Explant Surgery (Breast Implant Removal) Sydney

Reasons for considering explant surgery

The reasons for Breast Implant Removal generally fall under three categories: changes to your natural breast tissue, changes to your aesthetic preferences and implant-related complications.

Natural Breast Tissue Changes

Over time, our bodies go through many changes. There may be pregnancy, weight loss or a new phase in life. These changes can affect how your breasts look or feel. Due to the changes in your breast tissue size and shape, you may wish to have them lifted or reduced, and at the same time have the old implants removed, as they are no longer wanted.

Changes in Your Aesthetic Preferences

Some individuals choose to have their implants removed to return to their original breast tissue without implants. The implants no longer suit their current lifestyle and aesthetic ideals.

Implant complications

In some cases, individuals may request implant removal for medical reasons. These may include:

• Implant rupture
• Chronic pain
• Capsular contracture (hardening of the implant)
• Recurrent swelling of the breasts (seromas)
• Recurrent infections of the implant that do not respond to antibiotics
• Breast Implant Illness
• Health concerns such as BIA-ALCL

Considering your surgery carefully

It’s essential to make an informed decision before undergoing any surgery. We encourage you to learn about the procedure, consider all available options and carefully weigh the potential benefits and risks. If you choose to proceed, ensure that you are well-prepared and have made appropriate plans for your procedure.

TYPES OF BREAST IMPLANT REMOVAL SURGERIES

There are various types of Breast Implant Removal surgeries to suit an individual’s objectives and requirements. After your initial consultation with Dr Dona, he’ll advise you of the most appropriate surgical plan for you, which aligns with your reasons for removal. We’ve documented the most typically performed approaches below.

IMPLANT REMOVAL

This involves removing the implants and a capsulectomy while leaving the surrounding breast tissue intact. Usually, an incision is made along the breast implant surgery scar or the breast crease.

This option is often used after implant rupture or implant complications. Most patients can resume regular activity after a few weeks.

COMBINED PROCEDURES

• Implant Removal + Breast Lift(or Reduction)

Preparing for explant surgery

Your pre-operative preparation will involve several necessary steps, including medical assessments, lifestyle adjustments and an appointment with Dr Dona. Each stage is designed to support thorough planning and help ensure your experience is well organised and as comfortable as possible.

OPTIMISE YOUR HEALTH

• Maintaining good general health before surgery can support your recovery. We recommend focusing on:
• Healthy eating: Aim for a balanced, nutritious diet rich in whole foods, including fruits, vegetables, lean proteins and whole grains. Good nutrition can help your body prepare for surgery and recovery.
• Regular exercise: Gentle physical activity, when appropriate, can help improve circulation, muscle strength, and overall well-being before your procedure.
• Avoid nicotine: This includes cigarettes, patches, gum and vapes.

Making these changes will help your body prepare for surgery and can help promote a smoother, faster recovery.

MEDICAL ASSESSMENTS

Before your surgery, certain medical assessments may be required to help evaluate your overall health and plan your procedure. These may include:

• Imaging tests: In some cases, imaging such as a breast ultrasound, mammogram or MRI may be recommended to assess the condition of the implants or surrounding tissue.
• Blood tests: These are not routinely required but may be requested if Dr Dona considers them necessary based on your medical history or current health.
• Physical assessment: Dr Dona will conduct a clinical examination and review your overall health and breast tissue as part of your pre-operative planning.

COMMUNICATIONS WITH DR DONA & OUR TEAM

Before your surgery, you’ll attend at least two consultations with Dr Dona to review and finalise your personalised surgical plan. You will also be supported by our patient liaison and nursing teams, who are available to help with any questions before and after surgery.
Your anaesthetist will provide contact information for any medication-related enquiries, and our experienced nursing team will provide ongoing post-operative care in our clinic.

Your Initial Consultation with Dr Dona

Your consultation is an opportunity to discuss your concerns, goals and medical history in detail. Together, you and Dr Dona will explore whether explant surgery is a suitable option for your individual circumstances. It is also a time to review specific considerations, including:

• Your concerns and goals
  • Your medical history and any previous procedures
  • The surgical approaches that may be suitable for your individual circumstances

During your consultation, Dr Dona will assess your individual circumstances and provide information about the surgical approaches available, which may include options to maintain breast shape, such as a Breast Lift (Mastopexy). He will also explain insurance considerations, costs, the expected recovery process and potential risks.

Dr Dona will take the time to answer your questions and ensure you have the information you need to make an informed decision about how you’d like to proceed.

Breast Implant Removal: What To Expect

Understanding the surgical process can help you feel informed and prepared for your procedure. The following outlines what you can expect before, during and after surgery.

Private Hospital

Your surgery will typically be performed as a day surgery procedure in a private hospital. This means you will go home on the same day as the surgery.

Anaesthesia

Breast Implant Removal surgery is performed under general anaesthesia. Your anaesthetist will also provide you with pain medication to take home with you after the procedure so that you remain as comfortable as possible.

Length of surgery

As a general rule, Breast Implant Removal surgery is typically more difficult and takes longer to perform (if done correctly) than breast implant placement surgery. Also, the time required to perform your procedure will depend on the complexity of the surgery. Factors such as whether your implant is placed under or over the muscle and whether a Breast Lift (Mastopexy) is required all play a role. Depending on what’s needed, Breast Implant Removal surgery can take between one and three hours.

Breast Implant Removal surgery not only involves the removal of the implants, but it must also include the removal of the scar tissue capsule that surrounds the implants. This is referred to as a capsulectomy and can be quite challenging, especially when implants have been placed under the muscle. It is crucial to carry out this step so that the breast tissue is able to ‘stick’ back down to the chest wall.

The surgery may also involve repairing the pectoralis muscle and suturing it back to its original position.

Dr Dona typically places a drain (plastic tube) in your wound. This stays in place for at least 24 hours to help remove excess fluid and blood from the surgical area.

 Travelling from out of town?

We welcome many patients who travel from interstate and overseas to see Dr Dona at our Bella Vista clinic. To make your trip as smooth and well-planned as possible. You’ll find helpful details about referrals, pre-surgery consultations, nearby accommodation, nursing support, transport options and more.

Please note: Following your explant surgery, we ask that you remain in Sydney for several days to a week, to attend in-clinic appointments for post-operative monitoring, LED light therapy and other recommended treatments.

Breast Implant Removal Costs

The cost of your surgery will vary depending on the specific procedure you undergo. In some cases, Medicare may provide a rebate if implant removal is considered medically necessary: for example, in situations such as implant rupture, capsular contracture, significant pain or infection.

If you hold Private Health Insurance, your level of cover may contribute to hospital, anaesthetic or other associated costs. Details regarding fees, Medicare item numbers and any potential rebates will be clarified during your consultation with Dr Dona.

Recovery and Your Post-operative Care Plan

Supporting optimal healing and scar minimisation every step of the way…

Before your explant surgery, you will be provided with detailed post-operative care instructions. Follow-up begins shortly after your procedure and includes regular in-clinic visits with our nursing team over the following weeks (for local patients). These appointments allow Dr Dona and the nursing team to monitor your recovery, provide wound care and post-operative treatments, and guide you through each stage of healing.

As part of your recovery, you will also be supported through our HeaLED Program — a structured post-operative care plan designed to assist the healing process, help manage swelling and support scar care.

Key components of the HeaLED Program include:

• LED Light Therapy – reduces inflammation, swelling, and discomfort and aids overall recovery after explant surgery.
• Rejuran Therapy – Boosts collagen, strengthens skin, improves skin quality.
• Medical-grade Skincare – Improves skin health and supports scar healing

Together, these treatments help you feel better sooner and achieve smoother, more aesthetically pleasing results.

Nursing and home care support

After surgery, your movement will be limited, and you may need some help with daily tasks such as showering, cooking, cleaning and driving. If you don’t have someone available to help at home, you might consider arranging professional nursing support. If you have Private Health Insurance, your provider may cover part or all of the costs for transport and in-home nursing care. We recommend contacting your health fund directly to confirm what support you’re eligible for.

For home visits, we recommend:

• Care Next Door – Post-Operative After-Care
• Care For Family – Post-Operative Care Services

For transport, several nursing transport companies are available to take you from the hospital to our clinic for your appointments.

• MediRide (T 02 9666 7930)
• National Patient Transfer

Potential Risks & Complications

General surgical risks and complications

Every surgical procedure carries potential risks and complications. It’s essential to be aware of these before making any decisions about surgery.