Breast Implant Removal in Atlanta, Buckhead & Sandy Springs

Breast implant removal (often called explant surgery) is a procedure to remove saline or silicone breast implants. Some patients choose implant removal due to discomfort, capsular contracture, implant rupture, concerns about long-term maintenance, lifestyle changes, or because their aesthetic preferences have evolved over time. Others want to address implant-related symptoms they believe may be associated with their implants, or they want to exchange implants for a different size or type.

Kavali Plastic Surgery and Skin Renewal Center is led by board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Carmen Kavali. Patients from Atlanta, Buckhead, and Sandy Springs come to Dr. Kavali for a careful, medically responsible approach to implant removal—focused on safety, scar quality, and creating the most natural breast shape possible after implants are removed. The best plan depends on your anatomy, implant history, the condition of the capsule, and whether you want additional reshaping at the same time. Individual results vary.

You may be a candidate for breast implant removal if you:

• Have discomfort, tightness, or firmness related to capsular contracture
• Have an implant rupture or deflation (suspected or confirmed)
• Want to remove implants without replacement for lifestyle or aesthetic reasons
• Prefer a smaller breast size or want to return closer to your pre-implant shape
• Have changes in breast tissue after pregnancy, breastfeeding, or weight changes and want a new plan
• Want to address implant malposition, asymmetry, or “bottoming out” (sometimes combined with revision)

Some patients also seek implant removal because they are concerned about systemic symptoms they associate with implants. Whether symptoms improve is not predictable and varies from person to person. A consultation helps clarify the most appropriate surgical plan and what results can reasonably be expected.

Good candidates are generally in good overall health, able to undergo anesthesia, and have realistic expectations about what implant removal can achieve—especially if skin has stretched over time.

Your consultation is designed to be thorough and individualized. You’ll review your full implant history, including:

• When your implants were placed and whether you’ve had prior revisions
• Implant type (saline vs. silicone), size, and placement plane (above vs. below muscle)
• Any symptoms: pain, tightness, changes in shape, rippling, or systemic concerns
• Any imaging history and whether new imaging is appropriate

Dr. Kavali will examine your breasts and evaluate:

• Skin elasticity and degree of tissue stretch
• Nipple position and degree of sagging (ptosis)
• Signs of capsular contracture (firmness, distortion, elevated implant position)
• Scar placement and options for incision planning

A key part of consultation is defining your goal after removal. Some patients want the most natural breast shape possible without implants; others want removal with a lift for better contour; and some want removal with replacement or revision. Dr. Kavali will explain which approach best fits your anatomy and expectations.

For patients exploring multiple options, related services include breast implant revision and capsular contracture treatment.

Implant removal can be performed on its own, but many patients benefit from combining it with additional procedures that improve shape after the implant is removed. The right combination depends on how much tissue has stretched and how the breast sits on the chest wall after removal.

Common combined options include:

• Implant Removal + Breast Lift (Mastopexy): Helps address sagging and repositions the nipple for a more lifted contour.
• Implant Removal + Fat Transfer: Adds subtle volume using your own fat to soften contours (case-dependent).
• Implant Removal + New Implants (Exchange): For patients who want a different size, type, or placement with updated shape goals.

Combining procedures can mean one anesthesia event and one recovery period, but it also adds complexity. Dr. Kavali will recommend what is safest and most likely to create a shape you’ll feel good about long-term. Individual results vary.

1) Remove Implants Only vs. Remove + Lift

If your skin has stretched and your breast tissue has descended over time, implant removal alone may leave the breasts looking flatter or more deflated than you expect. A lift can reshape the breast mound and reposition the nipple for a more youthful contour. If your tissue quality is good and sagging is minimal, removal alone may be appropriate.

2) Capsule Management: Capsulotomy vs. Capsulectomy

The “capsule” is the scar tissue that naturally forms around every breast implant. In implant removal surgery, Dr. Kavali will discuss options for managing the capsule, which may include:

• Capsulotomy: Releasing or opening the capsule in a controlled way.
• Capsulectomy: Removing some or all of the capsule.

The best approach depends on your symptoms, the condition of the capsule, implant type, and whether there are signs of capsular contracture. Not every patient needs the same capsule approach, and the safest plan is individualized.

3) Your Desired Size and Shape After Explant

Some patients want to return as close as possible to their natural breast size. Others want to maintain some fullness through fat transfer or a smaller implant exchange. Your consultation focuses on what is realistically achievable based on your tissue, nipple position, and skin elasticity.

4) Scar and Incision Strategy

Whenever possible, surgeons may use existing incision lines (such as inframammary fold scars) to minimize new scarring. If a lift is included, incision patterns change based on the degree of reshaping needed. Dr. Kavali will explain where incisions may be placed and how scars typically mature over time. Individual scar outcomes vary.

Breast implant removal is typically performed under general anesthesia in an accredited surgical setting. While every plan is individualized, a common sequence includes:

1. Pre-operative marking: Especially important if combining removal with a lift.

2. Anesthesia and monitoring: Continuous monitoring for patient safety.

3. Incision: Often through the prior incision (when appropriate), or a new incision if needed for access and reshaping.

4. Implant removal: Saline implants may be deflated and removed; silicone implants are removed intact when possible.

5. Capsule management: Capsulotomy and/or capsulectomy as planned based on your anatomy and surgical goals.

6. Reshaping (if included): Lift and/or fat transfer steps performed as planned.

7. Closure: Layered closure to support healing and scar quality.

Surgical time depends on complexity and whether additional procedures are performed. Your plan and recovery instructions will reflect your specific approach.

After surgery, you’ll be monitored in recovery and then discharged home with a responsible adult when it is safe to do so. You may experience swelling, soreness, tightness, and bruising—especially if capsule work or a lift is included.

Early care may include:

• Wearing a surgical bra as directed
• Incision care instructions and showering guidance
• Activity restrictions and lifting limits
• Medication instructions and what symptoms should trigger a call to the office

In some cases, drains may be placed depending on the extent of capsule removal or reshaping. If drains are needed, you will receive detailed instructions on care and typical removal timing.

Recovery depends on whether implant removal is performed alone or combined with other procedures. General expectations may include:

• Week 1: Most swelling and soreness; focus on rest and gentle walking.
• Weeks 2–3: Many patients return to desk work, depending on comfort and job demands.
• Weeks 4–6: Gradual return to exercise as cleared; heavier lifting usually restricted longer if capsule work or lift is performed.
• Months 2–3+: Shape continues to refine as swelling resolves and tissues settle.

It’s normal for the breast shape to change during healing. If a lift is included, incision lines and scar maturation also evolve over months. Your follow-up schedule helps ensure healing is progressing appropriately. Individual results vary.

All surgery involves risk. Risks and considerations for breast implant removal may include:

• Bleeding, infection, or delayed wound healing
• Seroma (fluid collection)
• Changes in nipple or breast sensation (temporary or, less commonly, prolonged)
• Asymmetry, contour irregularities, or skin laxity after removal
• Scarring concerns
• Anesthesia-related risks
• Need for additional surgery to achieve desired shape (revision, lift, or fat transfer)

If capsular contracture is present, the surgical plan often addresses both the implant and the capsule. Dr. Kavali will explain which risks are most relevant to your specific case and what steps are taken to reduce them. Individual results vary and cannot be guaranteed.

Many patients feel relieved after implant removal—whether their motivation is comfort, simplicity, lifestyle, or aesthetic preference. However, it’s important to understand that breast tissues may appear different than before implants, especially after years of stretching.

Long-term maintenance often includes:

• Maintaining stable weight to help preserve contour
• Wearing supportive bras during exercise
• Protecting scars from sun exposure during early healing
• Continuing routine breast health screening as advised by your primary care provider

If you want additional fullness without implants, fat transfer may be discussed as a refinement option. You can learn more here: fat transfer to breast.

Implant removal is not simply “taking implants out.” When capsule work or reshaping is involved, the procedure becomes more technical and requires careful judgment to create a natural breast contour and minimize complications.

Kavali Plastic Surgery and Skin Renewal Center is led by board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Carmen Kavali. You can review certification standards through the American Board of Plastic Surgery and learn more about Dr. Kavali through her Northside provider profile.

Before-and-after results can also help you understand a surgeon’s approach to natural contour and scar placement. View the gallery here: Before & After Photos. Individual results vary.

Breast implant removal costs in the Atlanta area vary depending on factors such as implant type, capsule management (whether a capsulectomy is needed), anesthesia and facility fees, and whether additional procedures (like a lift or fat transfer) are included. Many patients fall within a typical range of approximately $6,500 to $15,000+, with combined procedures often on the higher end.

During consultation, you’ll receive a personalized estimate that clarifies what is included. Financing may be available for qualified patients. Learn more here: patient financing.

If you’re considering breast implant removal in Atlanta, Buckhead, or Sandy Springs, the next step is a consultation to confirm your implant history, evaluate your breast tissue and skin quality, and design a surgical plan that matches your goals—whether that is removal alone or removal with reshaping.

To request an appointment, visit the contact page or call the office. If you are exploring multiple options, you may also review breast implant revision as a comparison.