Breast Implant Removal Utah | En Bloc Breast Implant Removal Salt Lake City

Breast augmentation is one of the most commonly performed cosmetic procedures, but some women decide implants no longer fit their health, comfort, or aesthetic goals. Breast implant removal in Utah focuses on safely removing implants while preserving breast health and a natural appearance, under the care of board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Brian Brzowski, MD.

What is breast implant removal?

Breast implant removal is a cosmetic surgical procedure that reverses breast augmentation by removing existing implants, sometimes without replacement. Women choose implant removal for a variety of reasons, including:

Capsular contracture, which can cause hardening or distortion of the breasts
Implant rupture or deflation
Discomfort during exercise or daily activities
Health or safety concerns
A desire to return to a smaller or more natural breast appearance

During consultation, Dr. Brzowski evaluates each patient’s implant history and goals to determine the most appropriate surgical approach.

Understanding En Bloc Breast Implant Removal

The Implant Removal Process

Understanding en bloc breast implant removal

Many patients encounter the term “en bloc” breast implant removal when researching explant surgery, and it is often misunderstood. To provide clarity and protect patient safety, several plastic surgery organizations have established precise definitions to discourage misuse of the term.

According to the Breast Surgery Collaborative Community:

Total intact capsulectomy: Removal of the entire implant capsule as a single unit.
Total capsulectomy: Complete capsule removal, not necessarily in one piece.
Partial capsulectomy: Removal of only part of the capsule.
En bloc capsulectomy: Removal of the capsule with a margin of surrounding tissue, performed only when treating suspected or confirmed implant-associated cancer.

True en bloc capsulectomy is reserved for cancer-related cases. Outside of these situations, it would require unnecessary removal of surrounding structures such as chest muscle or ribs and is not considered appropriate.

The most appropriate technique is determined during consultation. Current research shows that routine capsule removal does not improve symptoms attributed to breast implant illness. For this reason, Dr. Brzowski typically uses a low-trauma implant removal technique that prioritizes patient safety, minimizes tissue disruption, and supports optimal healing.

The implant removal process?

Patients whose implants were placed through the armpit or around the nipple usually require a new incision within the breast fold. These original incisions are not well suited for the precise technique used during implant removal, and reuse of nipple incisions may increase the risk of contour irregularities.

If a breast fold scar is present, it is typically reused and refined during surgery to help achieve the best possible final scar.

Once the implant pocket is accessed, the implant is evaluated:

Intact implants are removed easily and discarded or saved if requested
Saline implants that rupture deflate quickly, and the saline is safely absorbed by the body
Silicone implants require careful removal of leaked material and cleaning of the implant pocket

If the capsule is thickened, inflamed, or calcified, Dr. Brzowski removes the affected tissue as needed. Extensive capsule work may require a temporary drain, which he otherwise aims to avoid as part of his low-trauma approach.

Removal of recalled Allergan breast implants

In July 2019, Allergan voluntarily recalled its BIOCELL line of textured breast implants following FDA guidance due to a potential association with breast implant-associated anaplastic large cell lymphoma (BIA-ALCL).

The FDA does not recommend implant removal for patients without symptoms. However, Allergan previously offered a replacement program for eligible patients.

Which Allergan implants were recalled?

The recall included the following textured implants and tissue expanders sold under the Natrelle brand:

Natrelle textured saline-filled breast implants
Natrelle textured silicone-filled breast implants
Natrelle textured Inspira silicone-filled breast implants
Natrelle 410 highly cohesive anatomically shaped silicone-filled breast implants
Natrelle 133 Plus tissue expander
Natrelle 133 tissue expander with suture tabs

Why were BIOCELL textured implants recalled?

BIOCELL implants are macro-textured and were designed to adhere to surrounding tissue. While the overall risk remains extremely low, textured implants have shown a higher association with BIA-ALCL compared to smooth implants.

BIA-ALCL is a rare, slow-growing, non-Hodgkin lymphoma that is highly treatable when detected early. Patients should monitor for symptoms such as:

Persistent swelling
Pain
Lumps or changes around the implant

Allergan replacement program overview

Allergan previously offered smooth replacement implants through a warranty program that ran from July 2019 through July 2021. The cost of revision surgery was not included, and implant removal is not recommended for asymptomatic patients due to the extremely low risk of BIA-ALCL.

Patients with concerns about recalled implants are encouraged to consult with Dr. Brzowski to review individualized monitoring, replacement, or removal options.

Why choose Brzowski Plastic Surgery?

Dr. Brzowski is a board-certified plastic surgeon with advanced expertise in breast surgery and extensive experience managing complex implant-related concerns. He is frequently consulted to correct complications from prior procedures and is known for a meticulous, low-trauma surgical approach. Patients choose Brzowski Plastic Surgery for individualized care delivered in a state-of-the-art Utah practice, supported by a responsive medical team and personalized follow-up focused on safety, outcomes, and professionalism.

What can I expect with breast implant removal?

Breast implant removal is performed using a meticulous, low-trauma approach designed to reduce complications and support favorable cosmetic outcomes. Depending on a patient’s anatomy and goals, the procedure may include temporary drain placement, a breast lift to reposition remaining tissue, or fat transfer to restore volume and improve contour, with all options reviewed in detail during consultation.

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What is recovery like?

Recovery after breast implant removal varies by patient but is often easier than recovery from the original augmentation surgery. Most patients experience mild tightness or discomfort that is well managed, and many are able to return to work and normal daily activities within approximately two to three days, depending on the extent of surgery and whether additional procedures were performed.

Breast Implant Removal FAQ's

Do health reasons exist for removing breast implants?

In certain situations, implant removal may be recommended for health-related reasons such as capsular contracture, infection, bleeding, calcium buildup in scar tissue, breast cancer, or tissue damage known as necrosis.

Do women with breast implants have a higher risk of cancer?

The FDA continues to study a possible link between breast implants and anaplastic large cell lymphoma. The condition remains extremely rare, with textured implants showing a higher association than smooth implants. There is no evidence that breast implants increase the risk of breast cancer.

What happens when breast implants leak?

Breast implants are not lifetime devices and may rupture over time. Saline ruptures cause rapid deflation and are safely absorbed by the body. Silicone leaks are more difficult to detect and may require surgical removal of the implant and surrounding tissue.

Will my breasts look saggy after implant removal?

Breast appearance after implant removal depends on factors such as skin elasticity, breast tissue volume, implant size, and how long the implants were in place. Some patients may notice looseness or sagging, which is why options such as a breast lift or fat transfer are often discussed during consultation to help restore shape and contour.

Can breast implant removal be combined with other procedures?

Yes. Breast implant removal is commonly combined with procedures such as a breast lift or fat transfer to improve breast shape and balance after the implants are removed. Dr. Brzowski evaluates each patient individually and discusses whether combining procedures is appropriate based on anatomy, goals, and overall health.

How long do breast implants typically last?

Breast implants are not considered lifetime devices. While some implants remain intact for many years, others may rupture, harden, or cause symptoms over time. Many patients consider implant removal or revision after 10 to 15 years, although timing varies based on implant type, body changes, and personal preferences.

Will I need to stay overnight after breast implant removal?

Breast implant removal is typically performed as an outpatient procedure, meaning patients return home the same day. An overnight stay is usually not necessary unless additional procedures are performed or individual medical considerations require closer monitoring.

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