Breast
Breast Implant Removal (+/- Lift)
Removal of breast implants, with or without replacement, lift, or fat grafting depending on the patient's tissue and goals. Often called explant surgery.
Overview
Breast implant removal — explant surgery — is performed for several reasons: capsular contracture, implant rupture or wear, patient preference, or concerns about implant illness. The operation itself is straightforward; the surrounding decisions are not. The remaining breast tissue may have stretched, the capsule (scar tissue around the implant) may need to be removed in part or in full, and the patient may want a lift, fat grafting, or replacement implants in the same operation. Dr. Azadgoli's approach is patient-led on the why and clinically driven on the how.
Who it's for
The right candidate.
Patients who want their implants out — for personal preference, implant illness concerns, capsular contracture, implant rupture, or simply a desire to return to natural breasts. The decision is patient-led.
Technique
How it's done.
The implants are removed; the capsule (the scar tissue surrounding them) is removed in part or in full depending on the indication. En bloc capsulectomy — removing the implant and capsule together as a single unit — is performed when indicated, particularly for textured implants or specific health concerns.
Where this happens
Our own surgery center.
One roof, one team.
Dr. Azadgoli operates at The Practice Healthcare's fully independent, on-property ambulatory surgery center — a Medicare-certified, physician-led facility recognized by Newsweek as one of California's top centers for independent, privately owned surgery.
Consultation, surgery, aftercare, and recovery all happen in one building, with the same team. No outside hospital. No new staff to meet the day of surgery. The same person who checked you in at the consult is there when you wake up.
What to expect
From consultation to recovery.
Outpatient under general anesthesia. Most patients return to desk work at one week, exercise at four weeks. The breast tissue settles over three to six months as it adapts to the new shape.
Patient results
Real cases.
Insurance & coverage
Patient Advocacy handles the paperwork.
Our advocacy team verifies benefits, pursues pre-authorizations, and appeals denials. You don't navigate insurance on your own.
Removal for complications — rupture, severe capsular contracture, breast implant illness with documented symptoms, BIA-ALCL — often qualifies for coverage. Patient-preference explant is typically not covered. Our Patient Advocacy team reviews your indication, gathers any imaging or symptom documentation, and pursues coverage where appropriate.
How we work with insurance
- 1 Verification by expertsOur advocacy team verifies your benefits before any procedure — so we know exactly what is and is not covered.
- 2 Patient advocacy & follow-throughWe aggressively pursue pre-authorizations, appeal denials when appropriate, and hold carriers accountable to their commitments.
- 3 Financial transparencyYou receive a clear written estimate of potential out-of-pocket costs. No surprises on the day of surgery.
- 4 Collaboration with carriersOur team handles documentation and communication directly with your insurance company.
- 5 Options & supportIf a procedure is not covered, we walk you through cash-pay options, financing, and other pathways to care.
FAQ
Common questions.
Will my breasts sag after explant?
Often, yes — particularly if the implants were large or had been in place for many years. A lift can be performed at the same operation to address this. Fat grafting is sometimes added to restore volume.
What is en bloc capsulectomy?
Removing the implant and the surrounding scar tissue as a single sealed unit. It is indicated for textured implants linked to BIA-ALCL and is preferred by patients with implant illness concerns. Not every case requires it.
Can I get new implants later if I change my mind?
Yes. The tissue will need to be evaluated again before re-augmentation, but explant does not preclude later augmentation.
Is the procedure covered by insurance?
Sometimes. Complications like rupture, severe capsular contracture, or BIA-ALCL often qualify for coverage. Patient-preference explant typically does not. Our advocacy team documents the indication and pursues coverage where appropriate.
Should I have a lift at the same time?
Many patients benefit from one. The implants have been stretching the tissue; removing them without a lift can leave deflated, sagging breasts. The decision is made together based on tissue quality and your goal.
What is breast implant illness (BII)?
BII is a constellation of symptoms — fatigue, brain fog, joint pain, autoimmune-type complaints — that some patients attribute to their implants. The medical evidence is still being studied. Whatever your reason for explant, it's valid; we do not require a specific diagnosis.
Ready to discuss breast implant removal (+/- lift)?
Schedule a consultation with Dr. Azadgoli and her team to explore your options.
Request a consultation