Empowered, Informed, and Supported at Plastic Surgical Associates

At Plastic Surgical Associates, we understand that patients deciding on breast implant removal in Denver and Fort Collins is deeply personal. Board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Diane Duncan approaches every case with empathy, precision, and artistry, combining decades of surgical experience with advanced regenerative techniques. Her patient-centered philosophy focuses on restoring comfort, improving aesthetics, and ensuring results that align with each woman’s evolving goals, health, and self-image.

When Is Breast Implant Removal Needed?

Breast implant removal, also known as explantation, is a surgical procedure that removes one or both breast implants. Depending on the patient’s needs, it may include removing surrounding scar tissue (capsulectomy) or reshaping natural breast tissue. This procedure can address:

  • Capsular contracture or hardening of the breast
  • Implant rupture or leakage
  • Discomfort or asymmetry
  • Breast implant illness–related symptoms
  • Age-related tissue changes or aesthetic preferences
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Experience the Expertise of a Global Aesthetic Leader for Breast Implant Removal

Expertise in Regenerative Surgery

Dr. Duncan’s regenerative approach goes beyond standard removal. By combining fat transfer or biologic matrix support, she enhances healing, soft tissue quality, and natural breast contour without relying on synthetic materials.

Global Leadership and Research Contributions

As a respected educator and contributor to the Aesthetic Surgery Journal, Dr. Duncan has advanced the field of regenerative aesthetics. Her work in clinical trials and device development ensures patients benefit from the most refined, evidence-based techniques.

Compassionate, All-Female Team

Our experienced nurses, medical assistants, and laser specialists provide compassionate, individualized care in a comfortable environment. Patients often describe our practice as supportive, respectful, and emotionally grounding throughout their journey.

Holistic, Honest Guidance


Dr. Duncan prioritizes transparency and patient education. She discusses surgical and non-surgical options thoroughly, helping patients make informed choices that align with their health and confidence.

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The Shift Toward Explantation: Understanding Patient Motivations

Many women today are choosing explantation as their priorities evolve. This shift reflects a broader desire to age gracefully while simplifying care and embracing authenticity. For many, breast implant removal in Denver and Fort Collins represents empowerment and freedom from long-term implant maintenance.

Breast Implant Illness Considerations

Some patients experience symptoms they attribute to their implants, such as fatigue, joint pain, brain fog, or autoimmune-like conditions. Although research is ongoing, many women notice marked improvement after removal, making explantation an appealing choice for those seeking clarity and wellness.

Freedom from Ongoing Maintenance

Breast implants typically require replacement every 10 to 15 years. Over time, the idea of additional surgeries, recovery periods, and costs becomes less desirable. Breast implant removal offers freedom from these obligations, allowing patients to enjoy their natural form with peace of mind.

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Addressing Age-Related Changes and Complications

As collagen support diminishes, sliding ptosis may occur, with tissue gradually descending below the implant.
Other common issues include:

  • Capsular Contracture: Tightened scar tissue causing hardness or discomfort
  • Implant Migration: Lateral movement toward the armpits, distorting the breast shape
  • Lifestyle Changes: Evolving preferences regarding size, shape, or aesthetics

A Natural Transition

Many patients discover that pairing explantation with a breast lift, such as Dr. Duncan’s signature PerkyLift™, creates a refreshed, balanced appearance that suits their current lifestyle. This approach allows for graceful aging without implant-related concerns, preserving shape and proportion naturally.

Benefits of Breast Implant Removal

  • Relief from discomfort or implant-related complications
  • Improved breast softness and natural contour
  • Elimination of implant maintenance and replacement cycles
  • Restoration of body confidence and peace of mind
  • Freedom from scar tissue hardening or implant migration

Personalized Consultation and Candidacy Evaluation

During your consultation, Dr. Duncan evaluates your symptoms, goals, and medical history to ensure a safe, customized plan. Ideal candidates may experience discomfort, implant-related complications, aesthetic dissatisfaction, or a desire for a more natural body profile.

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About the Procedure

Your consultation begins with a detailed discussion about your reasons for removal and desired outcome. Dr. Duncan develops a plan that may include simultaneous breast reshaping or fat grafting for natural volume.

  1. Anesthesia is administered for comfort.

  2. Incisions are placed along previous scars where possible.

  3. Implants and, if needed, capsule tissue are removed.

  4. Breasts are reshaped or lifted to achieve a natural contour.

  5. Dressings and compression garments are applied to support healing.

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Breast Implant Removal Recovery Timeline and Expected Results

Most patients return to light activity within one to two weeks. Swelling and bruising subside over several weeks as the breasts settle into their natural contour.

Final results, softer, lighter, and beautifully proportionate, emerge within two to three months.

Different Approaches to Breast Implant Removal

  • Simple Explantation: Implant removal only

  • En Bloc Capsulectomy: Complete removal of the implant and capsule as one unit
  • Explant with Lift: Removal combined with a PerkyLift™ or traditional breast lift for enhanced shape and position

Additional Ways to Refine and Restore

  • Breast Lift: Restores youthful shape and elevation after implant removal.

  • Fat Transfer Augmentation: Uses natural fat to subtly restore volume and contour.

  • PerkyLift™: Dr. Duncan’s trademarked lift technique offering natural projection with minimal scarring.

  • Body Contouring: Enhances balance through complementary sculpting procedures.

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Breast Implant Removal Frequently Asked Questions

Will my breasts look deflated after implant removal?

Some loss of volume is expected. A lift or fat transfer can restore natural shape and projection.

Is breast implant removal safe?

Yes. In experienced hands, explantation is a low-risk procedure. Risks include bleeding, infection, or contour irregularities, all minimized by expert technique.

Can breast implant removal relieve symptoms of breast implant illness?

Many women report improvement in symptoms such as fatigue or joint pain following explantation, though results vary individually.

Will insurance cover breast implant removal?

Coverage is rare unless the removal is medically necessary, such as for rupture or capsular contracture.

Begin Your Journey Toward Natural Confidence

If you’re considering breast explantation in Denver and Fort Collins, schedule a private consultation with Plastic Surgical Associates today. Discover a graceful, restorative approach that honors your health, confidence, and natural beauty.

Schedule a Consultation

Start your journey with personalized guidance, expert insights, and a clear plan tailored to your goals for natural, confident, long-lasting results.

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