Breast Implant Removal
Whether due to lifestyle changes, cosmetic preferences, or medical concerns, many women choose to remove their breast implants. Breast implant removal in Newport Beach (also known as explant surgery) is a highly personalized procedure that can restore a more natural breast appearance or serve as the first step toward a new aesthetic goal.
Dr. Compoginis approaches implant removal with precision and artistry, carefully addressing scar tissue, breast shape, and skin quality to ensure balanced, natural-looking results. When appropriate, he may recommend combining removal with a breast lift or fat grafting to enhance contour and restore volume.
Removal of silicone or saline implants, often with capsule (scar tissue) removal
Relieves discomfort, addresses implant concerns, restores natural breast contours
Typically performed under general anesthesia
Most patients return to light activity within 1–2 weeks
Can be combined with breast lift, fat transfer, or implant replacement
At our office in Newport Beach breast implant removal is a surgical procedure that involves removing breast implants and, in many cases, the surrounding scar tissue capsule that naturally forms around the implant.
Also referred to as breast explant surgery, this procedure may include:
Patients choose implant removal for many reasons, including capsular contracture, implant rupture, breast implant illness concerns, or personal aesthetic preferences.
With breast implant removal Newport Beach patients typically have it performed as an outpatient procedure under general anesthesia. Dr. Compoginis begins by making carefully placed incisions, often along existing breast augmentation scars, to minimize additional visible scarring. The implants are then safely removed, along with any necessary scar tissue capsule.
If needed, a partial capsulectomy or full capsulectomy is performed to address hardened or thickened scar tissue, such as in cases of capsular contracture.
Depending on your goals, the procedure may also include:
Each surgical plan is tailored to achieve the most natural and balanced outcome possible.
Every breast implant develops a capsule of scar tissue around it. In some cases, the implant can be removed while some or all of that capsule stays in place. In others, Dr. Compoginis may recommend a partial or total capsulectomy, especially if the capsule is thick, tight, or contributing to problems such as capsular contracture.
The en bloc procedure removes the implant and capsule along with a margin of surrounding tissue and is generally reserved for suspected or confirmed implant-associated cancer. It isn’t automatically necessary for routine breast implant removal or Breast Implant Illness (BII). Dr. Compoginis will recommend how much capsule should be removed based on the condition of your implants, scar tissue, health concerns, and what can be done safely.
Breast implant removal may be recommended or desired for:
This procedure provides both medical and aesthetic solutions tailored to each patient.
Removing implants allows the breasts to return to a more natural size and feel.
Implant removal can relieve symptoms associated with capsular contracture, rupture, or implant-related concerns.
When combined with a lift or fat transfer, the procedure can enhance breast contour and symmetry.
Patients can choose to remove, replace, or refine their results as their goals evolve.
For many patients, explant surgery provides reassurance and confidence in their long-term health and appearance.
Breast implant removal targets the breasts and surrounding tissues, restoring natural contours while improving breast shape, symmetry, and comfort.
You may be a good candidate for breast implant removal in Newport Beach if you:
During your consultation, Dr. Compoginis will evaluate your breast tissue, skin quality, and surgical history to recommend the best approach.
If your goal is to be implant-free, breast implant removal may be the right choice. But if you still want implants and are dealing with rupture, capsular contracture, implant position, asymmetry, or a change in your preferred size or shape, breast implant revision may make more sense.
Dr. Compoginis can help you compare both options based on what is bothering you now and what you want your breasts to look and feel like afterward.
Recovery following breast implant removal varies depending on whether additional procedures are performed.
Most patients experience mild swelling and discomfort during the first week, which gradually improves. A supportive surgical bra is typically worn to help minimize swelling and support healing tissues.
Light activities can usually resume within 7–10 days, while more strenuous activities should be avoided for several weeks. If a lift or fat transfer is performed, recovery may be slightly longer.
Following all post-operative instructions is essential to ensure proper healing and optimal results.
Results after breast implant removal are visible immediately, though the final breast shape continues to improve as swelling subsides and tissues settle.
Patients who choose implant removal alone will notice a return to a more natural breast size, while those who combine the procedure with a breast lift or fat grafting often achieve enhanced shape and contour.
Over time, the breasts soften and adapt, creating a balanced, natural appearance. With proper care and stable weight, results are long-lasting and aligned with each patient’s evolving aesthetic goals.
Breast Implant Illness, or BII, is a term used for a range of symptoms some patients believe may be related to their implants. These can include fatigue, brain fog, joint or muscle pain, headaches, and other symptoms. There is no single test for BII, and the connection between breast implants and these symptoms is still being studied.
Some patients report feeling better after their implants are removed, but symptom improvement cannot be guaranteed. If health concerns are part of your reason for considering explant surgery, Dr. Compoginis can review your history and discuss the removal options that make sense for you. Having BII symptoms does not automatically mean the entire capsule needs to be removed or that en bloc surgery is necessary.
Breast implant removal is surgery and comes with risks such as bleeding, infection, fluid buildup, reactions to anesthesia, scarring, changes in breast or nipple sensation, asymmetry, and healing problems. Removing the capsule may require additional dissection, so the risks can also vary depending on how much scar tissue needs to be removed. Dr. Compoginis will review the risks that apply to your surgical plan before you decide to move forward.
Breast implant removal requires more than simply removing implants; it demands a thoughtful approach to breast reshaping, tissue preservation, and aesthetic balance.
Board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. John Compoginis is known for his meticulous technique, advanced surgical planning, and commitment to natural-looking results. Every procedure is tailored to the individual, whether the goal is restoration, refinement, or transformation.
Patients trust his experience, precision, and patient-centered approach to guide them through every step of the process.
The cost of our Newport Beach breast implant removal depends on what your surgery involves. Removing the implants alone is different from a procedure that also includes a capsulectomy, treatment of a rupture or capsular contracture, a breast lift, fat grafting, or implant replacement. After Dr. Compoginis examines your breasts and understands your goals, he can create a surgical plan and the practice can provide a personalized cost estimate.
Yes. Many patients choose to combine implant removal with a breast lift or fat transfer to improve shape and restore volume.
Capsular contracture occurs when the scar tissue around an implant tightens, potentially causing discomfort, distortion, or firmness.
Silicone implant ruptures may remain contained, while saline implant ruptures are typically noticeable as the implant deflates. Removing the ruptured implant is recommended in both cases.
Most patients return to light activities within 1–2 weeks, with full recovery over several weeks, depending on the procedure.
Some patients experience loose skin after removal. A breast lift can be performed to create a more lifted, youthful contour if desired.
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