Explant Surgery FAQ

Surgical removal of breast implants, with or without removal of the surrounding capsule. The most thorough form is en-bloc capsulectomy — implant and capsule removed as a single intact unit.

No. Explant alone removes only the implant. Capsulectomy removes the implant plus the scar capsule. Most patients want capsulectomy for safety and symptom relief reasons.

A technique where implant and entire capsule are removed together as one unit, without entering the capsule or rupturing it during removal. This contains any silicone, bacteria, or atypical cells within the capsule.

Tissue changes after long-term implant placement are partially reversible. Skin and muscle have stretched, some atrophy may have occurred. Expect a smaller, somewhat altered breast appearance. A lift can address skin laxity if desired.

BII refers to a cluster of systemic symptoms some women experience that they attribute to their breast implants. Symptoms may include fatigue, brain fog, joint pain, autoimmune-like features, and others. The mechanism remains debated; the symptoms patients experience are real.

The FDA acknowledges that some women report systemic symptoms after implant placement and has updated implant labeling to reflect this. BII is not yet a formally defined medical diagnosis with established criteria, but it is being studied.

Many women report significant symptom improvement after explant. Outcomes vary. We do not promise resolution; we promise thorough surgical removal and evidence-based care.

Some patients notice improvements within days; others take months. Outcomes correlate with overall health, time since implants placed, and individual factors.

Breast Implant-Associated Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma — a rare lymphoma associated primarily with textured breast implants. Estimated risk varies by implant type but remains rare (estimated 1 in 3,000 to 1 in 30,000 for high-risk textured implants).

Reported cases have overwhelmingly been associated with textured implants. Smooth implants have not been linked to BIA-ALCL in the same way.

Current consensus does not mandate removal of asymptomatic textured implants but recommends close monitoring, including ultrasound or MRI. Some patients choose explant for peace of mind. This is an individual decision to discuss with your surgeon.

Most cases present as late-onset seroma (fluid collection around implant). Diagnosis involves fluid aspiration with cytology and immunohistochemistry. Capsule pathology after explant is also part of screening.

1.5-3 hours for explant with capsulectomy. Combined procedures (lift, fat transfer) extend this. Performed under general anesthesia.

Most explant patients have drains for 3-7 days. Drains help manage fluid collection in the empty pocket and reduce seroma risk.

1 night observation is typical. Some patients with combined procedures stay 2 nights.

Not always. Very thin capsules, ruptured implants with extensive spread, or capsules adherent to chest wall may require modified approaches. Surgeon decides based on intraoperative findings.

Office work: 1-2 weeks. Physical work: 4-6 weeks. Combined procedures extend this.

Light walking: immediately. Cardio: 4 weeks. Weight training: 6 weeks. Chest exercises: 8-12 weeks.

Final pathology takes 7-14 days but you do not need to wait in Istanbul. Results are shared electronically.

We continue to support patients post-op. Some symptoms relate to other underlying conditions and require additional medical evaluation. We can refer to internal medicine, rheumatology, or other specialists as needed.

Minimum 7-10 days. Hospital 1-2 nights, hotel recovery 5-7 days, follow-up before flight.

English, German, and Turkish.

EU and many other passport holders enter Turkey visa-free or with online e-Visa. Check with the Turkish embassy for your country.

Both available. Most international patients have a detailed video consultation first, then arrive for surgery.

Turkish Ministry of Health regulations prohibit advertising prices for medical procedures. Personalized quote provided after consultation. Costs vary by complexity, combined procedures, and hospital.

Some international insurance covers medically necessary explant (BIA-ALCL, rupture). Cosmetic-only explant typically not covered. Check with your insurer.

For medical indications (rupture, BIA-ALCL), partial coverage may apply. Aesthetic explant is not covered.