More and more women are considering removing their breast implants, whether for aesthetic reasons, health concerns, or a personal desire to return to a more natural breast. This procedure is known as breast explant surgery and should always be performed by a specialized plastic surgeon in a safe surgical environment.
In this article, you will find detailed information about how the surgery is performed, what options exist after removal, and what you should consider before making a decision.
What is Breast Explant Surgery?
Breast explant surgery is a procedure aimed at removing breast implants.
It is usually performed under general anesthesia.
The surgeon makes an incision in the same area where the implant was placed (armpit, areola, or inframammary fold).
The implants are removed and, in most cases, the scar capsule that the body forms around them is also extracted.
Options after implant removal
After removal, the patient can choose from different alternatives, depending on the desired shape and volume:
Breasts without implants: The result is a more natural look. There may be some sagging if the skin has stretched over time.
Lipofilling or fat grafting: This involves filling the breast with the patient’s own fat, harvested through liposuction from another area of the body.
Mastopexy (breast lift): A surgery that repositions and lifts the breast to improve its shape after implant removal.
Why remove breast implants?
The most common reasons include:
Personal desire to return to natural breasts.
Complications such as capsular contracture, rupture, or displacement of the implant.
Symptoms associated with the so-called Breast Implant Illness (BII).
Changes in lifestyle or aesthetic preferences.
Recovery after explant surgery
Recovery is usually faster than implant placement.
Relative rest is recommended during the first week.
Wearing a post-surgical bra is essential to help tissue adaptation.
The final result can be seen after 3 to 6 months, when the breast settles into its new shape.
Frequently Asked Questions About Removing Breast Implants
