Breast Explant (Implant Removal) Risk Profile
Breast Explant (Implant Removal) Risk Profile
Breast explant surgery (removal of breast implants, with or without capsulectomy) is performed for medical, cosmetic, or personal reasons. It often results in significant changes to breast size, shape, and skin laxity, and many patients require a simultaneous or staged breast lift (mastopexy).
This page provides general and specific information only. Individual risks vary depending on your age, general health, smoking status, diabetes, duration and size of previous implants, presence of capsular contracture or rupture, and whether capsulectomy is performed. A detailed, personalised risk assessment will be provided during your consultation with Dr Kelly Thornbury, Specialist Plastic Surgeon in her Sydney rooms.
Important AHPRA note: All cosmetic surgery carries risks and requires a recovery period. Results vary from patient to patient and cannot be guaranteed. A mandatory cooling-off period applies before proceeding.
General Risks of Plastic Surgery
Refer to our General Risks of Plastic Surgery in Sydney page for full details on anaesthesia-related complications (including heart attack, stroke, chest infection, death, DVT/PE, sore throat/breathing difficulty, nausea), wound infection (higher in smokers and diabetics), heavy bleeding, poor or delayed wound healing, skin necrosis, wound dehiscence, bruising and swelling, haematoma/seroma/oedema, pain and discomfort, allergic reactions, altered sensation, adverse scarring, need for revision surgery, and psychological impact.
Specific Risks of Breast Explant
- Significant loss of breast volume leading to sagging, skin redundancy, or empty-looking breasts (many patients need a simultaneous or staged mastopexy/breast lift)
- Asymmetry in breast size, shape, or nipple position
- Changes in nipple or breast sensation (temporary or permanent numbness or hypersensitivity)
- Wound healing complications, delayed healing, or skin necrosis (particularly after removal of large implants or with capsulectomy)
- Capsulectomy-related risks including bleeding, injury to surrounding anatomical structures (rib and muscle)
- Haematoma or seroma formation
- Contour irregularities
- Persistence or incomplete resolution of systemic symptoms if surgery is performed for Breast Implant Illness (BII)
- Visible wrinkling or rippling of remaining breast skin
- Extensive or unfavourable scarring and low position of scar from original implant surgery
- Need for revision
Factors that significantly increase risks Smoking, diabetes, thin breast tissue, previous capsular contracture, and removal of large or longstanding implants are associated with higher rates of wound healing problems, skin necrosis, and poor cosmetic outcomes. We will thoroughly assess these during your consultation and may recommend optimisation or advise against surgery if risks are considered too high.
Recovery Considerations Swelling, bruising, and changes in breast shape are expected. Final breast appearance may take 6–12 months to stabilise as skin contracts. You will need supportive garments and regular follow-up in our Sydney clinic. Signs of complications (increasing redness, pain, fever, wound discharge, or shortness of breath) should be reported immediately.
Next Steps Book a consultation in our Sydney rooms for a detailed discussion of your reasons for explant, whether capsulectomy is recommended, and realistic expectations regarding final breast appearance.
This information is educational and based on current Australian medical standards and AHPRA/Medical Board guidelines for advertising cosmetic surgery. Last reviewed April 2026.