Breast implant removal (explant surgery)

Breast implant removal, also known as explant surgery, is a cosmetic procedure that reverses a breast augmentation. It is simply the removal of breast implants without replacing or exchanging the implants with new ones. This procedure can be done in combination with other surgical procedures, including a capsulectomy or a mastopexy (breast uplift).

Breast implant removal, or explant surgery, is a cosmetic procedure to reverse a breast augmentation. Breast implants are removed during explant surgery without replacing or exchanging the implants for new ones. This surgery can also be carried out with other procedures, including breast implant removal and uplift and breast implant removal with capsulectomy. Capsulectomy is where the scar tissue around the implant is removed.

Deciding if breast implant removal is right for you

Why choose to have explant surgery?

There are many reasons why you may decide to have your implants removed. Some of the most common reasons women choose to have explant surgery include:

Implant complications: Including implant rupture, hardening of the breasts (capsular contracture), muscle animation, double bubble appearance, or infection.
Breast Implant Illness: (See section on BII) If this is the case then you may take the decision to have your implants removed.
Personal choice: Some women may feel their implants are the wrong shape or size. Over time they may have moved into a different position due to weight loss, weight gain or pregnancies. Some women had implants when they were younger and feel they do not need/want implants anymore.
Implant Shelf Life: The manufacturers life expectancy of implants is 10 or more years, although implants can stay in without problems for a much longer time however they aren’t guaranteed to last a lifetime.

Whatever your reasons for considering having your breast implants removed, only you can decide if it’s the right option. Mr Sherif Wilson MB, ChB, MS, FRCS (Plastic Surgery) will take great care in talking you through all of the options and finding the solution that is right for you and your body.

Breast Implant Removal Before and After

Mr Wilson has performed many breast implant removal procedures for patients in Bristol, Bath, Gloucester and Newport. Please see this gallery for before and after breast enlargement pictures. Mr Wilson will always be happy to talk to you about your desired outcome and what results you should expect for your individual body.

With your permission, Mr Wilson photographs all removal of implants and these pictures can be provided to you after the operation with your written consent.

Please see the testimonials page to read Mr Wilson’s 5* breast implant removal reviews.

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What does breast implant removal surgery involve?

The process of explant surgery is similar to breast augmentation surgery. To minimise scarring, Mr Wilson will use your existing scars to remove your implants.

For women who are having their implants removed due to experiencing capsular contracture, a total capsulectomy can be performed at the same time. Capsular contracture is when the fibrous scar tissue (capsule) forms and contracts around the implant, causing pain and distortion of the breast. A capsulectomy is the procedure to remove this fibrous scar tissue capsule. Total capsulectomies are also performed when the implant has ruptured/leaked, and the capsule is then sent away to the laboratory for analysis.

Surgery takes around 1.5 hours. Breast implant removal surgery with a total/enbloc capsulectomy takes around 2 hours. Surgery with a mastopexy (breast uplift) takes around 2.5 hours. All these procedures are performed under a general anaesthetic.

What do breasts look like after implant removal?

Following implant removal surgery, breasts can have a deflated or flat appearance therefore, some women choose to undergo a mastopexy (breast lift) at the same time. A mastopexy involves removing excess skin and raising the nipple so that the breasts appear lifted and more youthful.

Are there risks of great implant removal surgery?

As with any cosmetic surgery, implant removal carries general risks such as bleeding, DVT and infection, but an explant will usually be carried out with little or no complications. Mr Wilson sees all his patients at least twice before surgery to ensure that breast implant removal side effects are discussed in detail. This allows you to go home and think about any further questions you may have.

Breast Implant Removal Recovery

You may be able to go home the same day of the surgery, but many patients will spend one night in hospital. Patients are recommended to take around two weeks off work immediately after the operation in order to ensure they recover fully.

What are breast implant removal costs?

The cost of breast implant removal can vary based on the complexity of the procedure and whether you have breast implant removal and uplift, breast implant removal with capsulectomy or breast implant removal with capsulectomy.

These are guide prices and are subject to change following an initial consultation with Mr Wilson, where a bespoke quote will be provided, specific to each patient. These prices are for a simple removal of implants and if you require a capsulectomy or mastopexy, the prices will be higher to reflect this.

At Nuffield Bristol Hospital
From £6,900
From £11,300 (with mastopexy)

At BMI Bath Clinic
From £6,500
From £9,100 (with mastopexy)

At Winfield Hospital (Gloucester)
From £6,500
From £10,600 (with mastopexy)

At St Josephs Newport
From £5,900
From £8,500 (with mastopexy)

There are finance options available which you can find information about on the Spire, Circle Health Group and Winfield hospital websites respectively.

Testimonials

Mr Wilson invites his patients to leave a review about the service he provided on Google (Bristol and Gloucester), as well as Doctify, RealSelf and I Want Great Care.

Please visit the Testimonials page for the very latest, or click on the links directly below this contact form.

Enquire about breast implant removal (explant) surgery with Mr Wilson

Mr Sherif Wilson MB, ChB, MS, FRCS (Plast)

5.0

Based on 95 reviews

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Jen Moore

10:12 01 Jun 23

I recently underwent a surgical procedure at Spire Clinic on 21st March 2023, under the expert care of Mr Wilson, and I am delighted to share my overwhelmingly positive experience. From the moment I walked through the doors of the clinic until my complete recovery, the service I received was nothing short of exceptional.First and foremost, I must express my sincere gratitude to Mr Wilson. His professionalism, expertise, and compassionate approach were evident from our very first meeting. He took the time to thoroughly explain the procedure, addressing all my concerns and ensuring I had a complete understanding of what to expect. His calm and reassuring demeanor put me at ease, instilling confidence in his abilities as a surgeon.The facilities at Spire Clinic were outstanding. The clinic's clean and welcoming environment helped alleviate any pre-operative anxieties I had. The staff members were friendly, approachable, and always ready to assist me with any questions or requests. From the receptionists to the nurses and support staff, everyone demonstrated a high level of competence and professionalism.Throughout my stay, the nursing team provided attentive care, ensuring my comfort and well-being at all times. They were highly knowledgeable, offering post-operative support and guidance that played a crucial role in my smooth recovery process. Their commitment to patient care was evident in their prompt response to any concerns or discomforts I experienced, making me feel valued and reassured.The post-operative follow-up care I received was exceptional. Mr Wilson regularly checked in on my progress and provided detailed explanations about the healing process. His willingness to address any post-surgery concerns, no matter how minor, further underscored his dedication to ensuring my complete recovery and satisfaction.The administrative staff at Spire Clinic also deserve commendation. They efficiently handled all aspects of my stay, including scheduling appointments, coordinating with my insurance provider, and addressing any billing inquiries. Their professionalism and attention to detail contributed to a seamless and hassle-free experience.In summary, my experience at Spire Clinic, under the care of Mr. Wilson, was exemplary. The clinic's commitment to excellence, paired with Mr. Wilson's expertise and compassionate care, made a significant impact on my overall satisfaction with the service I received. I would highly recommend Spire Clinic and Mr. Wilson to anyone in need of surgical care, confident that they will provide the same exceptional level of service that I was fortunate enough to experience.Thank you, Spire Clinic and Mr. Wilson, for your unwavering commitment to patient well-being and for exceeding my expectations at every step of my journey!!

Millie Taylor

09:06 17 May 23

There are so many options when considering surgery, it can be a bit overwhelming as it's such a huge decision. Sherif was recommended to me by a friend of a friend, who talked very highly of him and his work. My first consultation with Sherif was informative and relaxed, there was no pressure to progress with the surgery and I felt I was in good hands. I was given time and space to make my decision, and felt comfortable asking any further questions. The surgery itself went smoothly, I felt safe and well looked after. My recovery went better than I'd imagined and I was comfortably back at work within 2 weeks. I'm now 11 weeks post op and I'm loving the results - it really is life changing, and I'm so glad I did it, and chose Sherif to do it. Huge thanks to him and his team.

lauren priestley

21:56 01 Aug 22

At my first consultation with Mr Wilson he made me feel comfortable and after explaining how specific I wanted my surgery to look, he took so much time explaining the procedure and answered all my questions and advised me on what my best option was.I am so pleased with the results.Him and all his lovely team were highly professional, helpful and very supportive during my surgery and during my post surgery follow up appointments.I cannot express enough how talented Mr Wilson is and I would highly recommend him.

Charmaine Griffin

11:16 28 Jul 22

The service received from Mr Wilson and his secretary has been amazing. Kim has always been prompt and professional with all of our contact. At the initial consultation with Mr Wilson, he made me comfortable and at ease. Mr Wilson has always been so kind and considerate and made sure that he explained the options available to me and what each option would include. Mr Wilson was clear about what the results of each option would likely provide and the risks involved. On the day of my surgery Mr Wilson came to see me prior to the surgery to check that I was happy. The results of the surgery were better than I could ever have imagined. I got a small infection a couple of weeks after surgery and Mr Wilson got me in to see him the same day, provided me with antibiotics and it cleared up right away. I'm now 7 weeks post surgery and feeling right back to normal.

Ashleigh Goodwin

22:12 04 May 22

Wow, I honestly don’t even know where to start. I guess a MASSIVE thank you to Mr Wilson, he has quite frankly changed my life. From the moment I met him I knew that he was the surgeon for me, he listened to what I wanted, was very understanding and caring, he was honest with the outcome and explained everything perfectly. I knew that I had to have him as my surgeon for my Breast Reduction, the minute I left the consultation I booked my surgery, I only had 7 weeks to wait, I was beyond excited. About a week before the surgery I came to see Mr Wilson again just to settle my nerves, and he did just that. My surgery went incredibly well, I felt amazing and just so excited to see the results, I had no complications whatsoever and pain was minimal, the heeling process was so so smooth too. One year on and I am still on cloud nine, the scars are basically non existent and my new breasts are PERFECT. I’m not over exaggerating when I say Mr Wilson has changed my life, he really has done just that, and I will be forever grateful. Will recommend Mr Wilson over and over again to anyone wanting ANY surgery with him. He is incredible!

RealSelf Patient Reviews of Sherif Wilson, FRCS (Plast)