La Jolla Cosmetic Surgery Centre 9850 Genesee Ave Suite 130
La Jolla, CA 92037 Call: (858) 452-1981Text: (858) 203-2944 M–F: 7:30 a.m.–6 p.m.
Breast Implant Removal & Capsulectomy
Breast augmentation remains the most popular cosmetic surgery procedure in the United States—and the vast majority of our La Jolla Cosmetic Surgery Centre patients are so happy with their results that they cannot imagine not having their breast implants. However, sometimes breast implant removal, or explantation, is recommended for medical reasons and may warrant complete or partial removal of the breast implant capsule.
Breast Implant Capsulectomy At A Glance
Goal: Remove scar tissue around implant
Anesthesia: General
Average Procedure Time: 2 to 3 hours
Recovery: 1 week
Resume Exercise: 2 weeks (or as cleared by your surgeon)
Final Results: 3 to 6 months
Longevity: Long-lasting
Breast Implant Removal & Capsulectomy Specials & Events
"Dr. Swistun was top notch. He took the time to explain everything in the consultation, and the nurses and office staff were very helpful. Dr…"
May 26, 2026
"My previous breast surgery was over 15 years ago. I had a ruptured implant. I was very satisfied with my previous surgery by Dr. Smoot and k…"
May 26, 2026
"Desde el primer día me sentí muy bien con la atención del doctor y el equipo médico, la opción de financiamiento y hasta el día de hoy…"
May 26, 2026
"Dr. Swistun is a perfectionist! His work is meticulous and he truly cares about his patience. His bedside manners are one all doctors shoul…"
May 26, 2026
Dr. Luke Swistun: Your Partner & Expert in Breast Implant Removal
Dr. Luke Swistun is LJCSC and San Diego’s leading expert in breast implant removal and capsulectomy, trusted by patients for hiscollaborative approach, innovative surgical techniques, and commitment to delivering safe, natural-looking results that support your overall well-being.
Dr. Swistun specializes in advanced implant removal, breast reconstruction, and reshaping techniques that restore comfort, balance, confidence, and a sense of renewal. He recognizes that each woman’s journey is deeply personal and provides the attentive care, education, and reassurance you need to feel empowered throughout your transformation.
What is breast implant capsulectomy?
Capsulectomy is an advanced breast implant removal technique that involves removing the breast implant capsule, whether intact or in pieces. Dr. Swistun performs the procedure to address issues such as capsular contracture (hardened scar tissue surrounding the implant), an implant rupture, or a capsule abnormality. If you have a confirmed or suspected breast implant-associated cancer, breast implant capsulectomy is usually medically necessary.
Dr. Swistun’s, individualized, skillful approach includes the following techniques:
Total Intact Capsulectomy: Complete removal of the breast implant capsule as a single unit
Total (Precise) Capsulectomy: Complete removal of the breast implant capsule (not necessarily in one piece)
Partial Capsulectomy: A portion of the breast implant capsule is left behind
En Bloc Capsulectomy: Removal of the breast implant capsule with a margin of uninvolved tissue to treat suspected or confirmed breast implant-associated cancer
Enhancing results with auto-augmentation or fat transfer
For patients concerned about loss of breast volume or shape after implant removal, Dr. Swistun has evolved his approach to deliver beautifully natural, lasting results. Drawing on years of breast reconstruction experience, he utilizes a signature auto-augmentation technique—a highly refined method that repositions and reshapes existing breast tissue to restore volume and lift without the need for a new implant.
Another option, fat transfer to the breast, uses purified fat harvested from areas such as the abdomen or thighs to gently enhance contour and restore soft, natural volume. Dr. Swistun performs these procedures alone or in combination with a breast lift for a beautifully reshaped, implant-free breast.
When is en bloc capsulectomy necessary?
Patients inquiring about en bloc capsulectomy are typically concerned about breast implant illness (BII) or have general fears about breast implant-related cancer. However, the Breast Surgery Collaborative Community (BSCC), an organization comprised of experts from the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) and The Aesthetic Society, recently issued specific guidance on when this procedure is appropriate. It currently recommends that en bloc capsulectomy be performed only for patients with suspected or confirmed breast implant-associated cancer following a comprehensive medical evaluation. It concludes that “fear alone” does not warrant putting patients through such a costly and complex surgery.
Based on the current guidelines, you may be a candidate for en bloc capsulectomy if you have:
Confirmed BIA-ALCL: a medical diagnosis of breast implant-associated lymphoma (present in the scar tissue and fluid near the breast implant)
Suspected BIA-ALCL: symptoms or imaging show suspicion of BIA-ALCL (requires further evaluation and confirmation)
Despite ongoing research, it is not currently known whether breast implant removal with or without capsulectomy prevents the future risk of developing breast implant-related cancer. That’s why it’s essential for patients considering a capsulectomy to consult with our experienced plastic surgeons. During your personalized consultation, Dr. Swistun will thoroughly explore your medical history and share the benefits and risks of capsulectomy based on your unique symptoms and background.
How is a capsulectomy performed?
An explantation and capsulectomy require an incision along the entire length of the inframammary fold. The length of the incision depends on the size of the implants. If they are very small, the incision could be short. If the breasts and/or implants are large, a vertical incision from the fold to the edge of the areola may be needed.
Video 1: Making the incision for a capsulectomy
Video 2: Separating the capsule
To perform a capsulectomy, your plastic surgeon carefully separates the capsule from the breast tissue, keeping the breast implant inside.
Video 3: Removing the capsule & implant
The capsule and implant are removed once the capsule is completely released from the breast tissue.
The resulting breast cavity is irrigated with saline, Betadine, and a triple antibiotic solution. A drain is inserted, and the incisions are closed.
A breast lift may be advised to address any stretched or sagging skin and ensure a beautiful result. Dr. Swistun refines the breast shape and skin envelope to ensure symmetry and a natural appearance once the implants are removed. He’ll review your treatment plan thoroughly so you feel informed and confident before your surgery takes place.
The breast pocket following implant removal.
How Much Does a Breast Implant Capsulectomy Cost?
At LJCSC, breast implant capsulectomy pricing ranges from $12,400 to $22,000, depending on the complexity of your procedure. We aim to take the stress out of removing your old implants and scar tissue with our affordable payment plans. For some patients, putting as little as $1,200 down is possible, followed by payments of approximately $175 per month for 60 months with average credit. You’ll enjoy even lower monthly payments if you have above-average credit or can make a higher initial payment. It’s that simple, and you can get prequalified today!
The cost of your procedure can vary based on your specific needs, so please reference our pricing page for further details.
We also make applying for plastic surgery financing easier than ever. Handle it quickly online, or we’ll guide you through your options during your consultation. Let’s start your journey to getting healthier and looking and feeling your very best!
What is the recovery like?
Recovery after explantation with capsulectomy is typically quicker than the initial breast augmentation recovery. Most patients return to office jobs within one week, and can resume exercise gradually after a couple of weeks. If your treatment plan includes a breast lift, auto-augmentation, or fat transfer, your recovery may be slightly longer. Of course, Dr. Swistun and our team will go over the details of your surgery and expected recovery during your consultation.
Your Safety Is Our #1 Priority
Since 1988, more than 36,000 patients have had safe, successful procedures at La Jolla Cosmetic Surgery Centre.
Contact us for more information about breast implant capsulectomy
If you are considering having your breast implants removed, or you are interested in learning more about whether you’re a suitable candidate for a capsulectomy, Dr. Swistun offers the skill, innovation, and compassion to help you look and feel your best. His approach prioritizes safety, natural beauty, and empowerment so that you can move forward with confidence.
We make it easy to take your next steps toward confidence with 3 convenient ways to connect with our team. In just a few clicks, you can call us now, book a call, or request a call back to explore options at La Jolla Cosmetic Surgery Centre—San Diego’s most awarded and trusted cosmetic practice!
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![[The La Jolla Cosmetic Surgery Podcast cover art] Woman at the beach in a sun hat overlooking the water with her arm open wide](https://www.ljcsc.com/content/uploads/2025/08/LJC209-blog.jpg)
![[The La Jolla Cosmetic Podcast cover art] A model's hand holding a breast implant](https://www.ljcsc.com/content/uploads/2024/08/Copy-of-blog-featured-image.jpg)
