Removing breast implants is often called explant surgery. ASPS counted 45,773 breast implant removals among augmentation patients in the U.S. in 2025. Some people replace their implants at the same time; others want them out for good. Both are reasonable decisions to discuss with a surgeon.
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Why people have implants removed
Cleveland Clinic and ASPS give these reasons:
- Capsular contracture, scar tissue tightening around the implant, which Cleveland Clinic calls the most common reason. The FDA grades it I to IV; grades III and IV are severe and may need another operation.
- A leak or rupture, including a silent rupture of a silicone implant.
- BIA-ALCL: if it is confirmed, the implant and the capsule around it are generally removed.
- Shifting of the implant.
- Changes in the body over the years.
- Simply wanting them out. This needs no other reason.
The FDA says: “Breast implants are not considered lifetime devices.” ASPS says implants are typically exchanged or removed about every 10 to 15 years, depending on the person’s needs.
Breast implant illness: what the FDA says
Many people who ask about explant surgery mention symptoms they link to their implants. The FDA’s wording is careful: “Symptoms such as fatigue, memory loss, rash, ‘brain fog,’ and joint pain may be associated with breast implants.” These symptoms, often called breast implant illness, are poorly understood and still being studied. The FDA notes that some patients report relief after removal.
That is as far as the evidence goes. No one can promise that removal will change symptoms. Talk to your own doctor about any symptoms, and ask the surgeon what they have seen and what they cannot say.
BIA-ALCL in numbers
BIA-ALCL is a T-cell lymphoma that the FDA says “appears more often in patients with textured breast implants.” FDA medical device reports as of June 30, 2024 counted 1,380 unique reports worldwide and 64 deaths. Textured implants were 73% of cases. The median time from implant to diagnosis was 8 years, and swelling from fluid (a seroma) was the most common sign, in 48% of cases. The FDA says report data cannot establish how often it happens.
Removal, replacement, or removal with a lift
| Option | What it means | Ask |
|---|---|---|
| Removal only | The implants come out and are not replaced | How might my breasts look over time without them? |
| Removal with the capsule | The scar capsule around the implant is taken out as well | Do you suggest removing the capsule for me, and why? |
| Replacement | New implants go in | Which implant, and does the FDA checklist apply again? |
| Removal with a lift | The implants come out and the breasts are reshaped | Read the breast lift guide |
Cleveland Clinic says removal is often combined with a breast lift, and that the most common risk is being unhappy with how the breasts look afterward. ASPS lists “How will my breasts look over time … if the implants are removed?” among the questions to ask before augmentation, for that reason.
The operation and recovery
Cleveland Clinic gives these general points. Your surgeon will give you your own.
| Stage | General range (Cleveland Clinic) |
|---|---|
| Anesthesia | IV sedation or general anesthesia, usually outpatient |
| Drains | For a few days, sometimes up to 10 or more |
| Support garment | A few weeks |
| Driving and usual activity | After 1 to 2 weeks |
| Soreness | Up to 6 weeks |
Risks the FDA describes
On October 27, 2021 the FDA announced new requirements for every breast implant sold in the U.S.: a boxed warning in the labeling, a patient decision checklist that the surgeon must go over with you before surgery and that you both sign, a patient device card, and updated advice on screening for rupture. Sale of implants is restricted to providers and facilities that use the checklist.
- Not lifetime devices. The FDA says: “Breast implants are not considered lifetime devices.” The longer you have them, the more likely complications become, and some complications need more surgery.
- BIA-ALCL. Breast implant associated anaplastic large cell lymphoma is a T-cell lymphoma, a cancer of the immune system, that the FDA says “appears more often in patients with textured breast implants.” It is not breast cancer.
- Other cancers in the capsule. The FDA has reported squamous cell carcinoma and other lymphomas in the scar capsule around implants, with textured and smooth, saline and silicone implants. The FDA believes these may be rare; their cause, incidence and risk factors are not known.
- Systemic symptoms. The FDA says: “Symptoms such as fatigue, memory loss, rash, ‘brain fog,’ and joint pain may be associated with breast implants.” These symptoms, often called breast implant illness, are still being studied.
- Silent rupture. For silicone gel implants, the FDA says MRI is the most effective way to find a rupture that causes no symptoms, and ultrasound is an acceptable alternative.
Read it at the source
The FDA page Risks and Complications of Breast Implants covers every point above. Ask your surgeon to walk you through the patient decision checklist line by line.
What explant surgery costs
ASPS gives a 2024 national range of $3,650 to $6,500 for the surgeon’s fee alone for breast implant removal in augmentation patients, and its 2023 national average was $3,979. Anesthesia, the facility and any lift are extra. The FDA notes that some insurers do not cover removal or replacement, even for complications, so check with your insurer. See the cost guide.
Questions to ask about explant surgery
- What do you suggest for the capsule in my case, and why?
- Would you suggest a lift as well?
- How many implant removals do you perform?
- Will you send the capsule or any tissue for testing?
- What can and can’t you tell me about my symptoms?
- What does the quote include?
Checking the surgeon
Ask whether the surgeon is certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS), and check it on the ABPS lookup. ABPS is a member board of the American Board of Medical Specialties. Then check the surgeon’s New York license on the NYSED Office of the Professions verification search.
Thinking about new implants instead of removal? The silicone vs saline guide compares the two, and fat transfer adds volume without an implant.
Ready to talk about removal or replacement? Send one short request to an independent surgeon’s office in New York.
This page gives general information, not medical advice. If you have new swelling, a lump or pain around an implant, see a doctor. In an emergency, call 911.
Questions people ask
Why do people have breast implants removed?
Cleveland Clinic names painful capsular contracture as the most common reason. Others include leaks, BIA-ALCL, shifting, body changes, or simply wanting them out.
Will removing implants cure my symptoms?
No one can promise that. The FDA says such symptoms may be associated with implants and are still being studied; some patients report relief after removal.
How long is recovery from explant surgery?
Cleveland Clinic says driving and usual activity after 1 to 2 weeks, a support garment for a few weeks and soreness for up to 6 weeks.
Can I have a lift at the same time?
Often, yes. Cleveland Clinic says removal is often combined with a breast lift.
How much does implant removal cost?
ASPS gives a 2024 national range of $3,650 to $6,500 for the surgeon’s fee alone. Other costs are extra.
Does insurance cover removal?
Sometimes not, even for a complication, the FDA notes. Ask your insurer before you book.