Breast implant removal and
explant surgery in Harrogate

For most people, their breasts will initially appear deflated immediately post op. Within 3–6 months of explant surgery, the tissues begin to soften and expand back outwards. Patients describe this as 'fluffing'. What affects your final results include your original breast size, how long you had the implants in and the elasticity of your skin. Mr. Kolar will be able to provide you with a more accurate indication of how your breasts may look at your consultation.

You do not necessarily require a lift post explant. However, if your skin has significantly stretched or you’ve had the implants in place for many years then a lift will produce a tighter and better result. On the other hand, if your tissues retain good elasticity and you’re happy with the size of your previous implants, a simple explant alone may be suitable. Mr Kolar will assess your skin at consultation and advise you accordingly.

Although research into the mechanisms of Breast Implant Illness is still ongoing by the wider medical community, we acknowledge BII. We believe many of our patients experience improvements in fatigue, mental fogginess and arthritic type joint issues after explant surgery. While we cannot guarantee a cure, we will engage with you regarding potential benefits of explant surgery.

En bloc capsulectomy involves removing both the implant and surrounding capsule as a single sealed package. Total capsulectomy removes the entire capsule but in separate pieces. An en bloc capsulectomy is typically recommended when BIA-ALCL or ruptured implants are suspected. Although it produces longer scarring than a total capsulectomy, it is not anatomically possible in all cases.

Approximately 50% of women return to their desk based job within 7–10 days. They can resume driving approximately 2 weeks later. Patients can gradually introduce light exercise approximately 4 weeks post-op and full exercise and heavy lifting approximately 6–8 weeks post-op. Depending upon whether a patient has undergone a capsulectomy or a combined procedure with lift, it may delay recovery time by 1–2 weeks.

Only in specific clinical cases. The NHS funds removal for confirmed BIA-ALCL, severe capsular contracture (Baker Grade IV with pain), recurrent infection, or PIP implants.
If your initial augmentation was privately funded then the NHS will refer you back to your original provider before considering funding. As such, most cosmetic explants are self funded.

Some implant manufacturers provide warranties that may cover some of the costs associated with removal and replacement, should your implant rupture. Please bring either your implant card or your surgical records to your consultation so we can assist you in determining if you qualify for warranty coverage.

No. When the back wall of the capsule is fused to the rib cage, forcibly removing the capsule carries a high risk of causing a pneumothorax (puncturing a lung). In these situations a partial capsulectomy is considered to be safer. Ultimately, patient safety dictates which surgical approach is used. Mr Kolar will discuss his recommendations regarding which surgical method he recommends for your specific case.

Yes. Removal with replacement is one of our standard pathways. If your current capsule is intact and you wish to replace them with similar sized implants then this can be done quickly. If however you would prefer smaller implants, implants with greater projections or even completely different shapes then now is the ideal opportunity to do so.

Six months post-op your tissues will have fully relaxed and you’ll be able to see your final result clearly. Should you remain dissatisfied at this point, Mr Kolar will outline your revision options clearly with you. These usually involve either fat transfer or small adjustment lifting. We do not leave you after surgery! Your after-care is included in your price.