Breast Implant Removal in Gig Harbor, WA
Breast implant removal with board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Melissa Larsen, serving Gig Harbor, Tacoma, and the greater Puget Sound area.
Breast Implant Removal
Patients choose to have breast implants removed for many different reasons — changes in personal preference, implant age, complications, or concerns about how implants may be affecting their overall well-being. Whatever your reason, Dr. Larsen approaches implant removal with the same care and individualization as any other procedure, working with you to understand your goals and determine the most appropriate surgical plan.
Who Is a Good Candidate?
Breast implant removal may be appropriate for patients who:
No longer wish to have breast implants for personal or aesthetic reasons
Have implants that are aging and wish to have them removed rather than replaced
Have experienced a complication such as capsular contracture, implant rupture, or asymmetry
Have concerns about symptoms they believe may be related to their implants
Are in good overall health and have realistic expectations about the appearance of the breasts after removal.
During consultation, Dr. Larsen discusses your reasons for removal, evaluates your current implants and breast tissue, and helps you understand what to expect from the outcome.
Procedure Overview
Breast implant removal is performed at an accredited outpatient surgical facility.
In general:
Surgery typically takes 1–2 hours depending on whether capsule removal is included
Performed under general anesthesia
The implant is removed through an incision, often placed in the existing scar from the original augmentation
Capsulectomy — removal of the scar tissue capsule that forms around every implant — can be performed at the same time if indicated; Dr. Larsen will discuss whether partial or complete capsule removal is appropriate for your situation
En bloc capsulectomy — removal of the implant and capsule together as a single unit — is an option for appropriate candidates, particularly those with ruptured silicone implants or specific concerns about capsule integrity
A breast lift may be considered at the same time for patients who wish to address changes in breast shape or position following removal. This is discussed separately during consultation.
Patients return home the same day.
Recovery
Most patients find breast implant removal recovery more straightforward than their original augmentation. Most patients follow a general pattern:
Week 1 Mild swelling, bruising, and soreness are normal. Light activity around the home is manageable. A supportive bra is worn.
Weeks 1–2 Discomfort resolves quickly for most patients. Many return to desk work and light daily activities within the first two weeks.
Weeks 3–4 Most patients feel largely back to normal. Light exercise may resume as directed by Dr. Larsen.
Week 6+ Normal activities and workouts can fully resume.
Recovery may be longer if capsulectomy is performed alongside removal. Dr. Larsen provides detailed postoperative instructions and follow-up visits throughout recovery.
Results
Following removal, the breasts will appear smaller and the shape will reflect the underlying breast tissue remaining. The degree of change in breast shape and position depends on factors including implant size, how long implants have been in place, skin elasticity, and whether a lift is performed at the same time.
Swelling resolves over several weeks
Final breast appearance is typically settled at 3–6 months
Many patients report feeling a sense of relief and improved comfort following removal
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to have the capsule removed? Not always. Whether capsule removal is recommended depends on the condition of the capsule, the type of implants, and your individual circumstances. Dr. Larsen will discuss the options — including partial capsulectomy, total capsulectomy, and en bloc removal — during your consultation.
Can I have a breast lift at the same time? Yes. Many patients choose to combine removal with a breast lift to restore shape and position. This is discussed as a separate procedure during consultation and depends on your goals and anatomy.
Can I have new implants placed at the same time? In some cases, yes. Patients who wish to exchange rather than simply remove their implants can discuss replacement options with Dr. Larsen during consultation.
What will my breasts look like after removal? Appearance after removal varies depending on the size of the original implants, skin elasticity, and the length of time implants were in place. Dr. Larsen will give you a realistic picture of the expected outcome for your specific anatomy during consultation.
What does breast implant removal cost? Pricing depends on whether capsulectomy is included and the complexity of your individual case. Financing options are available — learn more here.
Meet Dr. Melissa Larsen, MD
Dr. Melissa Larsen is a board-certified plastic and reconstructive surgeon serving patients in Gig Harbor and the greater Tacoma area. She is certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS) and completed her six-year Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery Integrated Residency at Oregon Health & Science University. Dr. Larsen is committed to personalized care that achieves natural, balanced results.
Ready to Take the Next Step?
Schedule a consultation with Dr. Larsen to discuss your goals, review your options, and find out if breast implant removal is right for you.