Breast Implant Removal

Reclaim your natural beauty and comfort with Breast Implant Removal surgery, personalized to your personal health and aesthetic goals.

Years of Experience
1 +
Surgeries Per Year
1 +
Procedures Performed
1 +

Overview

Procedure Summary

Breast Implant Removal surgery involves safely extracting breast implants to restore natural contours and address health or aesthetic concerns.

Starting Cost 

$2,000-12,000 Plus HST

Time Duration 

1-3 Hours

Alternate Names 

Explant Surgery, 

Breast Implant Explantation, 

Implant Removal Procedure, 

Breast Prosthesis Removal.

Breast Implant Removal

These before and after explant surgery images are from actual patients of Dr. James Lacey. He will help you understand your options and set realistic goals for your surgery.

Did your breast implants not turn out how you hoped? Breast revision surgery can help. Whether it’s been a while or just recently, this procedure can fix things like flattened implants, and scar tissue, or even change them with a different size or take them out completely. Our expert surgeon, Dr. Lacey at Kanata Plastic & Cosmetic Surgery will explain what revision surgery can do for you and what you can expect post-surgery. 

What is Breast Implant Removal Surgery?

Breast implant removal surgery involves the extraction of breast implants, which may include the removal of the surrounding scar tissue (capsulectomy). This procedure is performed for various reasons, such as implant malfunction, health concerns, or aesthetic preferences. It helps to resolve issues like pain, infection, or dissatisfaction with the appearance of the implants.

Why Do You Need Breast Implant Removal Surgeries?

ou may need your implants removed for one of the following reasons. 

Implant Exchange

If after the breast augmentation, you feel like your implants just aren't quite right, that's where an implant exchange comes in. This involves removing your current implants and replacing them with new ones. This is a great option if you want a different size, type of implant (like saline to silicone), or a new shape altogether. Maybe you want a fuller look, there's an issue with your current implants, or there’s a newer implant model you’d like to try. This surgery can make your breasts look and feel amazing again, giving you a refreshed look.

Capsular Contracture

Your body reacts to implants by forming scar tissue around them. Sometimes this scar tissue can get too tough and squeeze the implant, causing pain and making your breasts look lumpy or unnatural. That's capsular contracture. To address this, Lacey performs surgery to remove the hardened scar tissue (capsule) and new implants can be put in.We cannot use the old implant. This surgery helps loosen things up, get your breasts back to a natural shape, and remove the discomfort caused by the contracture.

Breast Implant Deflation

Breast implant deflation occurs when saline implants lose their volume, resulting in a noticeable change in breast size and shape. This can happen due to a rupture or leak in the implant. The procedure for correcting this involves removing the deflated implant. Then, depending on what you want, Dr. Lacey can either replace it with a new one or remove both implants entirely. This surgery makes your breasts look even and symmetrical again.

Am I a Suitable Candidate for Implant Removal Surgery?

  • If your implants are causing problems: Maybe they ruptured, leaked, or just got too hard and uncomfortable (capsular contracture).
  • If you simply don’t want them anymore: Your lifestyle changed, or your preferences changed, that’s totally fine! We can remove them completely.

But there are a few things to keep in mind:

  • Be healthy overall: This surgery goes smoother when you’re in good shape.
  • Know what to expect: We’ll discuss realistic results  so there are no surprises.
  • No smoking: Smoking can slow healing, so it’s best to avoid it around surgery time.


This surgery can get you back to your natural size and shape, and more importantly, feel great again. It’s a personal decision, so discuss this with our Board-Certified plastic surgeon, Dr. Lacey to see if it’s the right choice for you.

What are the Benefits of Breast Implant Removal Surgery?

  • Alleviates pain or discomfort associated with implants, enhancing overall physical well-being. Removal of implants can relieve pressure or tension in the chest area, leading to improved comfort and mobility.
  • Eliminates risks of implant-related complications such as rupture or capsular contracture, reducing the likelihood of future health issues.
  • Restores a more natural breast contour and feel, improving comfort and restoring confidence in one’s body. 
  • Provides peace of mind by eliminating the need for future implant maintenance or replacement surgeries, reducing stress and worry. 
  • Allows for greater ease in physical activities and clothing choices, enhancing overall lifestyle comfort and freedom.

What to Expect During the Consultation Process?

If you’re considering taking out your implants, Dr. Lacey at Kanata Plastic & Cosmetic Surgery can guide you through the process. During your consultation, Dr. Lacey will discuss your medical history, reasons for wanting removal, and your desired outcome. He’ll also perform an exam to assess the condition of your breasts.

This is your chance to ask questions and voice any concerns. Together, you’ll develop a personalized plan, including any necessary tests, medication adjustments, and lifestyle changes like quitting smoking (which helps healing). Dr. Lacey will explain the surgery, potential risks, and recovery timeline, and provide detailed pre-and post-operative instructions for a smooth experience.

Ottawa’s Private Surgical Facility

To schedule your consultation, simply call our Cosmetic
Patient Coordinators at 613-591-1099 or complete the
contact form below. We are here to support you through
your journey and look forward to assisting you!

 

What are the Different Types of Implant Surgical Techniques?

There are different implant removal options depending on your situation. Here's a breakdown:

Simple Removal

This is the most straightforward option, removing just the implants with minimal capsule involvement. It's ideal if you have no complications like capsular contracture.

En Bloc Capsulectomy

This removes both the implant and the entire capsule surrounding it in one piece. It's often used for ruptured implants or severe capsular contracture to minimize the risk of leaving any harmful material behind.

Partial Capsulectomy

This removes some, but not all, of the capsule along with the implant. It's chosen if the capsule isn't causing major issues but needs some removal for a smoother look or mild capsular contracture.

Total Capsulectomy

This removes the entire capsule and the implant one at a time. It's used for hardened or thickened capsules that cause pain or distort your breast shape.

What is the Breast Implant Removal Surgery Procedure?

The surgery generally takes 1-3 hours and involves the following steps:

Incisions

Our surgeon will carefully make small incisions based on your implant type, scarring, and desired outcome. Common spots include the breast crease, around the nipple, or in the armpit. These often follow the original incision if you had augmentation.

Implant removal

Dr. Lacey carefully removes the implants, taking care to protect your breast tissue. If there is any problematic scar tissue (capsule) surrounding the implant, it is also removed to minimize the risk of complications.

Breast assessment

Once everything is removed, he checks your breasts for symmetry and appearance.

Additional procedures (optional)

Other procedures, like a breast lift or implant exchange, can be combined with implant removals to rejuvenate the shape and contour of your breasts.

Closure and dressing

Finally, the incisions are stitched or taped shut and dressings are applied for support.

How We Avoid Risks at Kanata Plastic and Cosmetic Surgery?

To minimize infection and other complications, our clinic uses super strict surgical techniques that keep things clean. 

Before surgery, we do a full health check-up to make sure everything is okay. You’ll also get detailed instructions for after surgery, like how to care for your incisions, take your meds prescriptions, and what activities to avoid. Following these steps carefully is key to a smooth recovery and lowers the risk of any problems down the line.

Risks and Complications

Like any surgery, breast implant removal isn’t without some potential downsides. Here’s what to keep in mind:

Remember, this isn’t an exhaustive list and everyone heals differently. You can freely chat with Dr. James Lacey about all the potential risks and how to manage them during your consultation.

Cost and Financing Options

Cost Breakdown
The cost of breast implant removal depends on your unique situation. This includes factors like the surgery itself, but also anesthesia, facility fees, and follow-up care. Including the follow-up appointments, dressings, and any necessary medications, the typical cost for breast implant removal surgery ranges from CAD 6,400 to CAD 9,000 CAD 2,000 to CAD 13, 000. However, to give you the most accurate idea of cost, Dr. Lacey can provide a personalized quote during your consultation.

Insurance and Financing

SOMETIMES OHIP covered?
In some cases, implant removal may be covered by OHIP. Dr. Lacey will let you know if your case is covered by the province or if it is considered a cosmetic procedure. If not covered by OHIP, you can decide if you’d like to use third party financing companies or check with your private insurance to help with the cost of surgery.

FAQs

The initial recovery period typically lasts about 2-4 weeks. Most patients can return to light activities within 1-2 weeks, but strenuous activities should be avoided for at least 4-6 weeks.

Scars are a natural part of any surgical procedure. However, our surgeons try their best to conceal them and they fade over time. The extent of scarring depends on the surgical technique used and individual healing.

Breast implant removal can potentially impact breastfeeding, especially if significant glandular tissue is removed or if extensive tissue manipulation is involved.

There is no specific age requirement for breast implant removal. 

Insurance may cover the procedure if it is deemed medically necessary due to complications like rupture or capsular contracture. 

Potential complications include infection, bleeding, changes in nipple sensation, asymmetry, scarring, and delayed wound healing. 

Preparation includes medical evaluations, quitting smoking, avoiding certain medications, and arranging for post-surgery care.

The surgery generally takes between 1-3 hours, depending on the complexity of the procedure,

Yes, new implants can be placed during the same surgery if desired. 

Having someone to help with tasks like getting dressed, preparing meals, and managing medications can be a huge relief during the initial recovery phase.

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Feeling ready to remove your implants and reclaim your natural self? We can help! Schedule your consultation with Dr. James Lacey today and let's chat about your options.