- Explant surgery in Colombia: $3,000–$5,500 vs $7,000–$15,000 in the US
- En bloc capsulectomy (removing implant and entire capsule intact) is the preferred technique for BII concerns
- BII (Breast Implant Illness) is not yet a recognized medical diagnosis but represents a real symptom complex reported by many patients
- Simultaneous fat transfer or breast lift can be performed during explant to maintain some volume/shape
- Many explant patients report significant symptom improvement after removal
Why Explant Is Growing
Breast implant removal has surged in recent years, driven primarily by growing awareness of BII (Breast Implant Illness). Patients report a constellation of symptoms they attribute to their implants: chronic fatigue, joint pain, brain fog, hair loss, skin rashes, and autoimmune-like symptoms. While BII is not yet a formally recognized medical diagnosis, the symptom pattern is real and documented, and many patients report dramatic improvement after explant.
En Bloc Capsulectomy
When the implant is inserted, the body forms a capsule of scar tissue around it. En bloc capsulectomy removes the implant and the entire capsule together as one unit, without opening the capsule. This is preferred when the concern is silicone leakage or BII, as it minimizes exposure to any capsule contents.
Not all surgeons perform true en bloc removal — it's more technically demanding than simple implant removal. Ask specifically about their en bloc technique and experience.
After Explant: Your Options
- Explant only: Remove implants with no replacement. Your breasts will look different than before implants — discuss realistic expectations with your surgeon.
- Explant + breast lift (mastopexy): Removes implants and lifts/reshapes the remaining breast tissue for a perkier natural appearance. Adds $1,500–$3,000 to explant cost.
- Explant + fat transfer: Removes implants and uses liposuction fat to add modest volume, maintaining some fullness. Adds $2,000–$4,000.
- Implant exchange: If the issue is the current implant (wrong size, capsular contracture) rather than implants in general, exchange for a different implant.
| Procedure | Colombia Cost | US Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Simple explant | $3,000–$4,000 | $5,000–$8,000 | Implant + capsule removal |
| En bloc capsulectomy | $3,500–$5,500 | $7,000–$15,000 | Complete capsule preservation |
| Explant + lift | $4,500–$7,500 | $10,000–$18,000 | Reshape after removal |
| Explant + fat transfer | $5,000–$8,500 | $12,000–$20,000 | Natural volume restoration |
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