant removal / explant

    The standard first-time operation, planned to your anatomy and goals.

  • Combined with adjunct liposuction

    Where the operation is combined with liposuction of neighbouring areas for a balanced result.

  • Combined with other body or facial work

    Combined with other operations at the same sitting where safe and appropriate.

  • Revision breast implant removal / explant

    For patients unhappy with earlier surgery elsewhere - longer, technically harder, higher revision rate.

  • Male-specific technique

    Adjusted for male anatomy and aesthetic goals.

  • Post-weight-loss variant

    Adjusted for looser skin envelope after significant weight loss.

  • Local-anaesthetic or GA option

    Some smaller cases can be done under local with sedation; larger cases need GA.

  • Non-surgical alternative

    Where a non-surgical alternative fits, we say so - fillers, energy devices or lifestyle change may be a better first step.

Safety and recovery

What to expect afterwards - honestly.

Breast implant removal / explant is a well-established operation. The things worth planning are the technique, the recovery, and long-term maintenance.

  • GA in a licensed hospital, consultant anaesthetist

    Every operation is under general anaesthetic in a CQC-registered hospital, not a day clinic.

  • Bleeding and haematoma

    Bleeding needing return to theatre in under 2 percent. Same-day surgeon contact for sudden swelling, pain or bruising.

  • Infection

    Wound infection in 1–3 percent, more in smokers and diabetics. Antibiotic prophylaxis, clean technique, and same-day team contact for spreading redness.

  • Scar quality

    Every incision leaves a scar. Most fade to fine white lines by 12–18 months. Hypertrophic or keloid scars are more common in darker skin and managed early with silicone and steroid.

  • Sensation change

    Altered sensation in the operated area is common in the first months. Permanent change affects a small minority - named in the consent conversation.

  • DVT and PE

    Prevented with stockings, early mobilisation and prophylactic heparin where indicated. Same-day contact for calf pain or breathlessness.

  • Revision risk

    Every cosmetic operation carries a revision rate - for minor asymmetry, contour or scar issues. A good surgeon quotes their revision rate honestly.

  • Smoking multiplies every risk

    Nicotine causes wound breakdown, skin loss and infection. Stop six weeks before, six weeks after - non-negotiable.

  • Red flags after surgery

    Rapid swelling, fever, spreading redness, one-sided pain or breathlessness need the on-call team or A&E, not a routine call.

Reading your operation note

Your operation note in four parts. Read the last one first.

Whichever technique was used, the note your consultant plastic surgeon sends you keeps to the same shape.

  1. 01 Header

    Indication, technique and adjuncts

    Why the operation was done, which technique, and any concurrent procedures.

  2. 02 Technique

    Incisions, planes and adjuncts

    Where the scars sit, tissue planes released, and any drains or grafts used.

  3. 03 Findings

    Any tissue findings and histology

    Where tissue was excised, what histology reported. Any incidental findings are named.

  4. 04 Impression

    Recovery plan, dressings and review dates

    Read this first: garment or dressing schedule, activity restrictions week-by-week, and follow-up dates.

Recognised by major UK insurers

BupaAXA HealthVitalityAvivaWPACignaHealixBupaAXA HealthVitalityAvivaWPACignaHealixBupaAXA HealthVitalityAvivaWPACignaHealix

Implant removal is covered by the NHS and most UK insurers where there is documented rupture, symptomatic capsular contracture, or a BIA-ALCL indication. Explant on personal-choice or ’breast implant illness’ grounds is usually self-pay.

Frequently asked

Everything we get asked about breast implant removal / explant.

Quick answers on technique, cost, recovery and long-term result.

  • Do I need my capsule removed with the implants?

    Depends. Total capsulectomy is standard for capsular contracture, ruptured silicone, textured implants under BIA-ALCL guidance, and where the capsule is thickened or calcified. Thin, healthy capsules from smooth implants can be left safely.

  • What is en bloc capsulectomy?

    Removal of the implant with its capsule as a single specimen - originally described for BIA-ALCL and now often requested for ’breast implant illness’. It is technically demanding, longer, and not always possible if the capsule is thin or adherent to ribs.

  • Will my breasts sag after explant?

    Usually yes, to some extent. Skin that stretched around an implant does not fully retract. A concurrent mastopexy or fat transfer restores shape - we discuss both before booking.

  • Is breast implant illness real?

    A pattern of systemic symptoms attributed to implants is reported by many women, and symptoms often improve after explant. It is not yet a formal diagnosis, but we take it seriously and support informed explant.

  • How much does a private explant cost in the UK?

    Roughly £4,500–£7,000 for removal alone, £5,500–£8,500 with total capsulectomy, £7,000–£11,000 for en bloc, £8,500–£12,500 combined with mastopexy.

  • How long is the recovery?

    Back to desk work in 5–10 days for removal only, 2–3 weeks for explant + lift. No upper-body exercise for 6 weeks. Final shape at 3–6 months.

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