Breast Implant Removal in Brisbane | Explant Surgery

Breast implant removal in Brisbane (also known as explant surgery) is a procedure that involves a reopening of the pocket and removal of the breast implants. Breast implant removal can be performed as a standard removal or full capsulectomy. The most common reason for breast implant removal is due to the natural aging process and patients wishing to remove their implants to prevent the need for any further surgery as they get older. Other reasons for breast implant removal include complications such as rupture or capsular contracture, or personal health or lifestyle factors. Dr. Richardson is experienced in breast implant removal and performs surgery according to the individual to achieve the desired result.  The different approaches to breast implant removal are defined by their interference with the breast implant capsule during the procedure.

Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding, you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner

What is the breast implant capsule?

When a breast augmentation mammoplasty is performed, the patient’s body will respond to the breast implants by forming a “capsule” around the implant. This breast implant capsule is made from scar tissue and collagen fibers. The capsule plays an important role in stabilising the breast implant and maintaining its position. In some cases, if too much scar tissue develops capsular contracture can arise.

What is explant surgery?

An explant surgery involves an incision made along the inframammary fold (usually guided by the incision from the original breast surgery), and through the implant, capsule to remove the breast implant. This approach leaves the capsule in the pocket where it naturally shrinks in size and reabsorbs naturally.

What is a full capsulectomy or an en bloc capsulectomy?

A full capsulectomy involves the removal of the breast implant and subsequent removal of the capsule. An en bloc capsulectomy refers to the removal of the breast implant and capsule together at the same time. The enbloc capsulectomy is Dr. Richardson’s preferred method of capsulectomy. Some patients may not be a suitable candidate for en bloc capsulectomy depending on the state of their implants and the capsule as well as the proximity of the capsule to the rib cage. Dr. Richardson will also take the safest route for each patient.

Why would a capsulectomy be recommended instead of a standard removal?

A capsulectomy is recommended in a number of circumstances. Firstly, patients can request a full capsulectomy and they may do this due to personal preference or peace of mind. More commonly, capsulectomy is recommended to patients that have intracapsular rupture and a capsulectomy is the most effective way to remove any leakages. If a patient has capsular contracture where the capsule is restricted and excessive scar tissue has formed, a full capsulectomy may be most appropriate. In extremely rare cases of conditions such as BIA-ALCL, the removal of the capsule is also recommended.

What happens if I leave the capsule?

The most common approach to explant surgery is the standard approach, leaving the capsule. If the capsule is normal, thin, and there are no complications such as capsular contracture or rupture then the capsule will shrink and may leave some minimal residual scar tissue. This should not affect the aesthetics of the breast nor interfere with mammograms in the future.

Breast Implant Removal Brisbane

Dr. Richardson has performed over 8,000 breast procedures in Brisbane the past decade. With over 20 years experience and focussed interest in breast procedures, Dr. Richardson is committed ensuring a high level of surgical care and implements best practice safety measures for all of his patients.

Breast Implant Removal Before and After Gallery

You can view our before and after gallery here, and view more patient photos and content on our Instagram. We post daily to Instagram and have hundreds of patients that share their journey and photos on this platform. This is a great resource for anybody considering breast revision surgery in Brisbane.

Breast Implant Removal Costs

Explant surgery is considered a medical procedure and there are Medicare and private health rebates available. The price of explant surgery will depend on whether a patient is having a standard removal or full capsulectomy. Would you like a quote for breast implant removal in Brisbane and more information about available consultation dates? Click here.

Payment Plans

For patients seeking breast implant removal surgery, finance and payment methods can be arranged to suit the patient’s personal preference and circumstances. We accept the following payment options:

• cash
• debit card
• credit card
• cheque
• direct bank transfer
• partial payments made over a period of time, ensuring full payment is made at least 2 weeks prior to surgery
• Zip Pay / Zip Money

The Australian Medical Board and Australian Society of Plastic Surgery Code of Conduct prevents surgeons from offering “financing schemes to patients, either directly or through a third party, such as loans or commercial payment plans” [14.3, Guidelines for Registered Medical Practitioners who perform cosmetic medical and surgical procedures, 2023].

Contact us to learn more about our payment options.

UP NEXT: BREAST IMPLANT REMOVAL RECOVERY