Remove implants (explant)
Implants are removed. May include partial or total capsulectomy. No new implants placed.
- May suit those wanting to be implant‑free
- Considered for rupture or recurrent contracture
- Lift can help with shape after volume loss
Breast surgery comparison
Breast implant removal vs replacement in Australia
Weighing up whether to remove your breast implants or replace them? This guide compares reasons, results, costs, recovery and risks so you can discuss the right pathway with a qualified surgeon.
Removal
Implants taken out; may include capsulectomy. A lift can be added for shape.
Replacement
Old implants removed; new implants placed (with pocket and shape adjustments).
Recovery
Light duties 1–2 weeks for most; heavy activity usually 4–6 weeks off.
Common reasons
Rupture, capsular contracture, size change, rippling, malposition, breast implant-associated concerns.
Costs at a glance
Removal can be lower; lifts and complex capsulectomies increase fees. Replacement generally costs more than primary augmentation.
Safety and consent
Consultation & safety • Informed consent • GP referral rules
Check your surgeon
How to choose a surgeon and check credentials before you book.
Breast implant removal guide
Costs, recovery, risks and surgeon choice for explant surgery.
Removal with lift vs without lift
Understand shape changes and when a lift helps.
Breast implant revision
Replacement options, pocket repair and shape refinement.
All comparisons
Explore more side‑by‑side procedure comparisons.
Which option may suit you?
Your goals, implant history and anatomy drive this decision. Use the summaries below to prepare for a detailed consultation and imaging with your surgeon.
Remove + lift (explant + mastopexy)
Implants out, breast tissue and skin reshaped to improve position and contour.
- Addresses laxity after explant
- Improves nipple/areola position
- Often chosen when natural shape is a priority
Replace implants (revision augmentation)
Old implants removed; new implants placed. Pocket adjustments or lift as needed.
- Maintains or changes volume and shape
- Can address rippling or malposition
- Discuss implant type, size and pocket plan
Still unsure?
Get an independent evaluation of your imaging, goals and options before you decide.
We can help you compareBreast implant removal vs replacement: side‑by‑side
A quick, factual comparison to support your consultation. Individual recommendations depend on examination, imaging and medical history.
Factor
Removal (no new implants)
Replacement (new implants)
What this means
Primary goal
Be implant‑free; address rupture, contracture or symptoms
Maintain or adjust breast volume/shape
Choose based on desired look vs desire to remove foreign device
Common reasons
Rupture, recurrent contracture, BIA‑ALCL concerns, personal preference
Size change, malposition, rippling, outdated implants
Both can treat problems; outcomes differ in volume and contour
Typical procedure
Explant ± partial/total capsulectomy; often day surgery
Explant + pocket work; new implants inserted; may add lift
Complexity varies with scarring and pocket condition
Shape after surgery
Less volume; may appear flatter without a lift
Similar or new volume/shape based on plan
A lift can refine nipple position and contour in either pathway
Indicative costs (AU)
Lower for simple explant; higher with total capsulectomy or lift
Generally higher than primary augmentation; lifts add cost
Recovery
Light duties ~1–2 weeks; 4–6 weeks for strenuous activity
Similar or slightly longer, especially with lift/pocket repair
Longevity
No future implant maintenance; natural aging continues
Implants may need future revision or replacement
Discuss realistic maintenance expectations
Risks
General surgical risks; contour changes, laxity without lift
General risks plus implant‑specific issues (contracture, rupture)
Medicare/private health
May apply for documented complications (case‑specific)
Uncommon for cosmetic changes; reconstructive cases differ
How to decide with confidence
Follow a structured pathway so your decision reflects your goals, anatomy and clinical findings—not guesswork.
1
Clarify your goals
Decide whether being implant‑free or maintaining volume is your priority. Collect prior operative notes if available.
2
Assess clinically
Consult with a qualified surgeon for examination, imaging and discussion of capsular findings and pocket quality.
3
Compare trade‑offs
Review shape expectations, scars, costs, downtime and long‑term maintenance across both options.
4
Plan and consent
Confirm the surgical plan (e.g., capsulectomy and/or lift), written quote, risks, aftercare and timelines before booking.
Who each option may suit
These signals are a starting point only. The right choice depends on your medical assessment and what outcome you value most.
Removal may suit
Preference to be implant‑free, confirmed rupture, recurrent capsular contracture, or concerns related to implant‑associated symptoms.
Removal + lift may suit
Desire for a natural, uplifted breast without implants, especially after larger implants or significant laxity.
Replacement may suit
Maintain or change breast volume/shape, correct pocket issues, update implant type or size, consider adding a lift.
Still deciding?
Bring your questions to a structured consult: imaging review, shape simulations and written, itemised quotes.
Costs, Medicare and private health in Australia
Key cost drivers
Procedure complexity (capsulectomy, lift, pocket repair), surgeon and anaesthetist fees, hospital time, implants (for replacement).
Pricing
Indicative ranges
Simple explant may be lower; explant with full capsulectomy or lift increases cost. Replacement is typically higher than primary augmentation, and replacement + lift is at the higher end. Always request a written, itemised quote.
Estimates
Medicare & private health
Some removal cases qualify when complications are documented. Cosmetic‑only changes are generally not covered. Confirm item numbers and eligibility with your GP, surgeon and health fund.
Cover
Plan your downtime
Light duties after ~1–2 weeks is common; heavier activity is usually restricted for 4–6 weeks. Your surgeon’s protocol applies.
Recovery
Links
Recovery, scars and questions to ask
Arrive prepared so your consultation covers the details that matter to you.
Recovery timelines
Understand typical milestones and when daily activities, work and exercise may resume.
Scars and aesthetics
Explant only vs explant + lift vs replacement each have different scar patterns and shape outcomes.
Questions worth asking
Make sure you understand capsular status, plan for lift/pocket, risks, and long‑term maintenance.
Frequently asked questions
Straight answers to help you compare options before you book.
Will I need a lift if I remove my implants?
Not always. It depends on implant size, skin quality, nipple position and natural tissue. Your surgeon will assess whether a lift at the same time (or staged) would improve shape and nipple position.
What is capsulectomy and do I need it?
Capsulectomy removes some or all of the scar capsule around an implant. The extent depends on capsular thickness, contracture, rupture, pocket concerns and your surgeon’s assessment. Discuss partial vs total approaches and risks.
How long do implants last if I replace them?
Implants are not lifetime devices. Some patients require revision within 10–15 years, while others longer. Plan for the possibility of future surgery and regular clinical review.
Can fat grafting be used instead of replacement?
In selected cases, autologous fat transfer can modestly restore volume and contour. It is not a one‑for‑one substitute for large implants and may need staged sessions. Ask if you’re a candidate.
What regulations apply in Australia?
You need a GP referral before seeing the surgeon who will operate, two pre‑operative consultations, and a minimum 7‑day cooling‑off period after informed consent. Verify your surgeon’s registration and facility accreditation.
Confidential consultation request
Get help deciding between removal and replacement.
Ask about suitability, costs, recovery and whether a lift or pocket repair is recommended in your case. Australia‑wide guidance with a clear, compliant pathway to consultation.
Consultation support
Comparison advice, questions to ask, and itemised quote guidance.
Australia‑wide
Support across major cities and regions with surgeon choice resources.