Surgery

Breast implant removal

Breast implant removal surgery is a procedure where previously placed breast implants are taken out, typically to address medical, aesthetic, or personal reasons. Common reasons for breast implant removal include:

  1. Complications: These can include capsular contracture (scar tissue tightening around the implant), implant rupture, infection, or displacement of the implant.
  2. Aesthetic Concerns: Over time, some individuals may want to change the appearance of their breasts, opting for a smaller size or a more natural look.
  3. Health Considerations: Some people experience pain, discomfort, or concerns about breast implant illness, a collection of symptoms that some believe are related to their implants.
  4. Lifestyle Changes: Personal preference changes or shifts in lifestyle (such as increased physical activity) may lead to the desire to have implants removed.

 

The surgery can also include:

  • Total removal: Taking out both the implants and the surrounding scar tissue (capsulectomy).
  • Partial removal: Only the implants are removed, leaving the scar tissue intact.
  • Replacement: Some people opt to have the old implants removed and new ones inserted.
  • Breast lift (mastopexy): This may be done in conjunction to improve the shape of the breast after implant removal.

Recovery time depends on the complexity of the procedure and the individual’s health but generally takes several weeks for full healing

Results Permanent solution
Surgery time 2-3 hours
Time off work 7 - 14 days
Exercise Must be limited for 6 weeks

Our breast implant removal includes surgeons fee, hospital fee, general anaesthetic costs, compression garments and lifetime follow up care.

Patients with private health insurance From $10,500
Patients without private health insurance From $14,000

Some Medicare rebates and health fund covers may apply to this procedure. 

The Surgery Process

The decision to undertake any type of elective surgery should be a well thought and long process. We do not recommend rushing into any procedures. Below is a guide on the surgery process and the risks involved.

The first step in finding out more about breast explant surgery is to schedule a private consultation. In this consultation, you will meet directly with your specialist plastic surgeon. This gives you an opportunity to discuss your concerns and get all of your questions answered about this procedure. 

To book a surgery date you can contact our team after a face to face consultation has been completed. You must wait 7 days from the consultation to book a procedure.

During the consultation, your surgeon will delve into your medical background, inquiring about your medical history and any history of substance abuse, tobacco, or alcohol use. It’s essential to bring along a comprehensive list of all medications and supplements you are currently taking. The consultation includes a thorough examination of your complete and accurate medical history, where you’ll disclose any past surgeries, procedures, or complications you’ve encountered.

This detailed information equips your surgeon to make an informed decision about your general health and assess whether you are an ideal candidate for the procedure—fortunately, the majority of individuals meet the criteria for the intended procedure.

At the end of your consultation, your surgeon will make recommendations about the best course of action to take for your breast surgery to achieve the result you are after. Every patient is different, and results always vary. While we can look at your inspiration images, we cannot ever guarantee your post surgery results. You must take this into consideration before proceeding with breast  surgery.

Once you’ve booked your surgery date, a pre surgery appointment will be scheduled 4 weeks prior to your date. This is your chance to meet with your surgeon again, ask any further questions, go over the surgery plan and take some images. This appointment ensures you’re well prepared for the upcoming surgery date.

During breast implant removal, your surgeon will make an incision in the inframammary fold to access the implant and capsule. If your implants were originally placed through this incision, the existing scar can often be reused without needing to extend it. If the implants were inserted via an areola incision, it may also be possible to use the same incision for access.

During the surgery, the pocket containing the implant and capsule is carefully dissected from the surrounding tissue and removed. Depending on your specific case, a partial or total capsulectomy will be performed. This will be thoroughly discussed during your consultation with your surgeon. 

 

The surgery will be completed under general anaesthetic in one of our private hospitals. Some patients may need to stay overnight, your surgeon will advise if this is required during consultation.

Post-surgery, you will be given a support bra or elasticated bandage to minimise swelling and provide additional support during the healing process. In some cases, a small, temporary tube may be inserted to drain excess fluid or blood. The surgeon will provide specific instructions for recovery, covering areas such as:

-Tips for post-surgery breast care

-Follow-up appointments with the plastic surgeon

-Prescribed medications, whether applied topically or taken orally, to prevent infection and support healing

-Special care instructions for incisions and general health It is crucial to address any specific questions about your individual recovery period.

Some women opt to combine a breast lift with a breast augmentation procedure using implants, achieving both elevation and enlargement in a single surgery.

  • Breastfeeding difficulties, including reduced milk supply

  • Reduced effectiveness of breast cancer screening, since an implant may hide breast tissue (and tumours) during a mammogram

  • Movement of the implants from their original position

  • Further surgery to treat complications

  • Risks of anaesthesia including allergic reaction or potentially fatal cardiovascular complications such as heart attack

  • A blood clot in the deep veins of the legs (deep vein thrombosis), which can move to the lungs (pulmonary embolus) or to the brain and may be life threatening

  • unsatisfied with surgery outcome

  • Surgical risks such as bleeding or infection

  • Fluid accumulation around the implant after surgery

  • Allergic reaction to suture materials, tape adhesive or other medical materials and lotions

  • Changes in breast and nipple sensation

  • Temporary or permanent areas of numbness

  • Wrinkling of the skin over the implant

  • Keloid, or lumpy scar tissue, which is pink, raised and irregularly shaped. These scars may be inflamed and itchy. There are several possible sites for the incision. Discuss this with your surgeon

  • Asymmetry (unevenness) of the breasts

  • Risk of general anaesthetic

  • Excessive firmness of the breast

  • Potential partial or total loss of nipple and areola

  • Allergic reaction to suture materials, tape adhesive or other medical materials and lotions

  • Skin discoloration, permanent pigmentation changes, swelling and bruising

  • Allergic reaction to medications

Breast Implant Illness

In recent years, there has been heightened attention to a non-specific disease labeled as “breast implant illness” (or “BII”) by many patients. This is not an actual medical diagnosis and does vary between women most likely due to genetic factors. This likely explains the very low incidence. This may encompass many diverse and unrelated systemic illnesses, in particular, illnesses that are commonly classified as auto-immune. Although there is no clear evidence that breast implants cause any of these disease processes, many patients have difficulty moving past the association.

Further, there is some thought that these symptoms may be associated with colonization of the implant with some type of bacteria, which may set up a sub-clinical infection of the implant space. Patients have reported the following symptoms:

  • Numbness and tingling of the breast and extremities
  • Headaches
  • Malaise
  • Feeling like they are in a ‘fog,’ memory difficulties
  • Fertility issues/ menstrual changes
  • Insomnia
  • Muscle aches, joint pains, and breast pain have been described by patients.

Most patients who present with these types of issues (usually after a long and comprehensive evaluation by their primary care doctor that rules out other more likely and serious illnesses) often request to have their implants removed. They also commonly request to have their breast capsules removed at the same time. Many patients report improvement in their symptoms following surgery for removal, though this is not universal.

Dr. Wessels featured on 9NSW The Today Show ‘Breast Implant Illness’

This procedure is performed at the following private hospitals

Macquarie University Hospital (Macquarie University, NSW)
Double Bay Day Surgery (Double Bay, NSW)

Frequently Asked Questions

We regularly get asked about our procedures, so we have put together a couple of questions we get asked on a regular basis. If there is something else you would like to know, please get in touch!

No, we cannot make any guarantee that removing breast implants can relive patient s of illnesses. We ask patients to cross out all other possibilities before removing their breast implants.

This is really common for women to be concerned about the appearance of their breasts post explant. Dr Wessels regularly performs explant surgery in combination with a fat transfer and a breast lift.

Yes, in some cases this surgery is considered a medical procedure so your private health insurance may cover your hospital costs.

In some cases, Medicare rebates are available on this procedure.

Every year there are thousands of women who undergo breast augmentation surgery. Although relatively rare, there are many reasons that breast implant removal surgery becomes necessary. Breast implants don’t last a lifetime and will need to be replaced at some point even if there are no other problems. Most implant manufacturers identify that breast implants commonly have an implant life of between 10 and 15 years. Breast implant problems do exist and have a variety of causes, although risk factors have diminished greatly over the past 20 years. Still, over 23,000 women had their implants removed in 2013.

Real Patients,

Real Results

Ailiya Greaves

Senior Dermal Aesthetician

Introducing the newest addition to OC’s Dermal team, Ailiya Greaves.

With five years of experience in the industry, Ailiya brings a wealth of skill and expertise to her role as a dermal practitioner. Currently pursuing a bachelor’s degree in nursing, she is dedicated to continuous learning and professional growth.

Ailiya specialises in addressing a diverse array of skin concerns, ranging from rosacea and acne to scarring, anti-aging, and pigmentation. Her comprehensive knowledge of dermal treatments ensures that she delivers exceptional care and outstanding results to our valued clients.

Under the guidance of our team and clinical leaders, Ailiya has undergone rigorous training to refine her skills further.

To schedule a personal consultation with Ailiya, reach out to our team today!

Dr. Jing Wang

General Practitioner

Dr. Jing Wang is a highly experienced General Practitioner (GP), graduating Mbbs with honours from the University of New South Wales with a Bachelor of Medicine and Surgery, She is also a fellow of the CPCA. Her comprehensive hospital training encompassed various fields including medicine, surgery, paediatrics, obstetrics, gynaecology, and emergency medicine.

A dedicated professional, Dr. Wang is not only a fellow with the Royal Australian College of General Practice (FRACGP) but also a dermal filler trainer, showcasing her expertise in aesthetic medicine. With a fervent belief in the power of non-invasive cosmetic procedures to unlock individual beauty and confidence, she is committed to helping her patients achieve their aesthetic goals.

Over the course of her career, Dr. Wang has cultivated a particular interest in skincare and anti-aging medicine. Specialising in non-surgical cosmetic procedures, she possesses extensive proficiency in injectable treatments, leveraging her deep understanding of facial anatomy and artistic sensibility to deliver optimal results. Her areas of expertise include dermal fillers, bio-stimulators, and thread lifts, with a meticulous attention to detail in procedures such as lip enhancement, cheek augmentation, and nose reshaping.

Dr. Wang is renowned for her excellence in a range of treatments, including dermal fillers for the Asian nose, tear troughs, and chin, as well as facial slimming techniques to achieve the coveted V-shaped face aesthetic. She is equally passionate about imparting her knowledge to the next generation of medical professionals, serving as a conjoint lecturer at the University of New South Wales medical school and sharing her insights on medical topics and preventive healthcare through regular presentations on SBS radio.

Fluent in English, Mandarin, and Cantonese, Dr. Jing Wang is dedicated to providing personalised care and empowering her patients to look and feel their best.

Jasmine Touma

Practice Coordinator + Post Surgery Nurse

Nursing Student

Meet Jasmine, our delightful practice coordinator who collaborates with Charlie and Katie to oversee both the team and our incredible patients. Jasmine is currently pursuing her nursing degree, aspiring to become a nurse injector in the future. She is actively engaged with our plastics team, where she manages the care of post-surgery patients, gaining invaluable hands-on experience in the field of plastics.

 

Jasmine possesses a calming nature that has the remarkable ability to reassure even the most anxious patients. Her passion lies in building genuine relationships with clients and thriving in a team environment.

 

Drawing from several years of experience in customer service and the beauty industry, Jasmine is well-versed in ensuring that your experience at OC is nothing short of exceptional.

Dr Adam Honeybrook

SPECIALIST HEAD AND NECK SURGEON. US DOUBLE BOARD CERTIFIED IN FACIAL PLASTIC AND RECONSTRUCTIVE SURGERY

Dr Honeybrook completed a 6-year medical degree at the University of New South Wales (UNSW), Sydney, in 2009. He then completed basic surgical training at Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, Sydney, whilst also sitting the United States Medical Licensing Examinations. This provided Dr. Honeybrook the unique opportunity to train at top hospitals throughout the United States.

 

From 2012 onwards, Dr Honeybrook undertook an impressive amount of training and accreditation in the United States, including General Surgical training at Vanderbilt University Medical Centre, a highly selective 5-year specialist training position in Head & Neck and Facial Plastic Surgery at Duke University Hospital in North Carolina – which encompassed extensive subspeciality training in Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, including microvascular tissue transfer, oncologic facial reconstruction, maxillofacial trauma reconstruction, facial reanimation and reinnervation procedures and facial aesthetic surgery – followed by an additional 2 years of accredited fellowship training dedicated purely to Facial Plastic Surgery via the prestigious University of Pennsylvania Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery fellowship under the auspices of the American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery (AAFPRS).

 

In 2019, Dr Honeybrook completed further fellowship training in Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery in Louisiana and became an Assistant Professor of Head & Neck and Facial Plastic Surgery at Louisiana State University.

 

Dr Honeybrook then returned to Australia in 2020 to work as a specialist consultant surgeon at Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital and he was inducted as a fellow of the American College of Surgeons in 2021. In 2022, Dr Honeybrook was inducted as a Fellow of the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons, and he was also granted Board Certification in Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery by the American Board of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery.

 

Dr Honeybrook’s 19 years of extensive medical and surgical training and experience has focused on Head & Neck and Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, and he has trained under some of the most highly regarded facial plastic surgeons in the world. Holding specialist medical licenses in both Australia and the United States enables Dr Honeybrook to frequently visit his mentors in North American to remain contemporary and continue his quest of lifelong learning to deliver optimal outcomes to his patients.

 

Dr Honeybrook’s unique training background enables him to provide patients with individualised results. He is one of a few surgeons in Australia with such an extensive training that integrates surgical skills alongside the latest technologies to deliver enhanced, yet natural results.

 

Dr. Honeybrook specialises in advanced surgical facial rejuvenation techniques including extended deep plane facelift, eyelid surgery (blepharoplasty), brow lift, and other surgical and non-surgical restorative treatments. He also has extensive experience in transformative primary and revision rhinoplasty, and he performs approximately 150-200 rhinoplasty surgeries each year.

Katie O'Connor

Practice Coordinator

Katie is our beautiful clinic coordinator at OC and one of the first faces you’ll see when you walk through the doors or call our team. She has several years of experience in a customer service role and brings a wealth of knowledge in managing patients and understands what it takes to support our patients through their cosmetic journeys. 

 

Katie is passionate about skin and skin health, which is so important when patents are seeking advice on where to start. Katie has also recently been through the surgery process herself, so she can give first hand experience when it comes to any surgery related questions. 

Dr Thomas Webb

Cosmetic Physician

Bachelor of Medicine and a Bachelor of Surgery

Graduating in 2016 with a Bachelor of Medicine and a Bachelor of Surgery, Dr Webb has spent the last five years working as a surgical trainee in Sydney.


With a particular interest in Plastic and Reconstructive surgery, Dr Webb has turned his sights to Cosmetic medicine, incorporating his knowledge of anatomy and technical ability to provide minimally invasive rejuvenation techniques, emphasising symmetry and aesthetic outcomes.

 

Dr Webb collaborates with several aesthetic medical clinics and national scripting partners around Australia. Ensuring patient comfort and safety are paramount to Dr Webb, and he always aims to exceed his patient’s expectations for all cosmetic procedures.

Shannon Mccarron

Practice Coordinator + Post Surgery Nurse

Nursing Student

Shannon is our lovely practice coordinator, working alongside Charlie and Katie, managing the team and our wonderful patients. Shannon is currently studying her nursing degree and has aspirations of one day becoming a nurse injector. She is currently working alongside our plastics team, managing the care of their post surgery patients, gaining first hand experience in plastics.

 

Shannon has a calming nature and can put even the most anxious patients at ease. She loves building genuine relationships with clients and working within a team environment. 

 

With several years of experience in customer service and the beauty industry shannon understands what it takes to ensure your experience at OC is second to none.⁣

Max Lambert

Senior Cosmetic Injector

Bachelor of Nursing

After working as a Senior Dermal Therapist in the beauty industry for over four years, Max has mastered the complexities of skin. Now, as an advanced registered nurse and certified cosmetic injector, Max offers the latest and most advanced treatments.

 

Additionally, Max has experience working in a clinical capacity in a critical care environment, specialising in vascular nursing. Max is passionate about helping clients feel like their best selves, accentuating their unique and natural beauty. Max is dedicated to working with every individual to form results-driven, realistic and client-centred treatment plans.

 

Furthermore, Max has formulated a genuinely gifted and aesthetic eye with attention to detail. Education is integral to his approach, ensuring clients understand all aspects of the treatments they receive, including product information and post-treatment care.

Max ensures he attends ongoing training, workshops and leading industry conferences to remain up to date with the most advanced procedures and modes of treatments available.

Lacey Lopez

Senior Dermal Aesthetician

After completing her diploma in beauty therapy at the Australasian natural therapies in 2011, Lacey was quickly identified as an emerging talent due to her meticulous attention to detail and offering a uniquely holistic and personalised approach to beauty and Wellness.

 

Holistic Wellness is associated with treatments and remedies that are natural, safe and focused on one’s internal and external wellbeing. Much more goes into Wellness of your skin than just a single treatment or product. Ones emotions, hormonal balance, nutrition, and the types of products used on the skin synergistically can make up the health of their skin.

 

Whilst gaining incredible industry experience both here and in the United States, Lacey went on to further her studies in holistic skin analysis – completing courses in lymphatic drainage, advanced dermal needling, skin mapping, hormonal imbalances, massage therapy an integrative nutrition. Her incredibly diverse training in highly customised treatment plans have ensured her reputation as one of the best aestheticians in Sydney.

 

Now, with over 12 years of industry experience Lacey acts as the senior dermal aesthetician for one cosmetic and skin therapist to celebrities. Her expertise lies in being results driven, providing exceptional service, and mastering high quality products and technology on the market. Lacey is forever researching industry innovations in remaining at the forefront of the latest procedures and modalities Lacey has become a renowned skin expert and trainer across the country. Book a consultation with Lacey to create your customised skin plan.

Dr. Louis Wessels

SPECIALIST PLASTIC SURGEON

MBChB FRACS (Plast) FCS Plastics (SA) MAdv Plastic Surgery (Macq Uni) Mmed Plastics (SA)

Dr Wessels is a cosmetic, plastic and reconstructive surgeon. His practice covers the whole range of procedures in cosmetic, plastic and reconstructive surgery with special emphasis on cosmetic and reconstructive surgery of the breast (augmentation, reduction and breast lift) as well as facial cosmetic and reconstructive surgery.

Dr Wessels received his MBChB in South Africa, completing his internship and general surgery residency, training in one of the most challenging clinical environments, before completing his Fellowship and his Master of Medicine in Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery.

Dr Wessels successfully completed his second Fellowship in Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery when he was awarded a Fellowship of the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons in 2015. He has published world leading research on breast implant infection and outcomes following breast augmentation surgery.

Chelsea Scutts

REGISTERED NURSE

Chelsea has been with One Cosmetic since it’s inception, handpicked by Dr Wessels to manage his practice and patients. Having been in the health & beauty industry for over 8 years Chelsea has a passion for all aesthetic treatments! Her ever evolving thirst for knowledge and passion for delivering the very best to our patient is why Chelsea has a strong base of clients.

 

Chelsea treatments include anti wrinkle, dermal filler, PDO threads, lip enhancements, Morpheus8 face and body sculpting and much more! She has an eye for natural beauty and enhancing her patients features. She regularly attends seminars to learn new techniques for best practice.

 

Book a Consultation with Nurse Chelsea via the online booking system.

Dr. Anita Jacombs

GENERAL SURGEON & BREAST IMPLANT SPECIALIST

Anita is a general surgeon at a variety of hospitals across Sydney and has been working alongside Dr Wessels for the past 2 years. She shares a passion for patient health and wellness, which is why is completes all of our breast implant checks. Anita has warm nature and wealth of knowledge when it comes to surgery and its possible complications. Anita is available for breast implant checks in clinic too ensure you and your implants are in good health.

Charlie Saphin

PRACTICE COORDINATOR

Charlie is one of the beautiful faces you’ ll meet when coming into clinic. Charlie brings knowledge and experience in VIP customer service management. Charlie has such a calming nature that will make even the most nervous patients feel at ease.


Charlie knows the answer to all surgical and non surgical questions you may have. She loves chatting with patients and holding their hand along their aesthetic journeys.

Dr. Sepehr Lajevardi

SPECIALIST PLASTIC SURGEON

MBBS BSc(Med) Hons GDip (Anat) MS FRACS (Plast) 

Dr Sepehr Lajevardi is a specialist plastic and reconstructive surgeon specialising in aesthetic surgery of the breast and body. After undertaking his undergraduate medical training at University of NSW with a scholarship, he went on to undertake 12 years of post graduate 12 years of post graduate training to be recognised as a specialist plastic surgeon with the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons. Dr Lajevardi has a keen interest in research with many publications and more than 50 presentations at national conferences. Dr Lajevardi was also mentored by many of Sydneys previous leading plastic surgeons to further his skills in aesthetic plastic surgery.

 

Dr Lajevardi is a clinical associate lecturer at the university of Sydney. He is also a founding member and past chairman of the International charity organisation, ‘Doctors Assisting in South Pacific Islands’ (DAISI), organising much needed surgical trips to the pacific as well as medical supplies to help our closest neighbours.

 

Dr Lajevardi prides himself in his meticulous surgical technique. His paramount consideration is patient satisfaction, always striving to achieve tailored results in a caring and compassionate way.

Dr. Louis Wessels

SPECIALIST PLASTIC SURGEON

MBChB FRACS (Plast) FCS Plastics (SA) MAdv Plastic Surgery (Macq Uni) Mmed Plastics (SA)

Dr Wessels is a cosmetic, plastic and reconstructive surgeon and is a senior lecturer at the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences of Macquarie University.

His practice covers the whole range of procedures in cosmetic, plastic and reconstructive surgery with special emphasis on cosmetic and reconstructive surgery of the breast (augmentation, reduction and breast lift) as well as facial cosmetic and reconstructive surgery.

Dr Wessels received his MBChB in South Africa, completing his internship and general surgery residency, training in one of the most challenging clinical environments, before completing his Fellowship and his Master of Medicine in Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery.

Dr Wessels successfully completed his second Fellowship in Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery when he was awarded a Fellowship of the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons in 2015. He has published world leading research on breast implant infection and outcomes following breast augmentation surgery.