Thinking about breast implant removal? You are not alone.
Explore everything you need to know about explant surgery in one place. From in-depth information on procedure options and recovery timelines to real, unfiltered before-and-after photos from patients who’ve been where you are, we’ve gathered the tools to help you feel confident and supported throughout your journey. Fill out the form below to get started. Your journey back to feeling like yourself again begins here.
What is Breast Explant Surgery?
Breast implant removal—also known as explant surgery—is a highly personal decision and a growing trend among women seeking to restore their natural form or address health and lifestyle concerns. The procedure involves the surgical removal of breast implants, whether silicone or saline, from the breast pockets. To achieve the best aesthetic outcome, explant surgery is often performed alongside complementary procedures such as a breast lift (mastopexy) to address skin laxity or a fat transfer to the breasts for added volume and shape using your body’s own tissue.
Whether you’re just beginning to explore this journey or actively planning your next steps, we’ve created a resource hub to guide you every step of the way.
Get comprehensive information on explant surgery, see real patient before-and-after photos, learn about the latest trends in implant removal, and most importantly—find experienced, board-certified plastic surgeons in your area who specialize in this procedure.
What is Breast
Explant Surgery?
Breast implant removal or explant is a surgical procedure in which the breast implant (silicone or saline) is removed from the breast pockets, giving you a more natural-looking breast.
Why should I get an explant?
The approach to undergo a breast implant removal (explant) surgery varies from patient to patient. While some choose to remove their implants for cosmetic reasons, others do so out of health concerns. Factors could include cosmetic concerns, its been 10+ years since your last procedure, or you’re experiencing breast implant illness (BII).
Cosmetic Concerns: If for some cosmetic reason, initial breast implantation did not yield the desired result, patients will consider having the implants removed. In others, the shape achieved after the first breast augmentation changes over time, owing to the factors such as hormonal fluctuations, pregnancy, and considerable change in weight.
What is Breast Implant Illness (BII)?
In recent years, many women have reported a range of symptoms commonly referred to as Breast Implant Illness (BII)—including fatigue, brain fog or memory loss, joint and muscle pain, hair thinning, digestive issues, skin rashes, and a general sense of unwellness. Often, these symptoms begin after implant surgery and gradually intensify over time.
If you’re experiencing unexplained health issues or simply don’t feel like yourself, it’s important to consult with a surgeon who understands how to evaluate and address BII. Let us help you connect with an American Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon who can guide you through the next steps.
Other potential concerns may include capsular contracture or implant rupture, both of which can cause discomfort and warrant professional evaluation.
What is Breast
Implant Illness (BII)?
In recent years many women have expressed experiencing symptoms of “breast implant illness,” such as fatigue, cognitive dysfunction (brain fog or memory-loss), muscle pain, joint pain, hair loss, gastrointestinal upset, skin rashes and generalized weakness. If you can recall when these symptoms first appeared, you may notice a pattern of how they started after the implantation and have only compounded since.
If you’re experiencing strange health symptoms or just not feeling yourself, you need a surgeon who understands how to test for breast implant illness. Help us find your nearest American-Board-Certified Plastic surgeon.
Other reasons that can cause a concerned patient is a capsular contracture or implant rupture.
Breast Explant Procedures
After breast implant surgery, scar tissue is naturally formed around your implant. Thus, all breast implants have a capsule built around them, which is normal and expected. If due to some complication, the plastic surgeon recommends its removal, a capsulectomy is performed.
Capsulotomy
This surgical procedure is conducted to modify the scar capsule by removing part of the capsule around the implant to make more space for the implant. However, this is not the ideal technique used for breast explant surgery.
Total Capsulectomy
Breast explant with total capsulectomy is a surgical procedure that involves removing the entire capsule, also known as scar tissue that surrounds the implant. The surgeon may remove the implant first and then the capsule.
Subtotal Capsulectomy
This surgical procedure is conducted to modify the scar capsule by removing part of the capsule around the implant to make more space for the implant. However, this is not the ideal technique used for breast explant surgery.
En Bloc Capsulectomy
Breast explant with En Bloc Capsulectomy is a surgical procedure in which the entire capsule, including the breast implant, is removed intact as one piece. The capsule with scar tissue should not be punctured during the surgical procedure.
A GOOD WORD MEANS A LOT
Client testimonials
It’s always the word of mouth that’s the best advice. Here are some of ours client testimonials.
Dr. Barrett is a true artist. He is amazing and super understanding. I had my implants removed which was a huge step for me and was extremely on the fence about the whole thing and afraid I would no longer love what I saw in the mirror. Dr Barrett addressed my concerns and him and his team made me feel so comfortable about everything and gave me all the information I needed to make the decision
Adrienne C
OMG I could feel and see the difference in my breast immediately. Amazingly there was no additional scarring. He went through my old incisions. I am still in postop. It has only been 3 weeks and I feel such a drastic change. I am so grateful for him. If there was a way to give this man Ten Stars across-the-board I would. I have had such a phenomenal experience with Dr. Barret. He comes highly recommended for me. I get emotional just thinking about it. I definitely was well taken care of.
GC
I was very nervous in choosing a surgeon to make such an altering operation, but dr Barrett made me feel safe right from the start, and I loved the professional and wonderful staff and environment. They were all very professional and genuinely caring. I couldn’t be any happier with my results and I would recommend Dr Barrett to anyone I know.
Anonymous Patient
A GOOD WORD MEANS A LOT
Client testimonials
It’s always the word of mouth that’s the best advice. Here are some of ours client testimonials.
Dr. Barrett is a true artist. He is amazing and super understanding. I had my implants removed which was a huge step for me and was extremely on the fence about the whole thing and afraid I would no longer love what I saw in the mirror. Dr Barrett addressed my concerns and him and his team made me feel so comfortable about everything and gave me all the information I needed to make the decision
Adrienne C
OMG I could feel and see the difference in my breast immediately. Amazingly there was no additional scarring. He went through my old incisions. I am still in postop. It has only been 3 weeks and I feel such a drastic change. I am so grateful for him. If there was a way to give this man Ten Stars across-the-board I would. I have had such a phenomenal experience with Dr. Barret. He comes highly recommended for me. I get emotional just thinking about it. I definitely was well taken care of.
GC
I was very nervous in choosing a surgeon to make such an altering operation, but dr Barrett made me feel safe right from the start, and I loved the professional and wonderful staff and environment. They were all very professional and genuinely caring. I couldn’t be any happier with my results and I would recommend Dr Barrett to anyone I know.
Anonymous Patient
Explant hub
Visit our explant hub to learn more about all things Explant Surgery! Join our community of explant patients and support groups to help you learn more about removing your breast implants.
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