Breast
Breast implant removal in Korea
Breast implant removal takes out the implants, sometimes with the scar capsule around them. Common reasons are capsular contracture, rupture or no longer wanting implants. Removal alone is listed at up to 2 hours, with general anesthesia or sedation. Most people return to light activity by day 3 or 4 and spend 7 to 10 days in Seoul.
Who is a good candidate for breast implant removal?
- Scar tissue has tightened around an implant (capsular contracture) and the breast feels hard, hurts or looks distorted
- An implant has ruptured or changed shape, or a scan has shown a problem
- You have repeated inflammation, fluid build-up or pain around an implant
- You no longer want implants, or you are unhappy with their size or with uneven breasts and prefer not to replace them
When it may not be the right choice
- You want a different size or a new implant. Breast implant replacement is planned as its own operation
- You expect removal to clear symptoms such as fatigue or joint pain for certain. Some people report improvement, but results vary and no surgeon can promise it
- You are not ready for how the breasts may look afterwards. They can be smaller and looser, and some people need a lift
Which method fits you?
In explant surgery, what happens to the capsule, and whether anything is added, is decided after an exam and sometimes a scan. These are the general options. Ask the clinic which of them it offers with removal and which suits your case.
| Method | What happens | Suits | Downtime |
|---|---|---|---|
| Removal only | The implant is taken out, often through the original incision. The capsule may be left in place or partly removed. | A soft, healthy capsule and skin that is likely to recover its shape | Light activity from day 3 or 4; stitches come out at about 2 weeks |
| Removal with capsulectomy | Part or all of the scar capsule is removed with the implant. En bloc capsulectomy means implant and capsule come out in one piece. | A thick or hardened capsule, leaked silicone, or a suspected implant-related cancer, where en bloc removal is advised | More risk of bleeding and wound problems than removal alone. Ask whether you need a drain |
| Removal with a breast lift | Extra skin is removed and the breast tissue is reshaped in the same operation. | Skin that has stretched or sagged, often after larger implants or many years | Longer scars and usually a longer recovery. Ask how many days to plan |
| Removal with fat transfer | Fat is taken from another area by liposuction and injected into the breasts to restore some volume. | A wish for some volume back without an implant, with enough fat to spare | Adds a liposuction area to heal. Part of the moved fat is absorbed over time |
What happens on the day of breast implant removal?
- Consultation and exam. The surgeon checks the implants and the capsule and may ask for an ultrasound or MRI.
- You agree what happens to the capsule and whether a lift or fat transfer is added. Bring records of your current implants if you have them.
- General anesthesia or sedation. The clinic lists up to 2 hours for removal, with no drain. Ask how capsule removal or a lift changes this.
- You leave the same day in a support bra or garment. If removed tissue is sent for a lab test, ask when and how you will get the result.
What is recovery like after breast implant removal?
- Days 1 to 3
- Soreness, swelling and bruising. You wear the support garment and avoid lifting.
- Days 3 to 4
- Most people return to light daily activities after removal alone.
- Days 7 to 8
- Check-up at the clinic. The breasts can look flat or uneven while swelling settles. Most people can fly after this visit.
- Week 2
- Around 2 weeks is when the clinic lists stitch removal. Once you are back home, the stitch arrangement you made with the clinic before travelling applies.
- Months 1 to 6
- The skin and breast tissue gradually settle into their new shape. If you are thinking about a lift later, wait for this before deciding.
How long should you stay in Seoul after breast implant removal?
For removal alone, 7 to 10 days in Seoul is usually enough. Most people fly after the check-up around day 7 or 8, even though swelling can still make the breasts look flat or uneven then. The clinic lists 3 to 4 follow-up visits, so ask how many fit before your flight. Stitches are due out at about 2 weeks, so arrange how that happens after you leave. Capsule removal, a lift or fat transfer can lengthen the plan, so confirm the days with the surgeon before booking.
What are the risks of breast implant removal?
- Bleeding, hematoma or fluid build-up (seroma), more likely when the capsule is removed
- Infection or poor healing of the incisions
- Changes in nipple or breast sensation, or persistent pain
- Asymmetry, loose skin, dents or a shape you are not happy with, which may lead to a lift or more surgery
- Visible scarring, especially when a lift is added
- Blood clots in the legs (deep vein thrombosis) or lungs, made more likely by sitting on a long flight soon after the operation. If you become breathless, have chest pain, or one leg becomes painful and swollen, get emergency care first, then tell the clinic, and do not fly until a doctor says it is safe. The usual risks of anesthesia or sedation also apply
- Symptoms you link to your implants, often called breast implant illness, may not change after removal
What affects the cost of breast implant removal in Korea?
We show no price for implant removal yet. The clinic gives one after it has looked at your photos. The quote depends on what happens to the capsule, whether one or both implants come out, whether a lift or fat transfer is added, and the anesthesia. A full written quote names the surgeon and covers the capsule plan, any lab test on removed tissue, the support garment, follow-up visits and stitch removal.
More questions
Do I need the capsule removed with my breast implants?
Not always. It depends on why the implant is coming out, the state of the capsule and the risks of removing it. Taking out implant and capsule in one piece (en bloc) is mainly advised when an implant-related cancer is suspected.
Will my breasts sag after implant removal?
They may look smaller and looser, especially after large implants or many years. The skin can recover some shape over the first months. Some people choose a lift at the same time, others decide later.
Can implants be removed and replaced in the same operation?
Yes. That is breast implant replacement, which is planned differently. If you are unsure which you want, ask the surgeon to explain both before you decide.
What should I bring if my implants were placed in another country?
Bring your implant card or operation notes and any recent ultrasound or MRI reports. The surgeon needs to know the brand, size, placement and incision to plan the removal.
Related procedures
Sources
- Clinic figures as published by Urban Plastic Surgery, collected October 3, 2026. Your surgeon confirms your own plan.
- Breast Implant Removal Risks and Safety. American Society of Plastic Surgeons
- Breast Implant Removal Recovery. American Society of Plastic Surgeons
- Breast Surgery Collaborative Community Issues Consensus Statement on Breast Implant Capsulectomy Definitions and Management. American Society of Plastic Surgeons
- Risks and Complications of Breast Implants. US Food and Drug Administration
Cases and clinic figures come from our partner clinic, Urban Plastic Surgery. The partnership does not change what we publish about risks and recovery.