How long does explant surgery take?

The length of explant surgery varies with what the operation includes. Removing implants alone is generally shorter than removing implants together with the capsule, and adding a lift or a replacement implant increases the operating time. The surgical team can give a more specific estimate after assessment, because it depends on the individual case. For breast implant removal cases without replacement: The surgical time is 30 minutes from skin incision to wound closure. For explantation cases presenting with abnormalities such as implant rupture or capsular contracture, along with new implant placement and breast shape correction: The surgical time can range from 1 hour 30 minutes to 2 hours 30 minutes from skin incision to wound closure.

Is breast implant removal safe?

Breast implant removal is a commonly performed operation, but like any surgery it carries risks that should be weighed against the reasons for removal. Recognised risks include bleeding, infection, fluid collection and changes in sensation. Discussing your medical history and imaging with the surgeon helps to plan the operation and reduce avoidable risk. Breast implant explantation must be performed at a fully equipped general hospital with full relevant specialties to manage cases presenting with intraoperative abnormalities.

Will I need a lift after implant removal?

Not everyone needs a lift after implant removal. Whether a mastopexy is helpful depends on skin elasticity, the size of the implant removed and the degree of sagging once the volume is gone. This is assessed individually, and a lift can be performed at the same time as removal when it is indicated. The surgical team at Dr.Breast X clinic does not utilize the concept of mastopexy and limits the use of areolar reduction methods, as they do not provide long-term efficacy for patients. In cases of grade 4 breast ptosis with existing implants, the recommended procedure is breast implant explantation combined with inverted-T flap reconstruction.

Does removing implants help breast implant illness?

Some women report an improvement in symptoms after explantation, but this cannot be guaranteed. BII is not currently a formal diagnosis, and the link between the symptoms and the implants is not established, so the possible benefits and limits of surgery should be discussed openly during the consultation (FDA, 2025).

Do I need an en bloc capsulectomy?

En bloc capsulectomy is not the default for a simple silicone rupture. It is indicated for confirmed or suspected implant-associated cancer, such as BIA-ALCL. For rupture or capsular contracture, a partial, total or total intact capsulectomy may be considered instead, depending on the findings, so the approach is decided after assessment.

How long do breast implants last, and when should old implants be removed?

Breast implants are not lifetime devices, and they do not have a fixed expiry date, but the chance of rupture and other changes increases the longer they remain in place (NHS, 2025). There is no single schedule that fits everyone; the decision to remove or replace older implants is guided by imaging, symptoms and the woman’s own preferences. In many breast implant explantation cases at Dr.Breast X, implants present for over 20 to 25 years remain intact. Surgeons note that implant longevity depends on the implant pocket creation technique utilized during the initial implant placement surgery.

Can implants be removed without replacement?

Yes, implants can be removed without placing a new implant. The breast usually becomes softer and smaller and settles over the following weeks. Some women choose an aesthetic flat closure, while others may benefit from a lift if the skin has stretched; the suitable option is discussed at the consultation.

Breast augmentation 4 years ago – unexpected foreign body discovered in the breast

#Breast Implant Complications June 18, 2026 By MSc, MD Ho Cao Vu

Breast augmentation 4 years ago – unexpected foreign body discovered in the breast

VTV.vn – During implant pocket dissection, implant removal, and capsulectomy, MD, MSc. Dr. Ho Cao Vu identified a gossypiboma that had been left in situ for 4 years.

Unexplained neck and shoulder pain for 4 years due to a post-breast augmentation foreign body

Patient Ngân (name has been changed) presented to MD, MSc. Dr. Ho Cao Vu with breast deformity and persistent left shoulder pain lasting for several years.

According to the patient’s history, she underwent breast augmentation in 2022 via a periareolar (inferior half) incision. Over time, the right breast showed signs of implant displacement, while the left breast became firm and deformed due to Grade IV capsular contracture.

On clinical examination, MD, MSc. Dr. Ho Cao Vu diagnosed this as a case of Grade IV capsular contracture requiring implant removal, capsulectomy, and reconstruction of bilateral implant pockets in preparation for a secondary breast augmentation after 6–12 months following explantation.

Breast augmentation 4 years ago – unexpected foreign body discovered in the breast GALLERY

Breast augmentation 4 years ago – unexpected foreign body discovered in the breast

VTV.vn – During implant pocket dissection, implant removal, and capsulectomy, MD, MSc. Dr. Ho Cao Vu identified a gossypiboma that had been left in situ for 4 years.

Read next

Breast augmentation 4 years ago – unexpected foreign body discovered in the breast GALLERY

Breast augmentation 4 years ago – unexpected foreign body discovered in the breast

VTV.vn – During implant pocket dissection, implant removal, and capsulectomy, MD, MSc. Dr. Ho Cao Vu identified a gossypiboma that had been left in situ for 4 years.

Read next

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