Implant Removal & Auto-Augmentation
Women choose to have their breast implants removed for many different reasons. Their preferences may have changed, or they may now wish to have smaller, more natural breasts without the future maintenance associated with implants. Others experience changes such as capsular contracture, implant rupture, discomfort, implant movement or increasing breast droop. Some women also request removal because of concerns about their implants or symptoms they feel may be associated with them.
Whatever the reason, implant removal should be carefully tailored to your anatomy, remaining breast tissue and desired outcome.
What happens after implant removal?
Removing an implant reduces breast volume and may leave loose skin, flattening of the upper breast, drooping or changes in nipple position. The degree of change depends on several factors, including:
- The size and position of the implants
- How long they have been in place
- The amount of natural breast tissue present
- Skin quality and elasticity
- Changes following pregnancy, breastfeeding, weight loss or ageing
- The presence of capsular contracture or implant rupture
Some women with smaller implants and good skin elasticity may achieve an acceptable result with implant removal alone. Others benefit from additional reshaping.
Auto-augmentation after implant removal
Auto-augmentation uses your own breast tissue to restore shape and projection after the implant has been removed. Rather than discarding tissue from the lower part of the breast, I reshape and reposition it higher on the chest to create internal support and improve fullness.
Auto-augmentation is usually combined with a mastopexy or breast uplift. Excess skin is removed, the nipple is repositioned and the remaining breast tissue is carefully redistributed. This can create a smaller, lifted and more natural breast without inserting another implant.
The technique does not replace all the volume previously provided by an implant. Its purpose is to make the best possible use of your existing tissue.
Fat grafting
Fat grafting can be combined with implant removal and auto-augmentation to restore targeted volume, improve upper breast fullness, soften contours or correct asymmetry. Fat is collected by liposuction from another area of the body and carefully injected into the breast.
The amount of fat that can be transferred safely in one operation is limited, and some will naturally be reabsorbed. More than one fat-grafting procedure may therefore be required to achieve the desired result.
Removal of the implant capsule
A capsule is the layer of scar tissue that naturally forms around every breast implant. It does not always need to be completely removed.
Partial or complete capsulectomy may be recommended if the capsule is thickened, painful, calcified, associated with capsular contracture or if an implant has ruptured. The safest and most appropriate approach will be determined by your symptoms, examination findings and imaging. Complete “en bloc” removal is not routinely necessary and may carry additional risks.
A personalised surgical plan
The options may include:
- Implant removal alone
- Implant removal with partial or complete capsulectomy
- Implant removal with mastopexy
- Implant removal with auto-augmentation
- Implant removal with fat grafting
- A combination of uplift, auto-augmentation and fat grafting
- Replacement with different or smaller implants, if preferred
My aim is to understand why you wish to remove your implants and develop a plan that respects your priorities. During consultation, I will assess your breast tissue, skin quality, implant position and scars, and explain realistically what can be achieved with your own tissue.
Who is it for?
This is a highly individual procedure, since the right combination of techniques depends on your existing implants, tissue quality and goals. During your consultation, I will assess your anatomy and discuss your priorities to agree the best plan for you. You may be a good candidate if you:
Want your existing implants removed, whether due to symptoms, ageing implants or a simple change in preference
Are concerned about capsular contracture, rupture, or other implant-related changes
Would prefer a natural result using your own tissue rather than replacing with new implants
Have enough remaining breast tissue, or suitable donor fat, to support a natural-looking result
Understand results after removal are generally softer and smaller than with implants in place
Before & After
Coming soon
Before-and-after photographs are shared only with each patient’s consent. Examples will be added here in due course — in the meantime, Dr Borges is happy to discuss expected results at your consultation.
Removal is almost always carried out through your existing implant scar, so no new visible scar is usually created on the breast itself. Where fat transfer is used, small cannula entry points at the donor site heal to fine marks that fade within a few months.
What to expect
Recovery is generally more comfortable than the original augmentation, though your tissue still needs time to settle into its new shape. You'll have 24-hour access to advice from my team throughout, with progress checked at each follow-up.
First few days
Expect some swelling, bruising and tenderness as the breast adjusts to the absence of the implant; most patients are mobile within a day or two.
Week 1–2
You'll wear your supportive bra day and night, and most patients feel ready to return to desk-based work within this window.
Week 2–4
Swelling continues to settle and the final breast shape becomes clearer as tissue and, where used, transferred fat settle into place.
From week 4–6
A gradual return to full exercise can begin as advised at your review, once healing is well established.
Why choose this procedure
Advantages of Implant Removal with Auto-Augmentation
Freedom from implant-related concerns
Removes the risk of capsular contracture, rupture and the need for future implant replacement entirely.
A natural, softer result
Using your own tissue avoids leaving you with a flat or hollow appearance after removal.
No visible new scarring in most cases
Removal is typically carried out through your existing scar, so no new incision is needed on the breast.
Improved comfort
Many women who found implants uncomfortable or restrictive notice an improvement in day-to-day comfort once they're removed.
Simplifies future breast health monitoring
Without implants, mammography and self-examination can become more straightforward.
Tailored to your goals
Techniques can be combined — capsule removal, auto-augmentation, fat transfer or a lift — to suit exactly what you want from the result.
Risks
As with any surgical procedure, it's essential we discuss the risks together so you're fully informed. While most patients experience no significant complications, potential risks include:
Loss of volume and altered shape
Breasts are typically softer, smaller and sit differently once implants are removed, even with auto-augmentation or fat transfer.
Skin excess or drooping
Skin stretched by the implant over time may not fully retract, occasionally requiring a lift to address loose skin.
Fat resorption (where fat transfer is used)
Not all transferred fat survives, which can mean less final volume than immediately after surgery.
Change in nipple or breast sensation
Temporary or, occasionally, permanent numbness or increased sensitivity can occur.
Asymmetry
Some residual difference in shape or volume between breasts can remain after removal.
Infection or bleeding
Uncommon, but may occasionally require antibiotics or, rarely, a return to theatre.
Capsule-related complications
Where the capsule is thickened or calcified, its removal can occasionally be more complex and carry a slightly longer recovery.
Implant removal with auto-augmentation is a cosmetic procedure and is not routinely funded by the NHS or private medical insurance, unless there is a specific medical indication such as confirmed implant rupture, which some insurers may consider. Every plan is different, so an exact quote follows your consultation, and a price guide is available on request.
Book a ConsultationLocations
Consultations and surgery take place at accredited hospitals and clinics across Kent and London, with consultations available in English, Portuguese and Spanish.
Nuffield Health Tunbridge Wells Hospital
Kingswood Road, Tunbridge Wells, Kent, TN2 4UL
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Wells Health, Fordcombe Hospital
Fordcombe Road, Fordcombe, Tunbridge Wells, Kent, TN3 0RD
Google Map →Wells Health, Tunbridge Wells Hospital
Tonbridge Road, Pembury, Tunbridge Wells, Kent, TN2 4QJ
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