Breast Surgery, Atlanta
Breast Implant Removal in Atlanta
Whether you are ready to remove your implants or replace them, our female surgeons begin by listening, then create a plan that honors your choice.
CONSULTATION
Personalized, in person
SURGERY LENGTH
1 hour and up, by procedure
ANESTHESIA
General
SETTING
Northside, outpatient
DOWNTIME
About 1 week
The Approach
Your Body, Your Choice, Our Care
Some women come to us to refresh their implants with a new size or shape. Others are ready to remove them for good. Both choices are valid, and both deserve thoughtful, expert care.
If your implants are aging or your preferences have changed, implant exchange is a common and straightforward procedure. If you would like your implants removed without replacement, whether for personal reasons or because of how you have been feeling, we fully support your decision. At Artisan, our role is to guide you with honesty and perform your procedure safely, beautifully, and with the respect you deserve.
Candidacy
Is Breast Implant Removal Right for You?
You never need a medical reason to remove your implants. Your consultation is a space to share your goals freely, while your surgeon makes sure your procedure is safe and that you know what to expect afterward.
You are a candidate if:
- Have breast implants and would like them removed, replaced, or exchanged, for any reason that is yours
- Are in good general health
- Do not smoke, or are ready to stop before surgery
- Are seeking explant for how you have been feeling and want an open conversation about what removal may help with
- Would like to discuss a lift or fat transfer to restore shape after removal
Your Symptoms Matter
Breast Implant Illness: You Will Be Heard
What you may be experiencing
You may have spent a long time not feeling like yourself. Ongoing fatigue, brain fog, joint pain, or a sense that something changed after your augmentation. Many women describe this group of symptoms, often called breast implant illness, or BII.
How We Care for You
We take your experience seriously. Your surgeon will listen to your full history, talk openly about what explant may and may not help with, and if you choose removal, perform it with great care. For many women, how the implant and surrounding capsule are removed is especially important, and we will walk through every option with you.
The Capsule
Understanding Capsulectomy and En Bloc Removal
When an implant is placed, the body naturally forms a thin layer of scar tissue around it, called a capsule. When implants are removed, your surgeon will also decide how to address this capsule.
The main approaches include:
- Explant alone: the implant is removed and the capsule is left in place.
- Partial capsulectomy: a portion of the capsule is removed with the implant.
- Total capsulectomy: the entire capsule is removed along with the implant.
- En bloc capsulectomy: the capsule is removed intact, with the implant still inside, as a single unit.
At Artisan, our surgeons typically perform a total capsulectomy, removing the full capsule with your implants. When the capsule is intact and not firmly attached to the chest wall, en bloc removal may be possible. If the capsule is very thin, torn, or attached to the ribs, removing it carefully in sections is the safest way to remove it completely. Your surgeon will recommend the best approach based on your goals, your capsule, and your anatomy.
Choosing
Your Shape After Explant
Explant Alone
Simple and natural
- Implants are removed with nothing added
- Ideal with good skin elasticity and natural breast tissue, or if you prefer a simpler path
- Breasts may appear softer and less full, depending on your skin and tissue
- One procedure and one recovery
Explant With a Lift
Reshaped and refined
- Implants are removed, then a breast lift reshapes and raises your natural tissue
- Ideal if you expect some sagging after removal, which is common with larger or long-standing implants
- Restores a lifted, youthful shape, with the scars a lift requires
- A longer procedure and recovery
You may also consider explant with fat transfer, which uses your own fat to gently restore volume without an implant. Your surgeon will help you understand how your breasts are likely to look after removal and whether a breast lift or fat transfer would help you feel your best. Some women love embracing their natural shape, while others prefer to restore it. Both are beautiful choices.
The Other Path
Choosing to Replace Your Implants
result, often paired with a lift if your tissue has changed over the years. Your surgeon will size with you in person, just as with a first breast augmentation, and recommend whether a lift belongs in your plan. Explore implant options in Saline vs. Silicone Breast Implants Compared, or read Breast Lift After Implants: Fixing Sagging Years Later.
Recovery
Your Recovery Timeline
Your recovery depends on your procedure. Here is what to expect after a straightforward removal, with additional time noted for more involved procedures.
Day of surgery
You return home the same day in a supportive surgical bra, with someone to stay with you overnight.
First few days
Rest and keep activity light. Expect about a week of downtime, or longer with a capsulectomy or lift.
Week 1
Most patients return to desk work, avoiding lifting or straining.
Weeks 2 to 6
Continue easing back into activity. Strenuous exercise resumes once cleared, typically around six weeks.
3 to 6 months
Swelling resolves and your final shape settles, especially after a lift or fat transfer.
You will leave with written instructions and your follow-up visits already scheduled. Between visits, our team is always a phone call away, and we welcome every question, no matter how small.
Your Experience
Your Personalized Explant Experience
Consultation
We begin by listening. Whether your reasons are aesthetic, personal, medical, or about how you have been feeling, your surgeon will understand your goals, examine your anatomy, and explain what to expect after removal.
Your plan
Removal alone, or with capsulectomy, a lift, or fat transfer. Or implant exchange, if you prefer. Every plan is built around your goals.
Surgery
Performed under general anesthesia at our Northside location, usually as a same-day procedure. Your surgeon uses your original incision whenever possible.
Recovery
Follow-up visits through the first several weeks, tailored to your procedure.
The Practice
Why Patients Choose Artisan
Atlanta's First Women-Led Practice
For women seeking explant, especially those who have felt unheard, being cared for by female surgeons who truly listen can make all the difference.
Expert Female Surgeons
Your procedure is performed by Dr. Diane Z. Alexander, MD, FACS, or Dr. Wang Ashraf, bringing more than 25 years of combined experience to every patient.
Thorough, Thoughtful Removal
Your implants are removed, your capsule addressed as your anatomy allows, and your shape afterward planned with care, with clear explanations of every option.
Your Decision, Fully Respected
You will never be asked to justify your choice. Our role is to make sure you feel informed, supported, and confident in the result.
FAQ
Breast Implant Removal FAQs
Can I have my implants removed and not replaced?
Yes. Explant without replacement is a common request, and you never need a medical reason. Your surgeon will explain how your breasts may look afterward and your options for shaping them.
Will you take my breast implant illness symptoms seriously?
Absolutely. Many women describe symptoms they associate with their implants, often called breast implant illness. Your surgeon will listen to your history, discuss what removal may help with, and perform your explant with care if you choose it.
What is en bloc capsulectomy?
En bloc capsulectomy removes the implant and its surrounding capsule together as one intact unit. It is possible when the capsule is intact and not attached to the chest wall. Our surgeons typically perform a total capsulectomy and will recommend the safest approach for your anatomy.
What will my breasts look like after removal?
Breasts may appear softer, less full, or lower after removal, depending on your implant size, how long you had them, and your skin and tissue. A lift or fat transfer can help restore shape if you wish.
Will insurance cover it?
Elective removal is usually not covered. Removal for a documented medical reason, such as capsular contracture, rupture, or a lymphoma concern, may be covered depending on your policy. We will help you understand which category applies to you.
What are the risks of breast implant removal?
Risks include bleeding, infection, sagging or asymmetry, changes in sensation, scarring, and specific risks related to capsule removal near the chest wall. Removal may not resolve every symptom you associate with your implants, and your surgeon will review all of this with you.
How much does breast implant removal cost in Atlanta?
Your cost depends on whether you choose removal alone or with capsulectomy, a lift, or fat transfer. You will receive personalized pricing after your consultation, and financing is available.
How long is recovery after explant surgery?
About one week of downtime for a straightforward removal, with more time after a capsulectomy, lift, or fat transfer. Most women return to desk work in about a week and resume strenuous activity around six weeks.
Can I have a breast lift at the same time?
Yes, and many women do, since removal alone can leave the breasts lower. Your surgeon will help you decide.
Can I replace my implants instead?
Of course. You can choose newer, larger, smaller, or differently shaped implants, often paired with a lift if your tissue has changed.
Will I have drains?
Drains are common after a total capsulectomy, though not always needed. They are less common with a partial capsulectomy or when less tissue is removed.
Whatever Brought You Here, We Are Here for You
Visit us for a consultation, and our female surgeons will listen, share honest guidance, and create a plan around your choice, whether that is removal, replacement, or removal with a lift.
Request a Consultation Plan My Treatment Call (404) 851-1998