Explant surgery for capsular contracture removes the breast implant along with the hardened scar capsule around it. Taking out the capsule, and not only the implant, is what relieves the tightness and pain that contracture causes. At Executive Plastic Surgery, Dr. Shaher W. Khan, Plastic Surgeon, performs this surgery using The Khan Procedure™, his own approach to complete implant and capsule removal. Dr. Shaher W. Khan is double board-certified in Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery and General Surgery, and our practice was founded with a singular focus on breast implant removal.
Your body forms a thin layer of scar tissue around any implant. This layer is called the capsule. In most cases it stays soft. In capsular contracture, the capsule thickens and tightens. It then squeezes the implant and pulls the breast out of shape.
Surgeons often describe contracture using four Baker grades:
Grades III and IV are the most common reasons patients come to us for removal.
Contracture usually shows up as changes you can see and feel. Common signs include:
These changes can affect one breast or both.
Capsular contracture is one of several reasons patients choose removal. Others include the physical burden of carrying implants and age-related concerns. Some patients also have symptoms linked to breast implant illness. Dr. Shaher W. Khan stresses ruling out other medical conditions before deciding that implants are the cause of a patient’s symptoms.
{video:18793|Dr. Shaher W. Khan discusses why patients opt for implant removal, including mechanical burden, age-related concerns and capsular contractures. Over time, the tightening can worsen. Pain may increase and the breast shape can distort further. The capsule tissue itself can also hold inflammatory cells and silicone particles. This is why our protocol treats the capsule as part of the problem to remove, rather than something to leave behind.}
Explant surgery is the removal of breast implants. When the goal is treating contracture, removing the capsule matters as much as removing the implant. The Khan Procedure™ follows Dr. Shaher W. Khan’s 100/100/0 Rule™. This rule means photographic proof that 100% of the implant and capsule are removed, 100% of the time, with 0% of the capsule left behind.
Every capsule we remove is sent for pathology, including CD30 analysis for BIA-ALCL. Each one also goes for microbiology cultures. Surgery is documented with high-definition photos and video, and patients receive their implants back.
Our breast implant removal options cover different situations. Dr. Shaher W. Khan recommends the approach that fits your anatomy and history.
A total capsulectomy removes the implant and the entire capsule of scar tissue around it.
An en bloc capsulectomy removes the implant and capsule together as one intact unit. The capsule is kept closed during removal whenever surgically appropriate. Dr. Shaher W. Khan performs this without new incisions in the breast tissue.
Some patients had implants removed elsewhere in the past, but scar tissue was left behind. Residual capsule removal targets that leftover tissue. This tissue can keep holding inflammatory cells or calcifications.
Before surgery, each patient completes a history and physical along with preoperative lab work. These steps confirm you are healthy enough for surgery. Our surgical preparation explains the required documents.
Patients also need medical clearance and a cardiac assessment before complete implant removal. These checks help Dr. Shaher W. Khan plan your surgery with your overall health in mind. Many of our patients travel from out of state, and our out-of-town patients page outlines how clearance works from home.
The Khan Procedure™ is performed under deep sedation, known as Twilight Anesthesia. This choice supports safety and a smoother recovery.
Many patients ask about drains first. The Khan Procedure™ uses a drainless technique, so you will not go home with surgical drains. Patients often name this as a main reason they seek out our approach.
Patients worry that removing implants will leave the breasts sagging. The Khan Procedure™ includes a natural pseudo-lift technique. It restores a natural breast contour without a separate lift procedure or additional cuts into the breast tissue.
Early recovery focuses on protecting the chest muscles. Keeping your elbows close to your chest during the first stage helps the pectoral muscles heal. Movement increases in steps as you heal. Many patients describe a strong sense of physical relief once the tight capsule is gone. Our team gives you clear guidance on post-op movement and muscle use at each stage.
{video:40595|We break down post-op movement, muscle engagement and the physical relief patients experience after breast implant removal. Dr. Shaher W. Khan reviews your personal health history and goals with you before surgery. With the capsule fully removed, the source of the contracture is gone. Pathology and microbiology results give you clear answers about what the capsule contained. The high-definition photos and video show exactly what was removed.}
When comparing options for explant surgery for capsular contracture, look at a few verifiable facts:
Clear answers to these questions help you compare techniques side by side.
Capsular contracture tightens scar tissue around an implant, and it does not resolve without surgery. Removing the implant together with the full capsule addresses the cause. Dr. Shaher W. Khan’s Khan Procedure™ pairs complete capsule removal with a drainless technique and a natural pseudo-lift. Meet Dr. Shaher W. Khan to learn more about his background.
Explant surgery for capsular contracture works by removing both the implant and the hardened capsule. Our approach follows the 100/100/0 Rule™, sends every capsule for pathology and microbiology, and avoids drains. Patients leave with a natural contour and clear documentation of their surgery.
About the Author
Dr. Shaher W. Khan, MD
November 9, 2026
Learn more about breast implant illness, breast implant removal, or meet Dr. Shaher Khan.
