Breast Implant Removal / Explantation in Vancouver, BC
Restore Comfort, Balance, and Natural Confidence
At 8 West Clinic, our breast implant removal (explantation) procedures are designed to help women feel comfortable and confident in their natural form. Whether due to lifestyle changes, medical reasons, aesthetic preference, or implant concerns, our board-certified plastic surgeon offers safe, advanced techniques to remove implants while maintaining a beautiful, natural breast contour. Each procedure is tailored to your anatomy, ensuring a smooth transition, minimal scarring, and results that align with your body goals and overall well-being.
Introduction to Breast Implant Removal / Explantation
Breast implant removal, or explant surgery, is a procedure that removes breast implants from previous augmentations. It is often accompanied by the removal of scar tissue (capsule) and breast reshaping for optimal results. Patients choose this surgery for many reasons, including personal preference, implant aging, discomfort, or to address conditions such as capsular contracture or implant rupture.
At 8 West Clinic, our focus is to restore natural harmony and breast aesthetics while prioritizing your health and safety. We take a personalized approach to each procedure, considering your anatomy, skin quality, and goals to create a balanced, soft, and natural shape post-explantation.
Our board-certified surgeon is an expert in both reconstructive and aesthetic breast surgery. His refined techniques ensure precision in tissue handling, scar placement, and contour restoration. Supported by our comprehensive pre- and post-operative care, patients receive a seamless, comfortable experience, with outcomes that reflect 8 West Clinic’s commitment to excellence and patient confidence.
Click below to learn more about Breast Implant Removal / Explantation.
Benefits of Breast Implant Removal / Explantation
Breast implant removal provides both physical and emotional benefits, helping patients feel more at ease, natural, and confident in their bodies. Whether your goals are medical, aesthetic, or lifestyle-driven, explantation offers a safe and satisfying solution.
Key Benefits:
- Relief from implant-related discomfort or complications
- Restoration of natural breast shape and softness
- Improved body balance and proportion
- Reduced weight and strain on chest tissue
- Option to combine with lift or fat grafting for ideal contour
- Renewed confidence and comfort in your natural body
Types of Breast Implant Removal / Explantation
At 8 West Clinic, we offer several explantation techniques, each tailored to your anatomy and desired outcome. These methods vary based on the implant’s condition, the surrounding tissue, and your aesthetic preferences.
Frequently Asked
Breast implant removal, or explantation, is a surgical procedure to remove breast implants from a previous augmentation. It can be performed alone or combined with other techniques such as a capsulectomy (removal of scar tissue), breast lift, or fat grafting to restore natural shape and contour.
Patients may choose explant surgery for a variety of reasons, including aesthetic preference, lifestyle changes, implant aging, discomfort, or medical concerns such as capsular contracture, rupture, or breast implant illness. Some simply prefer to return to a more natural look and feel.
A capsulectomy is the removal of the scar tissue capsule that forms naturally around the implant. It’s often performed when the capsule becomes hardened (capsular contracture) or if there are concerns about rupture or inflammation. Your surgeon will determine if it’s necessary based on your implant and tissue condition.
After implants are removed, breast tissue may appear deflated or sagging depending on skin elasticity and implant size. To address this, your surgeon may recommend a breast lift to reshape and elevate the tissue or fat grafting to restore soft, natural volume and contour.
Yes — some patients choose to replace their implants with new ones rather than removing them entirely. This can refresh breast shape, update implant type (for example, switching from saline to silicone), or adjust size for a more modern, natural appearance.
Most patients return to normal daily activities within 7–10 days. Some swelling, tightness, or mild bruising is normal in the early healing phase. You’ll wear a supportive garment and follow personalized aftercare instructions. Full results develop gradually over several months as tissues settle and scars fade.
Scars are minimal and typically hidden in the same incision lines as your original breast augmentation surgery. If a lift is performed, additional incisions may be required, but they are strategically placed for minimal visibility and fade over time with proper care.
Yes — once the implants are removed, the change is permanent. If combined with a lift or fat grafting, results are long-lasting. Aging and weight fluctuations will continue to affect the breasts naturally, but your new shape will remain stable over time.
Breast implant removal can improve physical comfort by relieving tightness or heaviness in the chest. For patients experiencing systemic symptoms potentially linked to breast implants, many report improved well-being after surgery. Your surgeon will discuss any medical considerations during your consultation.
Yes — many patients combine their explant procedure with a breast lift, fat grafting, or body contouring for optimal balance and proportion. Combining procedures can enhance overall results and reduce the need for multiple recovery periods.
Meet Dr. Masschelein
Dr. Geoff Masschelein, MD, FRCSC, is a board-certified Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon at 8 West Clinic, specializing in breast and body aesthetics with a focus on chest contouring and gender-affirming top surgery. Trained at Western University’s Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, Dr. Masschelein combines advanced surgical expertise with an empathetic, patient-centred approach to deliver natural, balanced results that enhance both form and confidence.
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