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Considering breast implant removal? The board-certified plastic surgeons at the Plastic Surgery Institute of Washington offer safe, personalized explant surgery with compassionate care and beautiful, natural results.

A Trusted Team for Every Stage of Your Breast Surgery Journey

Whether your goals have changed, your implants have aged, or you are experiencing complications, the decision to remove breast implants is deeply personal. At the Plastic Surgery Institute of Washington, our board-certified plastic surgeons, Dr. Douglas Forman and Dr. Kathy Huang, bring decades of combined experience in breast surgery to every explant procedure. Recognized as Washingtonian Top Doctors every year since 2005, our team provides the expertise, compassion, and individualized attention this procedure requires.


What Is Breast Implant Removal?

Breast implant removal, also called explant surgery, is a procedure to take out silicone or saline breast implants. During this procedure, your surgeon may also remove the scar tissue capsule that forms naturally around each implant, a process known as capsulectomy.

It's important to understand that breast implants are not lifetime devices, and the American Society of Plastic Surgeons recommends evaluation or replacement every 10 to 15 years. We recommend coming in every 1–2 years to monitor the integrity and health of your implants even when everything feels perfectly normal. Common reasons patients pursue explant surgery include:

  • Capsular contracture (hardened scar tissue causing pain, firmness, or shape changes)
  • Implant rupture or deflation
  • Changes in aesthetic preference or lifestyle
  • Breast shape and size changes due to aging, weight fluctuation, or breastfeeding
  • A desire to return to a more natural look and feel
attractive woman

Benefits of Breast Implant Removal

  • Relief from discomfort, tightness, or pain caused by capsular contracture
  • Removal of ruptured or aging implants before complications worsen
  • A return to a more natural breast shape and feel
  • Opportunity to combine explant with a breast lift for improved contour
  • Renewed confidence in your body and your decision

Are You a Candidate for Breast Implant Removal?

You may be a candidate for explant surgery at PSIW if you:

  • Have implants that are 10 years or older and want them evaluated or removed
  • Are experiencing capsular contracture, implant rupture, or implant displacement
  • Feel discomfort, heaviness, or dissatisfaction with your current implants
  • Are experiencing systemic symptoms you believe may be related to your implants
  • Simply no longer want breast implants and prefer a natural appearance

What If My Breast Implant Is Ruptured?

A breast implant rupture occurs when the outer shell of the implant develops a tear or hole. The signs of a rupture depend on whether you have saline or silicone implants.

Saline Implant Rupture

When a saline implant ruptures, the sterile saltwater is safely absorbed by your body, resulting in a 'flat tire' effect. The affected breast will usually lose volume quickly — often over the course of a few hours to a few days — making the rupture easy to recognize.

While the saline is harmlessly absorbed, the empty implant shell remains inside the breast pocket and will need to be surgically removed. Depending on your treatment plan, saline implants may be removed under local anesthesia or with sedation.

Silicone Implant Rupture

Silicone implants are made of a solid gel which often remains within the scar tissue capsule surrounding the implant. Because of this, many silicone ruptures are 'silent ruptures', meaning you may not notice any obvious changes. Some patients experience:

  • A change in breast shape or size
  • Increased firmness
  • Pain or tenderness
  • Swelling
  • A new lump or asymmetry

If a silicone implant rupture is suspected, imaging such as an MRI or ultrasound may be recommended to confirm the diagnosis.

If you notice a sudden change in your breast, persistent pain, or increasing firmness, schedule an evaluation with a board-certified plastic surgeon. Not every change means an implant has ruptured, but it's always worth having it evaluated for peace of mind.

Why Choose PSIW for Breast Implant Removal?

PSIW is home to some of the most experienced breast surgeons in the Washington DC area. Dr. Kathy Huang is consistently recognized for her advanced skills in breast surgery and her attentive, communicative approach to patient care. Dr. Forman, a Phi Beta Kappa graduate of the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine with fellowship training in breast and aesthetic surgery at Georgetown, brings a meticulous surgical technique refined over decades of practice. Our fully accredited outpatient surgical center in North Bethesda ensures the highest standards of safety and privacy.

Breast Implant Removal Washington DC

What to Expect Before, During, and After Breast Implant Removal

Consultation and Cost

  • A thorough breast examination and review of your implant history
  • Discussion of your concerns, goals, and whether you want removal alone, removal with lift, or implant exchange
  • Imaging or in-office ultrasound if needed to assess implant integrity
  • A personalized cost estimate based on the complexity of your procedure
  • Financing options available

Recovery and Results Timeline

  • A supportive surgical bra is worn for several weeks to aid healing
  • Mild to moderate soreness, swelling, and bruising for the first one to two weeks
  • Most patients return to light daily activities within one week
  • Strenuous exercise and heavy lifting are restricted for four to six weeks
  • Breast shape continues to settle and refine over the following months
  • Final results are typically visible within three to six months

Schedule a Consultation

Breast Implant Removal FAQs

What will my breasts look like after implant removal?

Results depend on factors like implant size, how long they were in place, skin elasticity, and your natural breast tissue. Your surgeon at PSIW will discuss realistic expectations during your consultation and recommend a breast lift if needed to improve shape.

Will insurance cover breast implant removal?

Insurance may cover explant surgery if it is deemed medically necessary, such as in cases of rupture or capsular contracture. Our team can help you understand your coverage and provide documentation for your insurance provider.

Is capsulectomy always performed during explant surgery?

Not always. Your surgeon will assess whether the capsule needs to be partially or fully removed based on its condition, thickness, and whether there are signs of rupture or contracture.

How long will I need to wear a surgical bra after the procedure?

Most patients wear a supportive compression bra for approximately four weeks after surgery. Your surgeon will provide specific guidance based on your healing progress at each follow-up visit.

Will I lose a cup size after breast implant removal?

Your post-explant size depends on how much natural breast tissue you have underneath the implants. Some patients return close to their pre-augmentation size, while others notice a modest difference depending on tissue changes over time.

Can I have new implants placed later if I change my mind?

Yes, re-augmentation is possible after explant surgery. Most surgeons recommend waiting at least three to six months to allow the breast tissue to fully heal and settle before placing new implants.

Will there be new scars from explant surgery?

In most cases, your surgeon will use your existing augmentation incision, so no new scars are created. If a capsulectomy or breast lift is performed, additional incision lines may be necessary, but they are placed as discreetly as possible.

Can I exercise or lift during recovery?

Light walking is encouraged within the first few days, but lifting anything over 10 pounds and vigorous exercise should be avoided for four to six weeks. Your surgeon will clear you for full activity based on your healing at follow-up appointments.

Will my implant warranty cover the cost of surgery?

It depends. Most implant manufacturers offer warranties that may replace a ruptured implant and, in some cases, provide limited financial assistance. However, warranties typically do not cover the full cost of revision surgery. Our team can review your implant information and help determine whether you're eligible for warranty benefits.

Can I have my implants removed if they were placed by a different surgeon?

Absolutely. Our surgeons regularly perform explant surgery on patients whose original augmentation was done elsewhere. Bringing your prior surgical records to your consultation helps them plan the most effective approach.

Your Next Chapter Starts Here

If you are considering breast implant removal, the Plastic Surgery Institute of Washington offers a private, refined, and patient-centered experience guided by board-certified specialists. Dr. Douglas Forman and Dr. Kathy Huang provide a high level of surgical expertise to ensure your results are natural, balanced, and aligned with your long-term confidence.

We invite you to schedule your consultation and explore a personalized plan crafted through advanced training, meticulous technique, and an unwavering commitment to your well-being.

Breast Implant Removal Washington DC

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