Breast implant removal in India

Every implant becomes surrounded by a thin layer of scar tissue called a capsule. Explant surgery removes the implant and, depending on the reason, part or all of this capsule. Removing the whole capsule in one piece is called en bloc capsulectomy and is longer surgery.

After removal the breasts are usually smaller and may look empty or loose. Some women accept this, while others have a breast lift or fat transfer in the same operation. Your surgeon helps you predict the shape after removal.

How this approach differs

Allow one trip of 7 to 10 days. Removal alone is often lighter surgery than the original augmentation, but full capsulectomy or a combined lift adds days, and drains must be out before you fly. NHS guidance for breast surgery is to wait 5 to 7 days before flying. Wear a compression bra or vest for a few weeks to help the skin settle onto the chest. Bring your original implant card, as brand and size guide the plan.

Who needs breast implant removal

• Hard, painful or misshapen breasts from capsular contracture (scar tightening)
• Confirmed or suspected implant rupture on scan
• Implants that are older and causing concern
• Women who no longer want implants or want a natural size
• Textured implants where the patient wishes removal after discussing lymphoma risk with a specialist

How it is done

1. You have general anaesthesia
2. The surgeon usually opens the original scar in the breast fold or around the areola
3. The implant is taken out, and the capsule is removed fully, partly or left, as planned
4. Removed tissue may be sent to a laboratory for examination
5. A lift or fat transfer is added if agreed beforehand
6. Drains may be placed for a day or two, and the wounds are closed

Before you travel to India

• Your implant card or operation notes showing brand, size, type and placement
• A recent breast ultrasound or MRI if rupture is suspected
• Photographs of the breasts from front and side
• A list of symptoms you link to the implants, with dates
• Your preferences about a lift or fat transfer after removal

Recovery and flying home

• Most people go home the same day or after one night
• Drains, if used, are removed before flying
• Pain is often less than after the original augmentation
• Breast shape changes over three to six months as skin retracts
• Return to office work usually within one to two weeks

Risks

• Loose or deflated-looking breasts after removal
• Fluid collection (seroma) where the implant was
• Bleeding or infection
• Uneven breasts
• Longer surgery and more bleeding when the whole capsule is removed

Alternatives

• Implant exchange for a smaller or different implant
• Capsulectomy with a new implant if contracture is the only problem
• Removal with a breast lift or fat transfer in the same sitting

Hospitals in India for breast implant removal

• Medanta - The MedicityDelhi NCR
• Artemis HospitalDelhi NCR
• Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital & Medical Research InstituteMumbai
• Indraprastha Apollo HospitalsDelhi NCR
• BLK-Max Super Speciality HospitalDelhi NCR
• Continental HospitalsHyderabad
• Aster CMI HospitalBengaluru
• Apollo Health City, Jubilee HillsHyderabad

How these hospitals compare

Specialists

• Dr Aditya AggarwalMedanta - The Medicity, Gurugram
• Dr Sunil ChoudharyMax Super Speciality Hospital, Saket
• Prof V B Narayana MurthyKauvery Hospital, Alwarpet
• Dr Arul Mozhi MangaiKauvery Hospital
• Dr Sathish ManivelKauvery Hospital
• Dr Vipul NandaFortis Memorial Research Institute, Gurugram

Frequently asked questions

Sources

• NHS: Cosmetic surgery abroad

Medically reviewed by The Curaventa Team. Last updated 2026-10-24. General information, not medical advice. Medical editorial board · Editorial policy · How we get prices