Breast Implant Removal Surgery in Portland, OR
If you are rethinking your implants—because of discomfort, aesthetic changes, concerns about Breast Implant Illness (BII), or simply a desire to return to your natural body—breast implant removal can be a powerful and freeing step forward.
Dr. Hetal Fichadia, a double board-certified female plastic surgeon in Portland, OR, specializes in breast implant removal (explant surgery). Her approach blends advanced surgical expertise with compassionate, woman-to-woman care—so you feel heard, supported, and beautifully restored to yourself.
With over a decade in private practice, Dr. Fichadia is trusted by women across Portland, Beaverton, Lake Oswego, and the surrounding metro area. She offers a full range of options, from simple implant removal to advanced techniques like capsulectomy, breast lift, and fat grafting, tailored to your unique goals.
Call (503) 488-2344 to schedule your consultation to begin your journey. We are proud to offer plastic surgery services to patients from Beaverton, Hillsboro, Lake Oswego, Clackamas, and the Portland Metro area.
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What Is Breast Implant Removal Surgery?
Breast implant removal, also called explant surgery, is the process of removing breast implants. For some women, it also includes a capsulectomy (removing the scar tissue around the implant) or additional procedures such as a breast lift or fat transfer for reshaping and volume.
Dr. Fichadia offers several personalized approaches:
- Simple explant: Removal of implants only
- Explant with capsulectomy: Implants + scar tissue removed
- Explant with lift (mastopexy): Restores breast shape and nipple position
- Explant with fat grafting: Adds natural volume using your own tissue
Why Women Choose to Remove Their Breast Implants
The decision to remove implants is deeply personal, and no two stories are the same. Common reasons include:
- Capsular contracture, rupture, or malposition
- Discomfort, heaviness, or rippling
- Symptoms possibly linked to Breast Implant Illness (BII)
- Desire for a more natural look or lifestyle shift
- Aesthetic changes over time (aging, weight fluctuations, pregnancy)
Whatever your reasons, you deserve care that honors your story and your goals.
Why Choose Dr. Hetal Fichadia?
Many surgeons can remove implants. But Dr. Fichadia’s patients choose her for more than surgical skill—they choose her for her presence, empathy, and artistry evident in the results.
- Compassionate, woman-to-woman care: One of Portland’s few female plastic surgeons, Dr. Fichadia understands the emotions surrounding body change.
- Advanced techniques, safer outcomes: From complete capsulectomy to advanced techniques for fat transfer, she uses precise methods to protect your health and optimize results.
- Tailored, natural results: Whether you want to restore soft, natural contours, retain upper pole volume or refine your silhouette, every plan is custom-designed.
- Whole-person support: Pre-op guidance, emotional reassurance, nutritional optimization, and long-term follow-up are all part of your journey here. Grounded in honesty, education, and patient comfort, Dr. Fichadia’s care has earned her ongoing peer recognition as a Portland Monthly Top Doctor since 2018.
What Are the Benefits of Implant Removal?
Women often share a mix of physical relief and emotional empowerment after explant surgery. Benefits may include:
- Freedom from tightness, heaviness, or discomfort
- Peace of mind around rupture or systemic (BII) symptoms
- No more future implant replacements or monitoring
- A body that feels more authentic and aligned
- Improved breast contour and posture (with lift or fat grafting)
Dr. Fichadia will talk with you about what to expect physically and emotionally so you can move forward with confidence.
Am I a Good Candidate for Breast Implant Removal?
You may be a good candidate for explant surgery if:
- You’re experiencing complications like rupture or capsular contracture
- You feel discomfort or unwanted changes in your breasts
- You no longer feel aligned with your implants
- You’re exploring relief from BII-like symptoms
- You’re in good overall health and ready for a new chapter
Dr. Fichadia welcomes you into a supportive consultation where your medical history, lifestyle, and goals guide every decision.
Hetal Fichadia MD, FACS
Double Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon in Portland, OR
What Happens During Breast Implant Removal Surgery?
Procedures take place at a fully accredited Portland surgery center. Depending on your plan, surgery may include:
- Removal of implants (often through existing scars)
- Capsule tissue removal (partial or complete capsulectomy)
- Breast lift and/or fat grafting for reshaping
- Optional skin tightening with Renuvion
Dr. Fichadia will walk you through the surgical plan in detail during your pre-op appointment, so you know exactly what to expect.
What to Expect During Breast Implant Removal Recovery
Recovery depends on the extent of surgery, but most patients report a smooth experience with manageable discomfort. Healing is monitored closely with follow-up appointments, so you feel supported every step of the way.
Typical recovery timeline:
Days 1–3
Rest, swelling, soreness; pain well-controlled with or without strong pain meds
Week 1
Back to light desk work or activities
Weeks 2-3
Swelling and bruising decrease, breasts begin to settle
Weeks 4-6
Return to exercise and lifting, as approved
Cost of Breast Implant Removal in Portland, OR
The price depends on:
- Whether capsulectomy or lift is included
- Use of fat grafting or other techniques
- Anesthesia and facility fees
At your consultation, Dr. Fichadia provides a transparent, personalized quote and financing options.
Combining Implant Removal Surgery with Other Procedures
These add-on procedures are tailored to your anatomy and goals, allowing you to maintain a harmonious, youthful shape, even without implants. Many women opt to combine explant surgery with additional techniques to improve breast shape, restore volume, and address skin laxity after implant removal. These custom combinations help create natural, beautiful results tailored to your body’s needs:
Breast Lift: A lift (mastopexy) raises and reshapes your natural breast tissue to restore a more youthful contour and nipple position after implants are removed. This is especially helpful if your skin has stretched or sagged over time.
Fat Grafting: Fat transfer uses liposuction to collect fat from areas like the abdomen or thighs and carefully inject it into the breasts. This technique can restore the perfect amount of volume, symmetry, shape, and feel.
Renuvion: Renuvion uses advanced helium plasma and radiofrequency energy to tighten skin from within. It’s an excellent choice for patients with significant skin laxity who want to avoid larger incisions or more invasive lifts.
Begin a New Chapter with a Surgeon Who Truly Listens
You deserve to feel confident, healthy, and at peace in your body. If you’re considering breast implant removal surgery in Portland, OR, or simply want to explore your options, we invite you to schedule your one-on-one consultation with Dr. Hetal Fichadia today. We look forward to hearing from you! We proudly serve patients from Tigard, Beaverton, Clackamas, Tualatin, Hillsboro, and beyond.
Explant Surgery Portland, Or - FAQs
Will I look deflated or saggy after implant removal?
Not necessarily. Many women are pleasantly surprised by their natural tissue once healed. If needed, a lift or fat grafting can restore shape.
Is en bloc capsulectomy always necessary?
Not always. Dr. Fichadia will help you understand when complete capsule removal is appropriate and when a less invasive approach is safer or more effective.
Do you guarantee a total en bloc capsulectomy?
Dr Fichadia does her best to completely remove capsules in patients who are concerned about capsule removal. However, her first and foremost priority is your safety during surgery. Therefore, she will evaluate your anatomy and goals at your consult and discuss likelihood of her being able to remove the capsule at your consultation. In general, it is easier to safely perform a total capsulectomy in subglandular (over the muscle) implants.
Can implant removal relieve Breast Implant Illness symptoms?
While BII is not recognized as an official medical diagnosis, many patients report symptom relief after explant surgery. Another term used for breast implant related symptoms is SSBI (Systemic symptoms associated with breast implants). Dr. Fichadia offers a supportive, non-dismissive approach to your concerns.
Will I have new scars?
In most cases, the new incision is designed along the original augmentation scar for minimizing additional scarring.
Can I get implants again in the future?
Yes. Some women later choose to replace their implants, and Dr. Fichadia can guide you if you change your mind down the road.
Will I lose a lot of volume after implant removal?
Many women do experience a reduction in breast size, especially if their natural tissue is minimal. However, Dr. Fichadia can help maintain or restore volume through techniques like fat grafting or combining your explant with a breast lift to enhance shape and projection.
How soon will I see results?
You will notice a difference right away but swelling and tissue settling take time. Most patients see their final shape around 3–6 months post-op as the body adjusts and incisions heal.
Can I replace my implants in the future?
Yes. Some patients choose to remove their implants now and return for new implants later. Dr. Fichadia can discuss your long-term goals and leave options open if you’re undecided about permanent removal. Learn more about Breast Augmentation and Breast Implant Revision.
What happens to the capsule if I don’t remove it?
If your capsule is soft and healthy, it may be left in place safely. However, Dr. Fichadia will assess the condition of the capsule and discuss the pros and cons of removing it entirely or partially.
Is implant removal safer than getting implants?
Explant surgery has its own risks like any procedure, but in many cases, it’s a lower-risk procedure, especially when not combined with other surgeries. Dr. Fichadia’s focus on safety and patient education helps ensure a smooth experience.
Will my nipples change after implant removal?
Your nipple position may shift slightly depending on the degree of skin laxity or sagging post-removal. If this is a concern, a breast lift can be performed at the same time to restore a more youthful placement and contour.
What is recovery like after capsulectomy vs. implant removal alone?
Capsulectomy often involves a longer procedure and slightly more recovery time due to tissue dissection. However, most patients are back to light activity within a week, and full recovery is expected within several weeks.