Concierge aesthetic surgery · UK
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.
Why patients choose us
- 01
A consultant plastic surgeon, in theatre
A named BAPRAS- or BAAPS-registered consultant plastic surgeon with a high-volume breast implant removal / explant practice - not a trainee list, and never a walk-in clinic.
- 02
Honest scars, honest downtime, up front
Real one-year photographs, honest downtime numbers, and every risk named before you consent - not after.
- 03
Independent, and free
We are paid by no clinic, so the recommendation is impartial and costs you nothing.
Indicative pricing
What a private breast implant removal / explant costs in the UK.
Indicative ranges across our partner consultants and hospitals. Send the details and we quote firm figures across two or three options, with cover checked.
In short
Bilateral explant + capsulectomy in our network: £5,500–£8,500, home the same day or one night.
| Procedure | Indicative range | Typical duration | Stay |
|---|---|---|---|
| Implant removal only (bilateral) | £4,500–£7,000 | 1–1.5 hrs | Day-case |
| Implant removal + total capsulectomy | £5,500–£8,500 | 1.5–2.5 hrs | Day-case or 1 night |
| En bloc capsulectomy | £7,000–£11,000 | 2–3 hrs | 1 night |
| Explant + mastopexy (lift) | £8,500–£12,500 | 2.5–3.5 hrs | 1 night |
| Explant + mastopexy + fat transfer | £11,000–£16,000 | 3–4 hrs | 1 night |
| Consultation with a consultant plastic surgeon | £200–£400 | 30–45 min | Same visit |
Prices vary by hospital, by consultant, by technique and by any combined procedures. We come back with a firm quote within one working day.
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.
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The right technique for you
Not every breast implant removal / explant suits every patient. We match the technique to your anatomy and goals, not to surgeon habit.
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Honest expectations, up front
Realistic before-and-after photographs, honest downtime and known limits - named before you consent.
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No overseas shortcut
We only match to UK-registered consultants and clinics. No "surgery holiday" packages, no unregulated overseas cosmetic work.
The journey
From enquiry to recovery - what happens, in order.
One team from first message through treatment and long-term follow-up.
Phase 1 · Before
Consult, plan, work-up
Phase 2 · On the day
Treatment and recovery
Phase 3 · After
Review and maintenance
- 01
Before
You tell us what is going on
A short, confidential form. What you would like to change, previous procedures, medical history, and photographs if you feel comfortable.
- 02
Before
We come back with a recommendation
Within one working day: the technique that fits, whether NHS or insurance pathways apply, and an indicative price with two or three consultant options.
- 03
Before
In-person consultation with the surgeon
Examination, medical photography, and a written plan naming technique, likely scar pattern and expected outcome.
- 04
Before
Pre-op work-up
Bloods, ECG if 45+, MRSA swab. Stop smoking six weeks before - non-negotiable. Weight stable for three months.
- 05
On the day
Admission and surgery
Same-day admission and general anaesthetic in a CQC-registered hospital theatre.
- 06
On the day
Recovery and discharge
Day-case or one night, as per procedure. Written aftercare and follow-up date in hand before you leave.
- 07
After
Review, scar care and long-term follow-up
Wound review at one to two weeks, contour review at six weeks and three months, standardised photography at one year.
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.
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Change that will not respond to non-surgical measures
You have exhausted non-surgical options and the concern remains.
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Well-defined anatomical concern
The change you would like fits within the recognised indications for breast implant removal / explant.
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Functional impact on daily life
The concern affects daily activity, comfort or confidence - not simply a passing wish.
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Realistic goals
You have looked at real one-year photographs and your expectations match the honest outcome.
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Stable weight and health
Weight has been stable for at least three months and any long-term conditions are well controlled.
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Non-smoker or willing to stop
You are a non-smoker or willing to stop six weeks before and six weeks after - non-negotiable.
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Age and skin quality appropriate
You are of an age and skin quality where the operation will give a durable result.
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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.
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Primary breast implant removal / explant
The standard first-time operation, planned to your anatomy and goals.
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Combined with adjunct liposuction
Where the operation is combined with liposuction of neighbouring areas for a balanced result.
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Combined with other body or facial work
Combined with other operations at the same sitting where safe and appropriate.
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Revision breast implant removal / explant
For patients unhappy with earlier surgery elsewhere - longer, technically harder, higher revision rate.
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Male-specific technique
Adjusted for male anatomy and aesthetic goals.
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Post-weight-loss variant
Adjusted for looser skin envelope after significant weight loss.
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Local-anaesthetic or GA option
Some smaller cases can be done under local with sedation; larger cases need GA.
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Non-surgical alternative
Where a non-surgical alternative fits, we say so - fillers, energy devices or lifestyle change may be a better first step.
Our vetted UK network
A small panel of consultant plastic surgeons, we picked them.
Named consultant plastic surgeons across London and the major UK cities. Introductions are made privately, once we understand your case.
Selection criteria
How we choose every consultant plastic surgeon in our network.
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Consultant plastic surgeons on the GMC Specialist Register (Plastic Surgery), members of BAPRAS or BAAPS
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High procedural volume in the operation you are having - not occasional, not a trainee list
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CQC-registered hospitals with consultant anaesthetists and proper post-operative care
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Standardised medical photography and long-term follow-up
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.
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GA in a licensed hospital, consultant anaesthetist
Every operation is under general anaesthetic in a CQC-registered hospital, not a day clinic.
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Bleeding and haematoma
Bleeding needing return to theatre in under 2 percent. Same-day surgeon contact for sudden swelling, pain or bruising.
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Infection
Wound infection in 1–3 percent, more in smokers and diabetics. Antibiotic prophylaxis, clean technique, and same-day team contact for spreading redness.
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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.
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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.
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DVT and PE
Prevented with stockings, early mobilisation and prophylactic heparin where indicated. Same-day contact for calf pain or breathlessness.
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Revision risk
Every cosmetic operation carries a revision rate - for minor asymmetry, contour or scar issues. A good surgeon quotes their revision rate honestly.
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Smoking multiplies every risk
Nicotine causes wound breakdown, skin loss and infection. Stop six weeks before, six weeks after - non-negotiable.
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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.
- 01 Header
Indication, technique and adjuncts
Why the operation was done, which technique, and any concurrent procedures.
- 02 Technique
Incisions, planes and adjuncts
Where the scars sit, tissue planes released, and any drains or grafts used.
- 03 Findings
Any tissue findings and histology
Where tissue was excised, what histology reported. Any incidental findings are named.
- 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
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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
Related treatments
Looking for something else?
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Breast uplift (mastopexy)
Often combined with explant.
Learn more -
Breast reduction
If oversized after implants.
Learn more -
Hybrid breast augmentation
Implant plus fat transfer.
Learn more -
Fat transfer
Autologous fat grafting to breast.
Learn more -
Breast asymmetry correction
For post-explant asymmetry.
Learn more -
All tests & procedures
Every treatment we arrange.
Learn more