Breast Implant Removal in Charlotte, NC
Safe, Personalized Solutions for Removing Breast Implants
No breast implant lasts a lifetime, and you may want to have yours removed for cosmetic reasons, comfort, or replacement with a new pair. Life happens and bodies change—if your breast implants cause discomfort, no longer fit your lifestyle, or no longer look good, you can have them removed.
At Providence Plastic Surgery & Skin Center, we offer breast implant removal and expert guidance on your next steps to achieve the breast shape and contour you want. Dr. Andrew Gear’s surgical precision and artist’s eye allow him to deliver sophisticated, natural-looking results. We serve patients throughout Charlotte, Matthews, Waxhaw, Wesley Chapel, Rock Hill, Fort Mill, and the greater Charlotte area.
To learn more about breast implant removal, call us at (704) 771-1747 or schedule your consultation online. Our attentive team is here to guide you through your care with expertise, understanding, and luxurious attention.
Quick Links
What Is Breast Implant Removal?
Breast implant removal is a surgical procedure that involves the removal of breast implants. During surgery, Dr. Gear will delicately and atraumatically remove the implant and any silicone material from any leaks, plus the breast implant capsule, if necessary, and the scar tissue that forms after initial breast implant placement.
This procedure works well for women who:
- Are no longer satisfied with their implants’ appearance
- Have pain or discomfort around the implant
- Want smaller, lighter breasts
- Experience hardening or tightening of their scar tissue
- Have an implant rupture or leak
- Have changed their personal preferences
The American Academy of Plastic Surgeons recommends removing or replacing breast implants every 10 to 15 years, but the exact timing can vary from patient to patient.
What Are the Benefits of Breast Implant Removal?
Breast implant removal can have benefits in appearance, comfort, and medical care. Benefits include:
- Less pain: For women experiencing discomfort with their implant from capsular contracture, removing the implant can offer almost instant relief. Removal can also ease neck or back pain from large breasts.
- Shape: Some women choose breast implant removal to return to a lower-profile breast shape, which can boost self-esteem and confidence.
- Lower risk: Removing breast implants erases the risk of implant rupture or hardened scar tissue.
- Mammograms: Once your implants have been removed, your mammogram results may look clearer.
Why Choose Providence Plastic Surgery & Skin Center for Breast Implant Removal?
Choosing a surgeon can feel overwhelming, but Providence Plastic Surgery & Skin Center offers expert surgical care led by Dr. Andrew Gear, who prioritizes safety, innovation, a personalized approach, and a fast recovery.
Here’s what makes us a top destination for breast implant removal surgery in the greater Charlotte area:
- Fellowship training in aesthetic plastic surgery: Dr. Gear trained in Los Angeles with world-renowned leaders in the field in addition to 3 years of plastic surgery residency at the University of Minnesota. Most programs are 2 years.
- Clinical innovation with safety first: Dr. Gear was the first surgeon in the Southeast to implement enhanced recovery protocols into cosmetic plastic surgery. His use of intraoperative brainwave monitoring—unheard of in private practice—reflects our commitment to patient safety and surgical excellence.
- Genuine, unhurried care: Every consultation is designed to feel personal, never rushed. We want to understand your goals and walk you through your options with clarity and compassion.
- Multilingual, multicultural team: We speak English, Spanish, Portuguese, Russian, Ukrainian, and Polish. No matter your background, you’ll feel welcome and understood.
- An elegant, inviting environment: Our Charlotte office doesn’t feel like a clinic—it feels like a high-end spa. Think soft robes, fresh flowers, deep leather seating, and a skincare bar with curated products.
- Results that reflect you: Whether you want subtle rejuvenation or a complete transformation, your procedure is tailored to your anatomy, lifestyle, and goals—not someone else’s trends or wish pics.
Andrew Gear, MD
Dr. Gear is a leading plastic surgeon on the East Coast, known for his expertise in breast and body contouring. With nearly two decades of experience, he combines advanced techniques and a natural touch to deliver exceptional results. At Providence Plastic Surgery & Skin Center, he leads an award-winning team of skilled injectors, estheticians, and a CoolSculpting master—offering both surgical and non-invasive treatments tailored to every patient’s goals.
Your Charlotte, NC Breast Implant Removal Consultation with Dr. Gear
Pre-surgery consultation marks a vital first step in your journey to implant removal. At your consultation, you will meet Dr. Gear in a beautiful, private room designed to put you at ease and feel relaxed and heard. Dr. Gear allows plenty of time for each patient, so you will never feel rushed.
Once you have changed into a comfortable, soft black robe, Dr. Gear will listen carefully to your questions, concerns, and goals. He will conduct a gentle assessment of your breasts and then help you determine if you’re a good candidate for breast implant removal.
If he determines you could benefit from this procedure, he will work with you to create a tailored surgical plan, being sure to explain your options clearly and honestly. You will never be pressured to move forward with surgery, and whether you decide to go forward that day or wait a bit longer, Dr. Gear wants to facilitate your decision.
Who Is a Good Candidate for Breast Implant Removal?
You may be a good candidate for breast implant removal if you:
- Have good overall health
- Are at a stable weight
- Don’t smoke
- Have realistic expectations
- No longer like the appearance of your implants
- Feel your breasts are too heavy
- Notice scar tissue getting harder or tighter
- Have a leak or rupture
Whatever your reasons for wanting an implant removed, we are here to help. We want you to feel supported and hopeful about your appearance and comfort.
What to Expect During Your Breast Implant Removal
On the day of surgery, you will be welcomed into our inviting Charlotte office. You will meet your surgical team, change into a soft robe, and relax in a private surgical suite while our team prepares you for surgery.
While you are under anesthesia, Dr. Gear will make an incision under your breasts and remove implants, capsules, and any silicone that has leaked. Surgery typically takes 1 to 3 hours.
Once Dr. Gear removes your implants, he will close your incisions with sutures or skin adhesive and apply dressings and a support bra or wrap. After this, our team will move you to a recovery room, where a nurse will monitor you as you wake, treat any post-operative pain, and give you care instructions for home.
Breast Implant Removal Recovery
Once you return home, it’s important to get plenty of rest. You can expect some discomfort and swelling, but a compression wrap and prescribed medication will help to minimize these issues.
Most patients are able to do non-strenuous activities within 5 to 7 days, but you should avoid heavy lifting or intense exercise for 4 to 6 weeks. During your recovery, our office will check in with you to make sure you’re healing well and answer any questions that may arise.
View Real Patient Results
Our extensive range of services guides our patients to an improved quality of life with an enhanced self-image. When we’re comfortable in our own skin, we feel confident and empowered to pursue our goals.
How Much Does Breast Implant Removal Cost in Charlotte, NC?
The cost of breast implant removal can vary depending on the reasons for removal and your insurance coverage. Some insurance providers will cover breast implant removal for reasons like pain or rupture. At your consultation, our staff will contact your insurance provider and give you a quote.
Either way, we don’t want you to feel stressed about the cost, so we offer plenty of flexible financing options to help you stay on budget. We also offer financing options and discounts through The Club, our monthly membership program that includes perks on surgical and non-surgical services.
Schedule Your Breast Implant Removal Consultation in Charlotte, North Carolina Today
If you feel ready to talk to a surgeon about breast implant removal, we would love to help. For anyone wanting to improve comfort, address a leak, or shed breast weight, Providence Plastic Surgery & Skin Center is ready to start the process.
Call us at (704) 771-1747 or schedule your private consultation online. We welcome patients from Charlotte, Matthews, Waxhaw, Rock Hill, Fort Mill, Wesley Chapel, and beyond.
Charlotte, NC Breast Implant Removal FAQs
After surgery, your breasts may look smaller and flatter, depending on skin elasticity and implant size.
Implant removal cost depends on the reason for surgery and insurance coverage, but our team will give you a quote to avoid any financial surprises.
Breast implant removal is a straightforward surgery, but it’s important to choose an experienced surgeon like Dr. Gear, who can handle more complex cases including scar tissue removal.
You may lose a small amount of weight, usually just the implant weight (a few hundred grams).
Yes, implant removal is considered major surgery and requires anesthesia and recovery time.
Many women report feeling immediate relief, especially if they had discomfort or implant-related symptoms.
Insurance may cover breast implant removal if the procedure is deemed medically necessary, such as in cases of implant rupture, capsular contracture causing pain, chronic breast pain, or a diagnosis of Breast Implant-Associated Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma (BIA-ALCL). If your implants were placed for reconstruction after mastectomy, removal is often covered under the Women’s Health and Cancer Rights Act. However, insurance usually does not cover removal for cosmetic reasons or breast implant illness concerns. Dr. Cash at Nashville Plastic Surgery can assist with insurance requirements and provide needed documentation for medical necessity when appropriate.
Recovery from breast implant removal typically takes about one week of rest at home. Expect some discomfort, swelling, and bruising in the first few days, managed with prescribed pain medication. Most people return to work after about one week but should avoid strenuous activity and heavy lifting for several weeks.
Yes, Dr. Cash often combines breast lift surgery with implant removal to correct sagging and restore breast shape. When implants are removed, breasts can appear flat or saggy. A breast lift at the same time removes excess skin and reshapes the tissue for a firmer, more youthful look.
Recognizing breast implant rupture is crucial. Saline implant ruptures typically cause immediate breast deflation, while silicone ruptures may be less obvious. Signs include changes in breast size or shape, lumps, persistent pain, swelling, skin changes, or breast asymmetry. If you notice any of these, consult Dr. Cash for an exam and imaging (MRI or ultrasound) to confirm rupture. If detected, Dr. Cash will likely recommend en bloc capsulectomy for removal.
After breast implant removal, your breasts will return close to their pre-augmentation size, but changes from aging or weight can affect the final look. Initially, breasts may appear flat or deflated but this improves as tissue readjusts over several months. Stretching from implants may cause sagging or wrinkling. Many patients opt for a breast lift or fat grafting to restore shape and volume. Dr. Cash will advise on your best options during consultation.
The most effective treatment for breast implant illness (BII) is complete removal of both implants and surrounding capsule tissue. Dr. Cash ensures thorough removal, often performing en bloc capsulectomy when FDA guidelines suggest. Many women experience relief from symptoms like fatigue and joint pain after explant surgery.