Is implant removal major surgery? Understanding the factors

October 2, 2025 •

4 min read

Worldwide, implant removal accounts for a significant percentage of elective surgeries, yet its classification is complex. The question, Is implant removal major surgery?, has no single answer, as the procedure's nature varies greatly depending on the type and location of the implant.

Quick Summary

Whether implant removal is considered major surgery is highly dependent on the implant's type and condition. Simple cases like non-integrated dental implants can be minor, while complex procedures like breast explantation with a capsulectomy are typically major, involving general anesthesia and longer recovery.

Key Points

Complexity Varies: The classification of implant removal as major or minor depends heavily on the type and condition of the implant, as well as the patient's anatomy.
Not a Single Answer: There is no universal 'yes' or 'no' to whether implant removal is major surgery; it is determined on a case-by-case basis by the surgeon.
Anesthesia is a Key Indicator: Minor removals may use local anesthesia, while major procedures typically require general anesthesia.
Recovery Time Varies: Recovery from a minor removal is often quick, while recovery from a major procedure, like breast explantation with a capsulectomy, can take weeks or months.
Breast Implant Removal is Often Major: Explantation, especially if a capsulectomy is involved, is commonly considered a major surgery.
Dental Implant Removal Can Be Minor: Simple removals of failed dental implants are often minor procedures, but complex cases with integrated implants require more advanced techniques.

Defining Major vs. Minor Surgery

To understand whether an implant removal is a major procedure, it helps to first define the terms. Major surgery is generally characterized by high complexity, potential for significant blood loss, the use of general anesthesia, a hospital stay, and a longer recovery period. Minor surgery, conversely, is less invasive, carries lower risk, often uses local or regional anesthesia, and has a faster recovery. The key takeaway is that the classification is not based on a single factor but a combination of procedure characteristics.

Implant Type and Complexity

The most significant factor in determining the surgical classification is the type of implant being removed. Different implants present unique challenges and procedural requirements.

Dental Implant Removal

Removing a dental implant can range from a minor in-office procedure to a more complex surgical intervention. The primary factor is how well the implant has integrated with the jawbone, a process called osseointegration.

Minor removal: If an implant has failed early and hasn't fully integrated, it may be mobile and can often be removed simply with forceps under local anesthetic.
Complex removal: For implants that have been in place for a long time and are strongly integrated, the procedure is more complex. Specialized instruments, like a trough bur or a high-torque adapter, are needed to carefully detach the implant from the bone. This may require more significant sedation or anesthesia and a longer recovery for bone healing. A bone graft may be needed to preserve the jaw structure.

Breast Implant Removal (Explantation)

Breast implant removal, or explantation, is widely regarded as a major surgical procedure. It is typically performed under general anesthesia and often takes longer than the original placement surgery due to scar tissue formation. The complexity is compounded by other factors:

Capsulectomy: In many cases, the scar tissue capsule that forms around the implant must also be removed. This procedure, known as a capsulectomy, can be partial or total. The most complex is an en bloc capsulectomy, where the implant and capsule are removed together as one piece, which is often done for ruptured implants or other medical concerns.
Additional procedures: It is common for a breast lift (mastopexy) or fat grafting to be performed simultaneously to address sagging or volume loss after the implants are removed. These combined procedures increase the overall surgical time and recovery.

Orthopedic Implant Removal

Orthopedic implants, such as plates, screws, and rods used for fracture fixation, are also removed in a significant number of cases. While often viewed as a straightforward procedure, it carries its own set of complexities.

Simple removal: A quick, minor procedure may be possible if the hardware is easily accessible and not deeply integrated.
Complex removal: Complications such as screw stripping, implant breakage, or soft tissue complications can turn a planned minor procedure into a more complex one. The location and depth of the implant also play a large role in its difficulty. The indications for orthopedic implant removal are not universally consistent, adding to the procedural variability.

A comparison of major vs. minor implant removal


Aspect	Minor Implant Removal	Major Implant Removal
Example	Early dental implant failure; easily accessible, non-complicated orthopedic hardware	Breast explantation with capsulectomy; long-standing, complex dental implant
Anesthesia	Local anesthesia or light sedation	General anesthesia
Incision	Small, often in-office	Larger, more complex surgical incision
Recovery	Days to a couple of weeks, with minimal restrictions	Weeks to months, with significant activity restrictions
Risk	Relatively low risk of complications	Higher risk of complications like infection, bleeding, or nerve damage
Additional Procedures	Not typically required	Often combined with other procedures (e.g., breast lift, bone graft)

The Recovery Process

Just as the surgery itself varies, so does the recovery timeline. A minor removal, like a dental implant that hasn't integrated, may have minimal downtime. In contrast, a major explantation can require weeks of restricted activity and months for swelling to fully subside. Patient health also plays a critical role in recovery; those in better health tend to recover more quickly.

Factors that increase recovery complexity

Capsulectomy: The removal of scar tissue significantly adds to the invasiveness of breast implant explantation and prolongs recovery.
Implant condition: A ruptured silicone implant can complicate the removal process, requiring a more extensive procedure and longer recovery.
Associated procedures: Performing a breast lift, fat grafting, or bone grafting alongside the removal will increase surgical time and recovery.
Overall health: Underlying health conditions can affect the body's ability to heal efficiently.

Conclusion: A Case-by-Case Determination

Ultimately, the classification of implant removal as major or minor surgery is not universal and depends on a combination of factors, including the type of implant, its condition, its location, and the patient's individual health. A patient's experience can range from a quick in-office visit with local anesthetic to a multi-hour hospital stay with general anesthesia. Consulting with a qualified surgeon is essential to get an accurate assessment of the procedure's complexity and what to expect for your specific situation. This personalized evaluation is the only way to get a definitive answer to the question, is implant removal major surgery? It's crucial for patients to be informed about all aspects of their planned procedure. For more information on general surgery, the National Institutes of Health (NIH) provides a wealth of resources on various medical procedures: NIH.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, breast implant removal, also known as explantation, is typically considered a major surgery. It is performed under general anesthesia and often involves removing not just the implant but also the surrounding scar tissue, which increases the complexity and recovery time.

Recovery for a major implant removal, such as breast explantation, can take several weeks to months. Patients should expect to restrict strenuous physical activity for an extended period, and swelling can take a few months to fully resolve.

Not necessarily. The complexity of dental implant removal varies greatly. If the implant is an early failure and is mobile, it can be a minor procedure with local anesthesia. However, removing a well-integrated implant that has been in place for years is a more complex surgical procedure.

If a breast implant has ruptured, a major surgical procedure is required for removal. This usually involves a more extensive approach, often requiring an en bloc capsulectomy to remove the implant and surrounding tissue as one piece to minimize contamination.

No, not always. Minor implant removals, such as a non-integrated dental implant, can be done with local anesthesia and light sedation. However, major implant removals, like breast explantation, almost always require general anesthesia to ensure patient comfort and safety.

Yes, in some cases, unexpected complications can arise during a minor procedure, requiring a more extensive surgical approach. For example, during an orthopedic implant removal, a screw could break, increasing the procedure's complexity.

Like any surgery, risks include infection, adverse reactions to anesthesia, and excessive bleeding. The specific risks vary based on the type and complexity of the implant being removed. For major procedures, recovery is longer, and potential complications are higher.