Your Journey to a Natural Contour
A Surgical Solution for Implant Removal
Remove breast implants to restore a natural contour — whether driven by complication, a change in preference, or concerns about Breast Implant Illness.
Breast Implant Removal at a Glance
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Overview
Breast implant removal — or explant surgery — removes breast implants for women who no longer want them. The decision is highly personal, and may be driven by complications (capsular contracture, rupture), a change in aesthetic preference toward a more natural look, or concerns about Breast Implant Illness (BII). The procedure can be performed with or without a breast lift.
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Recovery
Swelling and bruising are expected and gradually subside over several weeks. Drains are often required for a few days to a week. A compression garment is worn to aid in healing. Most patients return to work and light activities within one to two weeks, with a full return to normal activities in about four to six weeks.
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Results
Results are immediate — providing a more natural, implant-free breast contour. When a breast lift is performed concurrently, a more youthful and lifted appearance is also achieved. Patients often describe a sense of relief alongside the visual change.
Breast Implant Removal
Am I a Good Candidate?
What Do Scars Look Like?
More Details About Breast Implant Removal
The Surgical Process
The Surgical Process
Breast implant removal is an outpatient procedure performed under general anesthesia. The surgeon makes a discreet incision and removes the breast implant. In many cases, the surgeon will also recommend a capsulectomy — removal of the scar tissue capsule that surrounds the implant. This can be a total capsulectomy (entire capsule removed) or a partial capsulectomy (only the affected portion). Drains are typically used and removed in the office at a follow-up appointment.
With or Without a Breast Lift
When an implant is removed, the breast tissue that has been stretched by the implant can appear deflated and saggy. Many patients choose to combine explant surgery with a breast lift to remove excess skin and tighten the remaining tissue for a more aesthetically pleasing result. Whether to add a lift is a decision we make together at consultation, based on your tissue, your goals, and your willingness to accept the additional scars a lift involves.
Surgeon's Notes
How we approach explant — including BII concerns
Breast implant removal has become a more common consultation in the last few years — and a significant portion of that is patients concerned about Breast Implant Illness. I want to be straightforward about how we approach those conversations. BII is real to the patients experiencing it, even though the medical research is still evolving on which specific symptoms are causally linked to implants versus other factors. I don't dismiss patient concerns, and I don't oversell explant as a guaranteed cure. What I do is: listen carefully, examine for objective findings (ruptured implants, capsular contracture, rippling), explain the surgical options including total capsulectomy ('en-bloc' removal of capsule plus implant together), and let you decide whether explant is the right next step for you. Many patients feel better after explant — physically and emotionally. Some don't. My job is to be honest with you about what we know and don't know, and to perform the surgery safely if you decide to proceed.
Breast Implant Removal
Breast Implant Removal Recovery & Results Timeline
Please remember this is just a guide for Breast Implant Removal recovery. Every individual and recovery is unique. Your surgeon will provide you with personalized instructions and recovery times after your procedure.
Day 1 – 3
You will experience some swelling, bruising, and discomfort. A compression garment will be worn to help reduce swelling and support your new contour. Drains will typically be in place.
1 – 2 Weeks
The majority of swelling and bruising will have subsided. Drains are typically removed during this window, and you can typically return to work and light, non-strenuous activities.
3 – 4 Weeks
The remaining swelling continues to resolve. You can gradually return to a full exercise routine, but avoid heavy lifting and chest exercises.
6 Weeks – 3 Months
You will be fully recovered and can return to all of your normal activities. The final contour of your breasts will be fully apparent and stable.
Your Surgeons
Ready to Take the Next Step?
Schedule a consultation to discuss Breast Implant Removal with our board-certified surgeons.