Breast Implant Removal (Explant Surgery) in Sydney

22 Mar

Dr Jen Law Female Plastic Surgeon Breast Implant Removal Options Surgery Sydney

Breast implant removal in Sydney, also known as explant surgery, is a personalised procedure for women who wish to remove their implants due to discomfort, lifestyle changes, or a preference for a less augmented look. Performed by a qualified plastic surgeon, breast implant removal can be tailored to include capsulectomy or a breast lift to optimise breast shape and proportion. Understanding your options and recovery is an important first step when considering explant surgery in Sydney.

Patient-Centred Care

Whether you’re reconsidering your implants due to discomfort, lifestyle changes, or a preference for a different look, breast implant removal (explant surgery) is a highly personal decision.

Dr Jenaleen Law, a Specialist Plastic & Reconstructive Surgeon in Sydney, provides an individualised approach — focused on safety, balance, and achieving a result that feels right for you.

Why Patients Consider Breast Implant Removal

There are various reasons why patients choose explant surgery. During your consultation, Dr Law takes the time to understand your concerns and goals.

Common reasons include:

Capsular contracture or implant-related discomfort
Breast Implant Rupture
Changes in lifestyle or body shape over time
Concerns about breast implant illness
Preference to avoid ongoing implant maintenance
A desire for a less augmented appearance

Your Surgical Options

Breast implant removal is not a one-size-fits-all procedure. Your surgical plan is tailored to your anatomy, skin quality, implant integrity, and desired outcome.

(1) Implant Removal Only

In some cases, implants can be removed without additional procedures. This is typically suitable when skin elasticity remains good.

(2) Implant Removal and Capsulectomy

Part or all of the capsule (scar tissue around the implant) may be removed, particularly if there is:

Capsular contracture
Implant rupture
Thickened or abnormal capsule

(3) Implant Removal with Breast Lift (Mastopexy)

For many patients, combining explant surgery with a breast lift helps:

Produce a better breast shape
Improve position
Address excess or stretched skin

(4) Implant Removal with Breast lift (Mastopexy) and Fat Grafting

Transferring fat to areas with volume loss after implant removal may help improve the overall breast shape and appearance.

What to Expect?

Surgery

Performed under general anaesthesia in an accredited hospital
Procedure time: between 1.5 to 4 hours depending on the exact procedure

Recovery

Recovery is gradual and varies depending on your procedure:

First 1–2 weeks

Swelling and bruising
Time off work is usually recommended

2–4 weeks

Return to light daily activities
Ongoing improvement in comfort

6 weeks

Gradual return to exercise

Long-term

Final breast shape settles over several months

What Will My Breasts Look Like After Explant Surgery?

This is one of the most important parts of the decision-making process.

Outcomes depend on:

Your native breast tissue — its volume, position, and quality
The size of your implants and how long they have been in place
The elasticity of your skin

After implant removal, you may notice:

A smaller breast volume
Some looseness in the skin
Changes in upper pole fullness

Where appropriate, a breast lift may be recommended to improve shape.

Dr Law focuses on achieving results that are proportionate to your body and aligned with your preferences.

Cost of Breast Implant Removal in Sydney

Costs vary depending on:

Surgical complexity
Whether a capsulectomy is required
Whether a breast lift is performed
Whether fat grafting is performed
Hospital and anaesthetic fees
Whether you are in a health fund and your level of cover

A detailed quote is provided following your consultation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a breast lift after implant removal?
Not always. This depends on your skin quality and desired outcome. Many patients benefit from a lift, but this is discussed individually.

Is recovery easier than breast augmentation?
In many cases, recovery is similar — but this depends on the extent of surgery performed.

Will there be visible scarring?
Where possible, existing scars are used but they may need to be extended to remove the implant and its capsule. If breast lift is also performed, there will usually be an anchor-shaped scar. Any scars are placed after consideration and will be discussed with you in detail before surgery.

Can implants be removed en bloc?
En bloc capsulectomy is only recommended in specific clinical situations. Dr Law will advise if this is appropriate for you.