Breast Implant Removal

More and more women are deciding their breast implants should come out — because of hardening or rupture, health concerns, or simply because what suited them once no longer does. Breast implant removal takes them out, with or without the surrounding scar capsule, and always with a plan for how the breast will look afterwards.

Removal with a plan, not just an operation

The removal itself is only half the decision. The other half is what the breast becomes next, and Dr. Li plans that with you before anything is scheduled:

• Removal alone — for women whose tissue will settle naturally into a shape they're comfortable with.
• Removal with replacement implants — in some cases, such as a rupture, the implants are exchanged for new ones — an opportunity to switch between saline and silicone, or to change size or volume.
• Removal with a lift — pairing removal with a breast lift (mastopexy) reshapes and repositions your own tissue, the most common combination.
• Removal with fat grafting — your own fat can restore softness and volume without a replacement implant.
• Aesthetic flat closure — for reconstruction patients choosing to go flat, an aesthetic flat closure creates a clean, smooth contour.

The capsule question

Whether the scar capsule around the implant is removed — partly or completely — depends on why the implants are coming out. Contracted, calcified, or ruptured-implant capsules are handled differently from healthy ones, and Dr. Li explains her recommendation and the reasons for it at consultation. Concerned about a possible rupture? Start with the breast implant rupture page.

A reconstructive surgeon's perspective

Dr. Li removes and replaces implants constantly in her reconstructive work, and patients describe the result of a well-planned removal as a relief — see her ruptured implant repair gallery for real cases.

To plan what comes after your implants, book a consultation or call 626.888.9728.