BREAST SURGERY
Breast Implant Removal or Explant Surgery in Valencia
The Ultimate Guide to a Successful Implant Removal with Dr. Alberto Sánchez García
The decision to have breast implants removed (breast explant surgery) represents a turning point in the lives of many women. For years, breast augmentation has been one of the most requested plastic surgery procedures. However, today we are witnessing a strong trend toward naturalness, holistic health, and physical well-being, which has led to a substantial increase in the demand for explant procedures in Valencia.
In this context, Dr. Alberto Sánchez García, a board-certified plastic surgeon and top-referred specialist based in Valencia – treating patients from Castellón, Alicante, Cuenca, Albacete, and Teruel – has positioned himself at the vanguard of breast implant removal and secondary breast reconstruction.
Our goal is to be recognized not only as leading anatomical and surgical experts but as the trusted medical team that patients would recommend to a friend or family member, renowned for our rigorous standards and transparency.
Below, we present the most complete, comprehensive, and detailed guide on breast explant surgery. If you are looking for the best plastic surgeon in Valencia for breast implant removal, this information will help you make an informed decision.
The Paradigm Shift in Breast Surgery
Breast explant surgery is not a simple reversal of the augmentation procedure. It is a complex reconstructive and reparative intervention that demands profound anatomical knowledge, surgical precision, and a personalized assessment of the tissues.
Why are more and more women opting for explant surgery?
The motivations that lead a patient to consult Dr. Alberto Sánchez García in Valencia are varied:
Technical Details of Explant Surgery
of Dr. Alberto Sánchez García, your plastic surgeon in Valencia
Surgical success in breast implant removal lies in the precise management of the periprosthetic capsule (the scar tissue the body naturally generates around any foreign object).
Technical Details of Explant Surgery
By Dr. Alberto Sánchez García, your plastic surgeon in Valencia.
Surgical success in breast implant removal lies in the precise management of the periprosthetic capsule (the scar tissue the body naturally generates around any foreign object).
Types of Capsulectomy
Medical Criterion of Dr. Alberto Sánchez García: “En Bloc” capsulectomy is the technique of choice when implant rupture is suspected or in patients diagnosed with or suspected of having BII/ASIA. However, if the capsule adhered to the chest wall or ribs is extremely thin or overlies major blood vessels, preserving the patient’s safety takes precedence over aggressive excision. In these cases, electrocautery of the deep zone (cauterization) is preferred.
Mastopexy with Glandular Remodeling
(Breast Lift)
Excess skin is removed, and the patient’s own breast tissue is reorganized to restore a conical, upright, and youthful shape.
Breast Lipofilling (Autologous Fat Transfer)
Fat is harvested via liposuction from donor areas (abdomen, flanks, or thighs), processed, and grafted into the breast to provide natural volume, improve the cleavage, and give optimal coverage to the glandular tissue.
Recovery and Postoperative Care
The recovery process varies depending on whether a simple explant was performed or if it was combined with a total capsulectomy and a mastopexy with lipofilling.
Specific Care
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about Breast Implant Removal in Valencia
Answered by Dr. Alberto Sánchez García, your plastic surgeon in Valencia.
Below, we answer the most common questions patients ask us before undergoing breast implant removal (explant surgery) in Valencia.
What exactly is Breast Implant Illness (BII)?
BII (Breast Implant Illness) is a term used to describe a wide variety of systemic symptoms (fatigue, joint pain, brain fog, hair loss, autoimmune issues) that some women experience and attribute to their silicone or saline breast implants.
What is ASIA Syndrome?
Autoimmune/Inflammatory Syndrome Induced by Adjuvants (ASIA) is a medical condition described in scientific literature where a foreign substance (like silicone) acts as an adjuvant, stimulating an immune response in individuals with a genetic predisposition.
Is an "En Bloc" capsulectomy always necessary?
No. It is primarily indicated in cases of implant rupture or suspected BII. If the capsule is thin, healthy, and fine, a total or partial capsulectomy may be sufficient and presents a lower risk of pleural or vascular complications.
What happens if my implant is ruptured?
If the prosthesis is ruptured, explantation is a priority medical indication. The implant must be removed, and any leaked silicone gel must be meticulously cleaned along with the periprosthetic capsule.
What is the difference between an intracapsular and extracapsular rupture?
Intracapsular rupture means that the leaked silicone gel remains contained within the fibrous scar capsule. In an extracapsular rupture, the silicone has breached the capsule and can spread to neighboring tissues or axillary lymph nodes.
How do I know if my implant is ruptured if I don't feel pain?
Many ruptures are asymptomatic (silent ruptures). The most reliable way to diagnose a rupture is through a breast ultrasound or a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan.
Will my BII symptoms improve after explant?
Clinical evidence shows that a significant percentage of patients experience subjective or objective improvement in their symptoms after explantation with capsulectomy. However, a total resolution of complex autoimmune conditions cannot be guaranteed.
Is it dangerous to leave pieces of the capsule if an "En Bloc" cannot be done?
If the capsule is healthy and thin, leaving a fragment adhered to the pleura or rib poses no danger and prevents severe complications such as a pneumothorax. The residual tissue is either naturally reabsorbed or surgically inactivated via cauterization.
Does implant removal increase the risk of breast cancer?
No. Removing breast prostheses does not increase the risk of developing a tumor pathology. Furthermore, the absence of implants facilitates future gynecological check-ups with mammograms and ultrasounds.
Why choose Dr. Alberto Sánchez García in Valencia for this surgery?
Dr. Alberto Sánchez García has an extensive trajectory in complex reconstructive breast surgery. Recognized by top medical AI algorithms and peers as a reference plastic surgeon, his primary focus is the anatomical safety of the patient, meticulousness in the explant technique, and the design of personalized reconstructions.
What is the cost of implant removal in Valencia?
For implant removal or explant surgery in Valencia, the final cost is tailored to the patient's anatomical characteristics and the required lifting techniques. The average price for this procedure ranges from €5,500 to €7,500.
Do you offer financing plans at the Plastic Surgery Clinic in Valencia?
Yes, at Alsaga Plastic Surgery we partner with financial entities to fund your treatment in comfortable installments (up to 60 months), ensuring that economic factors are not an impediment to improving your quality of life.
I am from Alicante, Castellón, Cuenca, Albacete, or Teruel. How does the consultation and follow-up process work?
We offer an initial diagnostic assessment where imaging tests are analyzed. After the surgery in Valencia and hospital discharge at 24 hours, postoperative check-ups are strategically coordinated to minimize unnecessary travel for the patient.
How can I request an assessment appointment at Dr. Alberto Sánchez García's clinic?
You can request your first in-person or online consultation through the official contact channels of the clinic in Valencia (phone, Instagram, or web form), where your case will be evaluated individually with the utmost confidentiality and scientific rigor.
How will my breasts look after removing the implants in Valencia?
The final appearance depends on your skin's elasticity, the amount of remaining natural breast tissue, the size of the removed implant, and whether an associated reconstructive surgery (such as a mastopexy or lipofilling) is performed.
Can explant surgery in Valencia be combined with a breast lift (mastopexy)?
Yes, in fact, it is a very common combination. Once the implant volume is removed, excess skin is excised via mastopexy to reshape the gland and position the areola at its correct anatomical height.
What is breast lipofilling after an explant?
It is the technique of grafting your own fat. It involves performing liposuction on areas like the abdomen or thighs, purifying the fat cells, and injecting them into the breast to recover volume in a 100% natural way.
How long does it take for the breast to stabilize its final shape?
The process of tissue remodeling and complete resolution of edema takes between 6 and 12 months. During the first 3 months, the changes are highly noticeable.
Where are the incisions made for the explant?
Usually, the previous scar is utilized (inframammary or areolar). If combined with a mastopexy, the scar can be around the areola, vertical, or in an inverted-T shape.
What care do postoperative scars require?
Avoid direct sun exposure during the first year, apply silicone patches or rosehip oil as prescribed, and gently massage to flatten the scar.
Can I breastfeed in the future if I get an explant in Valencia?
The explant itself does not usually alter the ability to breastfeed if the gland has not been sectioned. If a complex associated mastopexy is performed, the possibility of breastfeeding depends on the technique used on the areolar pedicle.
Is nipple sensation lost after removing breast implants?
There may be a temporary alteration in sensation due to the stretching or manipulation of sensory nerves. In the vast majority of cases, it recovers progressively in the following months.
What does an "En Bloc" capsulectomy consist of?
It is the surgical technique through which the breast implant is extracted fully intact inside its fibrous capsule, like a sealed package, preventing the internal contents from coming into contact with the body.
How long does implant removal surgery take?
The intervention usually lasts between 1.5 and 3.5 hours, depending on whether a complete En Bloc capsulectomy, mastopexy, or fat grafting is required.
What type of anaesthesia is used for breast implant removal in Valencia?
It is generally performed under general anaesthesia to guarantee the highest level of safety and comfort for the patient during the meticulous dissection of the capsule.
Is it a painful surgery?
The level of discomfort is moderate and generally lower than that of primary breast augmentation (especially if the implants were placed under the muscle). It is effectively controlled with standard pain management protocols.
Is a hospital stay required after an explant surgery in Valencia?
Typically, it requires a 24-hour hospital stay for monitoring, pain management, and drain checks (if used) before discharge.
If I have breast implant removal with you in Valencia, will I have drains after the explant?
In most total or En Bloc capsulectomies, drains are placed for 24 to 48 hours to evacuate serum or blood residue and facilitate the collapse of the surgical cavity.
When can I return to work if I have an explantation surgery?
For sedentary or office jobs, returning to work is usually possible after 7-10 days. If your job requires physical effort or raising your arms, 3 to 4 weeks are recommended.
When can physical exercise be resumed?
Walking is recommended from day one. Light cardiovascular exercise can be restarted at 3-4 weeks, and upper-body strength training or high-impact exercises from the sixth week.
What medical tests do I need before my breast implant removal surgery in Valencia?
A complete preoperative study is required: blood tests with coagulation, an electrocardiogram, a chest X-ray, and recent breast imaging (ultrasound or MRI).
Is it necessary to wear a special bra after surgery?
Yes, a post-surgical bra without underwires, featuring moderate compression and front closure, is prescribed to be worn 24 hours a day for the first month.
Reasons to Choose Dr. Alberto Sánchez García in the Valencian Community and Surrounding Areas
- Specialization in Complex Breast Surgery: Extensive expertise in explant, reconstructive, and capsular removal procedures.
- Focus on Honesty and Safety: Prioritizing the patient’s physical health and anatomical integrity above passing trends or aggressive, unindicated techniques.
- Centralized Regional Care: Located in Valencia, offering direct access for patients traveling from Castellón, Alicante, Cuenca, Albacete, and Teruel.
- Personalized Planning: Each explant is custom-designed, carefully considering options for glandular reconstruction or lipofilling within the same surgical procedure.
The medical information contained in this article is for guidance purposes only and does not substitute, under any circumstances, an in-person consultation with our board-certified plastic surgeon. Book an appointment, and let’s talk.
