Breast implant removal, medically known as ‘open capsulotomy’ or 'explantation,' is a significant surgical decision that may arise for a variety of reasons in a woman’s life. Whilst some women wish to replace their implants, believing those fitted years ago have reached the end of their lifespan, others prefer to have them removed entirely because they no longer wish to carry a foreign object in their body.
In some cases, conditions such as capsular contracture—the formation of hard tissue around breast implant—or the implant shifting position or rupturing can make this surgery necessary. For some women, however, this decision is purely an aesthetic choice, independent of health concerns; they simply wish to achieve a more natural appearance or return to their former state.
What is breast implant removal?
Breast implant removal surgery (medically known as explantation) is the surgical procedure to remove saline or silicone prostheses previously placed for aesthetic or reconstructive (repair) purposes from the body. Although modern breast implants are long-lasting medical devices. They aren’t considered lifetime devices and may require monitoring, replacement, or removal over time.
What to expect after a breast explant?
It takes time for your body to become used to its new shape after breast implant removal surgery. After the surgery and in the months that follow, you may have some of the following common experiences:
First experiences and physical symptoms after surgery
- It is totally natural for your breasts to swell, bruise, and feel solid. These symptoms will go away as the tissues mend.
Your nipples may become very sensitive or lose feeling for a short period. This usually gets better over time. - As your body heals, you may feel things like burning, stinging, or really bad itching. Doctors frequently give people painkillers and muscle relaxants to help with this kind of pain.
Changes in the look of the breasts and other aesthetic changes
- Deformity and Sagging: Your breasts may look droopy, deflated, or misshapen at first once the implants are taken out. This is because the tissues have been stretched to fit the size of the old implant, and the skin may not always be able to go back to its original shape.
- Asymmetry: As the body heals, the two breasts may look different or recover at different rates. Just because no breast is totally symmetrical, you shouldn't expect complete symmetry following surgery.
- Ultimate result: It normally takes 6 months for the breasts to soften, settle into their ultimate shape, and for the scars to vanish.
Breast implant removal procedure in Antalya, Turkey
Antalya is a top place for breast explant surgery and cosmetic surgery, drawing people from all across Turkey and the world. There are a lot of plastic surgeons in the city that have a lot of experience in this area. Dr. Bülent Demir is one of the best plastic surgeonsin this field.
Before the operation, your surgeon will look at the structure of your breast tissue, the quality of your skin, and how much it is drooping to choose the best solution for you. Should you only have breast implant removed, or should you also consider a breast lift? Which size and type of implant would look more natural if a new implant is to be inserted? Or is it better for you to get fat injections? What your doctor finds during the consultation and what you expect will determine the answers to all of these questions.
What are the different types of breast explant surgery?
Most of the time, breast explant Antalya is done under general anesthesia and doesn't require a hospital stay. The treatment can take anywhere from one to four hours, depending on how complicated the surgery is.
En Bloc technique
Surgeons often opt for ‘en bloc' technique, particularly in cases where the implant has ruptured or in complex cases. This technique involves removing the implant and all the surrounding scar tissue (capsule) in a single piece to minimize the risk of fluid leakage into the surrounding tissue.
Capsulectomy
In some cases, removal of only the scar capsule (capsulectomy) along with the implant may be sufficient. Removing the entire capsule may help reduce to minimize the risk of BIA-ALCL (Breast Implant-Associated Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma, a rare type of T-cell lymphoma that can develop in the capsule surrounding the breast implant), a rare form of lymphoma, particularly in patients who previously used textured silicone implants.
Combined procedures
As the breast tissue may have become stretched following the removal of implants, the breasts may initially appear saggy or deflated. To improve this condition, the procedure can be combined with the following:
Breast lift (mastopexy): This is performed to correct sagging caused by the loss of implants and to achieve a firmer appearance.
Fat transfer (lipofilling): This aims to restore lost volume and fullness to the décolletage by injecting fat harvested from another area of the body into the breasts.
Post-operative care
At the end of the operation, an ACE compression bandage is applied to the breast area, and the patient wears a surgical support bra. Depending on the surgeon’s decision, drains consisting of small tubes may be inserted to drain any fluid that may accumulate in the implant pocket; these are usually removed within the first 48 hours to one week.
What will my breasts look like after explant surgery?
Following breast implant removal surgery, the appearance of your breasts will go through several stages, and it takes time for your body to adjust to its new shape.
When you first look in the mirror, you will see either thin strips of surgical tape (Steri-Strips) or a purple protective glue over your sutures. You will also be wearing a special bra or bandage to help your breasts.
At first, your breasts will look puffy, tense, and a little bruised. Bruising usually resolves within two weeks, but swelling and firmness may take a few months to subside.
Your breasts could look deformed, droopy, or "sunken" just after the implants are taken out. The main reason for this is because the skin doesn't immediately regain enough flexibility to go back to its original shape after the breast tissue has been stretched to fit the old implant.
As time goes on, things like getting older, losing or gaining weight, and being pregnant will continue to change how your breasts look.
Ways to make yourself look better if you don't like how your body looks after having the implants removed (for example, if it looks saggy or has lost volume), your surgeon may suggest the following extra procedures: Breast Lift (Mastopexy), or Lipofilling.
How much does breast explant surgery cost in Antalya?
Things that affect the price
Do you just want breast implant taken out, or do you also want the tissue around it to be totally removed (total capsulotomy)? Or would you rather have it taken out all at once using the "en bloc" method? The cost goes up as the procedure gets more complicated and longer.
More steps: Are you worried about how your breasts will look when the implant is taken out? Will a breast lift or fat transfer (using your own fat) be done at the same time? These extra steps take longer, which means they also cost more.
Costs for the hospital and anesthesia: The total cost also depends on the hospital's facilities, the anesthesia team's experience, and the drugs utilized.
Tests before the surgery: Before surgery, imaging tests like an MRI or ultrasound may be needed to check the implant's condition. The price of these tests may be included in the package or added on later.
What do breast implant removal packages in Turkey include?
Many cosmetic surgery clinics in Antalya offer package deals, particularly for patients coming from abroad. These packages typically include the following:
- Pre-operative medical tests
- Treatment fees
- Post-operative medication
- Follow-up appointments
- Transfer and hotel fees
What is breast explant price in Antalya?
Breast implant removal costs in Antalya are generally 50–70% more affordable than those in European countries. Average prices are as follows:
|
Procedure |
Price range (€ Euro) |
|
Breast explant |
€2,400 - €3,600 |
|
En Bloc capsulectomy |
€3,200 - €6,000 |
|
En Bloc + Breast Lift |
€4,000 - €7,000 |
|
En Bloc + Lift + Lipofilling |
€4,500 - €8,000 |
If you wish to have your breast implants removed for any reason, you likely have questions about the procedure. What does the treatment involve, and what is the cost? Contact us to arrange a free consultation with our plastic surgeon, Dr Bülent Demir. All articles on our website are intended to inform our visitors. Please remember that all medical procedures are personalised, so please contact us for further details.
