Breast implant removal:

The body envelops every implant – for example breast implants or joint prostheses – with a thin layer of connective tissue. This so-called capsule formation is a natural reaction to a foreign body. It is usually inconspicuous, neither palpable nor visible and causes no discomfort.

However, if this shell hardens excessively, this is known as capsular fibrosis. This can manifest itself through pain, a feeling of tightness or a visible deformation of the breast.
Capsular fibrosis used to occur more often in the past as older breast implants were filled with liquid silicone. This could leak through the shell in small quantities – a process known as “silicone bleeding”, which also stimulated capsule formation. Today, only cohesive silicone gel is used, which is much more stable. Nevertheless, even with modern implants – regardless of the manufacturer – capsular fibrosis cannot be completely ruled out.

Breast implant removal is usually performed under general anesthesia as part of a one-day stay at our clinic. The surgical procedure is usually performed over the existing scar so that no new incisions are necessary.

If capsular fibrosis is present, i.e. a hardening of the normally soft connective tissue envelope around the implant, the affected capsule is removed, too. If the capsule tissue is inconspicuous, it can remain in the body.

In certain cases, patients request an “en-bloc” removal, in which the implant and capsule are removed in one step. As the body’s own tissue is also removed in this case, there may be a greater loss of volume. This should be individually discussed in advance.

In case the breast skin sags after implant removal, the procedure can be combined with a breast lift and/or volume augmentation with autologous (your own) fat. We will be happy to clarify with you whether additional measures are useful or recommended in your case during a personal consultation at our clinic in Duesseldorf.

Can ‘en bloc’ removal of the implant and capsule be performed in any case?

The complete removal of the implant and the surrounding capsule – known as ‚en bloc‘ implant removal – is medically necessary in particular cases only. These include the presence of the rare BIA-ALCL (an implant-associated lymphoma) and pronounced capsular fibrosis with calcifications or leaking silicone filling in older implants.

In addition, some patients request block removal for emotional or psychological reasons. Even if this may not be medically necessary, it can contribute to psychological relief and therefore be reasonable.

Whether a complete removal of the capsule is technically possible depends on the position of the implant:

If the implant is located above the pectoral muscle, the capsule can usually be removed safely. However, if it is located under the muscle, the procedure is more

As with any surgical procedure, there are also risks associated with the removal of breast implants. These include post-operative bleeding, infections, wound healing disorders or temporary loss of sensation in the breast area.

To keep possible complications to a minimum, the procedure should be performed by experienced specialists in plastic and aesthetic surgery – ideally with special expertise in breast surgery.

Around 800 breast operations are performed at our clinic in Duesseldorf every year, a significant proportion of which are performed on patients with breast implants. We will discuss with you whether and in what form breast implant removal is an option for you in a comprehensive consultation.