Breast Implant Removal

WOOA Plastic Surgery is in HM Tower, 492 Gangnam-daero, Gangnam-gu, a short walk from Sinnonhyeon and Gangnam Stations, and welcomes patients from around the world.

At WOOA, implant removal is carried out as part of breast revision surgery. Using endoscopic skills built over 20 years, the team can take out an implant together with the capsule that is causing problems in a single operation, while protecting the surrounding muscle and tissue.

WHAT IS BREAST IMPLANT REMOVAL?

Breast implant removal takes out a previously placed implant, often along with the scar capsule around it. At WOOA, the decision is made after assessing the capsule, implant position, breast tissue and skin together. Depending on the case, the implant may be removed and replaced, removed and re-inserted, or removed with its capsule in one piece.

Who Is a Good Candidate for Breast Implant Removal?

Implant removal may be considered if you:

Have hard, painful breasts from capsular contracture.
Have an implant that is damaged or deformed.
Have pain from inflammation or other complications of a previous surgery.

Approaches to Capsule & Implant Removal

Capsulotomy:
- The capsule is partly released when only the breast shape needs improving.
Capsulectomy:
- The entire capsule is removed when capsular contracture or other complications are found.
En Bloc Capsulectomy:
- The implant and capsule are removed together when a condition such as a tumour is diagnosed.

How Is Implant Removal Performed at WOOA?

The process generally involves:

Diagnosis: Mammogram and ultrasound assess the breast and show whether capsule removal is needed.
Anesthesia: Managed by a board-certified anesthesiologist present on site.
Endoscopic Removal: With Full HD endoscopy, the implant and capsule are removed without damaging the muscle; thick capsules over 0.6mm are taken out carefully.
Next Step: Where suitable, a new implant can be placed or the layer changed in the same operation.

Will My Implant Need to Come Out?

Not always. If an implant is in good condition, it can often stay. Removal is advised when:

There is contracture, damage or deformation of the implant.
The capsule is causing the problem and needs to be removed with it.

Recovery After Implant Removal

Everyday Activities: Most patients return to normal routines within 3–4 days, though adhesions can lengthen recovery a little.
Drain: A drain may be kept for 3–7 days depending on your condition.

Why Choose WOOA for Implant Removal?

WOOA’s breast team identifies which cases truly need capsule removal, completes it with minimal pain and tissue damage, and supports recovery with step-by-step aftercare – aiming to avoid the need for further operations.

Breast