Wall that is also a mantle

I want to take out the mantle above my gas fireplace. It is attached to the wall. It is painted like the wall and it wraps around one side. Also the front of the wall above the fireplace is framed so that the middle is recessed. How do I take it apart without damaging the existing wall?

 

Pictures are your friend here.

Post some up and you will get a bunch more feedback.

 

my mantle was attached to the top of the fireplace with finishing nails, it came right out. I agree, some pictures would help but either way if you want to change it you will have to remove it. I took mine apart carefully piece by piece until i realized that there were three pieces of wood embedded into the stone on the top of the fireplace were the mantle was nailed in. Have fun