What Happens to Breasts After Implant Removal?

Common Reasons for Breast Implant Removal

Every woman’s story is unique, and the reasons for breast implant removal are incredibly varied and personal. There is no right or wrong reason—only what is right for you. Some of the most common motivations we see include:

• A Change in Aesthetic Preference: Over time, you may simply decide that you prefer a more natural breast size and shape. A desire for a smaller, lighter chest that better suits your lifestyle or current aesthetic is a perfectly valid reason for explant surgery.
• Implant Complications: Issues can arise that necessitate removal. These include capsular contracture (the hardening of the scar tissue capsule around the implant), implant rupture or leak, and implant malposition (shifting).
• Concerns About Breast Implant Illness (BII): Some women with implants experience a range of systemic symptoms, often referred to as Breast Implant Illness. While BII is not yet a formal medical diagnosis, we listen to and validate our patients’ concerns, and many women choose to remove their implants as part of their journey toward improved well-being.
• Peace of Mind: For some, the simple desire to no longer have medical devices in their body is reason enough. They seek the peace of mind that comes with returning to a fully natural state.

Whatever your reason, it is valid. This decision marks a new chapter, one focused on your comfort, health, and confidence.

The Explant Procedure: Understanding Capsulectomy and Surgical Technique

When you decide to move forward, understanding the surgical process is key. A breast implant removal procedure is more complex than simply taking the implant out. The skill of your surgeon is paramount, particularly when it comes to managing the capsule.

When an implant is placed in the body, your immune system naturally forms a layer of scar tissue around it called a capsule. A critical part of explant surgery is deciding how to address this capsule. The technique used will be based on your specific situation, the condition of your capsule, and your surgeon’s expert recommendation.

The procedure is performed under general anesthesia to ensure your complete comfort. Dr. Politis typically makes an incision along the inframammary fold (the crease beneath the breast) to minimize visible scarring. The main surgical choices involve:

• Capsulectomy: This involves removing the implant first, and then meticulously removing the scar tissue capsule.
• Total Capsulectomy: The surgeon removes the entire capsule in a meticulous dissection after the implant has been removed.
• En Bloc Capsulectomy: This is the most comprehensive technique. The surgeon removes the implant and the entire capsule together as one single piece. This method is often preferred for patients with ruptured silicone implants or significant concerns about BII, as it prevents any leakage of silicone or inflammatory material within the capsule from contacting the body.

Dr. Politis’s extensive experience allows her to perform these intricate techniques with precision, ensuring the most thorough removal possible to set the stage for optimal healing and aesthetic results.

What Happens to Breasts After Implant Removal?

This brings us back to the central question. After the implants are gone, what will your breasts look like? It’s important to have realistic expectations. The skin and breast tissue have been stretched to accommodate the volume of the implants. After removal, you will likely experience:

• Volume Loss: Your breasts will naturally be smaller, returning to their pre-augmentation size or potentially smaller if natural tissue has atrophied over time.
• Sagging (Ptosis): The skin envelope may be loose and stretched, causing the breasts to appear saggy or “deflated.” The degree of sagging depends on the size of your implants, your skin elasticity, and how long you had them.
• Irregular Contours: You may notice some unevenness or concavities in the breast shape.

Reading this may feel disheartening, but it’s only half the story. The wonderful news is that you have excellent options to reshape and rejuvenate your breasts during the very same surgery. The most common and effective solution is combining the explant with a Breast Lift (Mastopexy).

A breast lift does exactly what its name implies: it lifts and reshapes the breast tissue, removes excess skin, and repositions the nipple and areola to a more youthful, forward-facing position. This powerful combination allows you to not only remove your implants but also achieve a beautiful, natural, and aesthetically pleasing breast shape. For patients who desire some volume but want to avoid implants, a fat transfer can sometimes be used to add a small, natural-looking amount of fullness.

A Closer Look at Explant Surgery Recovery

Planning for your recovery is just as important as planning for the surgery itself. A smooth, well-supported explant surgery recovery ensures the best possible outcome. The general timeline is about 4-6 weeks for the initial healing phase.

Here’s what you can typically expect:

• First Few Days: This is when you’ll experience the most discomfort, swelling, and bruising. This is managed with prescribed pain medication and rest. You will need a trusted friend or family member to help you at home.
• Weeks 1-2: You will start to feel significantly better. You will wear a supportive surgical bra or wrap to minimize swelling and support your healing tissues. Most patients can return to desk work or light activities during this time.
• Weeks 2-6: You will continue to heal and can gradually increase your activity level. However, you must avoid strenuous exercise and heavy lifting. Dr. Politis advises against lifting anything heavier than 8 pounds for a full six weeks to protect your incisions and internal healing.
• 6+ Weeks: With clearance from your surgeon, you can typically resume all normal activities, including exercise.

Following your post-operative instructions is non-negotiable for a safe recovery. Regular follow-up appointments with your plastic surgeon in Tampa, FL, are crucial for monitoring your progress. Choosing a local, board-certified surgeon like Dr. Politis ensures you have dedicated, accessible care throughout this entire period.

A New Chapter of Confidence

Choosing to remove your breast implants is a powerful decision—a reclamation of your body and a step toward a new kind of confidence. While it’s natural to be concerned about what happens to breasts after implant removal, the reality is that modern surgical techniques offer beautiful, empowering solutions.

By combining your explant with a breast lift, you can achieve a result that is not only natural but also beautifully contoured and youthful in appearance. The journey is a partnership between you and your surgeon, built on trust, expertise, and a shared vision for your outcome.

If you are ready to learn more about breast implant removal and explore your options for achieving a shape you love, we invite you to schedule a private consultation with Dr. Politis. Let’s begin this new chapter, together.

To schedule a consultation with Dr. Effie Politis, please contact our office:

Call us at: (813) 542 – 2587
Visit us: 4602 N Armenia Ave Suite 201, Tampa, FL 33603