Cosmetic Breast Surgery

Breast Implant Removal

Safe, expert removal — with or without replacement or simultaneous uplift.

Representative result (after) — individual outcomes vary. Shared with patient consent. View before & after gallery

Mr Will Sarakbi

Implant removal and revision is an area where Mr Sarakbi’s dual expertise in cosmetic and oncoplastic breast surgery is particularly valuable. Whether removing implants for health reasons, capsular contracture, or personal preference, he works to achieve the best possible breast shape and form after removal — often combining removal with reshaping or fat transfer.

Mr Will Sarakbi — Consultant Oncoplastic Breast Surgeon View implant removal results →

Reasons for implant removal

Women seek implant removal for a variety of reasons. Mr Sarakbi provides careful, personalised assessment and will discuss all your options — including removal alone, removal with capsulectomy, removal with replacement, or removal with simultaneous mastopexy (uplift).

Common reasons include:

  • Capsular contracture — hardening and distortion of the breast due to scar tissue
  • Implant rupture — confirmed or suspected rupture of the implant shell
  • Change of preference — wishing to return to a natural size
  • Textured implant concerns — patients with older textured implants who wish to have them removed or exchanged
  • Breast implant illness (BII) — symptoms believed to be associated with implants
  • Implant age — implants that have reached the end of their expected lifespan

The procedure

Implant removal is usually performed under general anaesthetic as a day case. The implant is removed through the existing scar wherever possible. If capsular contracture is present, a full or partial capsulectomy (removal of the scar tissue capsule) is also performed.

If you wish to have replacement implants or a simultaneous breast lift, this can often be performed at the same operation. Mr Sarakbi will advise on the best plan for your circumstances.

After removal

The appearance of the breasts following removal depends on how long you have had implants, their size and your natural breast tissue. Mr Sarakbi will discuss what to expect and what options are available to optimise the result.

Concerned about your implants? Book a consultation to discuss your options.

Book a Consultation
At a Glance
Anaesthetic
General
Duration
45–90 minutes
Hospital stay
Day case
Return to work
1–2 weeks
Exercise
4–6 weeks

Capsular contracture occurs when the scar tissue around a breast implant thickens and contracts, causing firmness, distortion and sometimes pain. It is graded on the Baker scale from I to IV. Treatment involves implant removal and capsulectomy.

BII is a term used by some patients to describe systemic symptoms (fatigue, brain fog, joint pain) that they believe are related to their implants. The evidence base is still developing. Mr Sarakbi can discuss the available evidence and your options, including implant removal. More information is available on the Implant Illness page.

En bloc capsulectomy (removing the implant and capsule intact as a single unit) is a technically demanding procedure. It may be indicated in specific circumstances. Mr Sarakbi will advise on whether this is appropriate for your situation based on your history, imaging and symptoms.

Watch & Learn

About Implant Removal & Revision

Mr Sarakbi explains what you need to know — in his own words.

Mr Sarakbi on implant removal and your options

Book a consultation

Discuss your implant concerns with Mr Sarakbi at Cadogan Clinic, Chelsea.