How Will I Look if I Have My Breast Implants Removed?

Breast implant removal (Breast Explant) has become a very common surgical procedure for women in recent times. Many patients present with health concerns relating to breast implants and associated disease, or may have suffered complications after having their implants placed many years ago. For many women, their greatest concern is their postoperative appearance, breast aesthetic, and overall breast size. At The Lotus Institute we see many women with these concerns each week.

Breast Implant Removal (Breast Explant)

This procedure is essentially the opposite of breast augmentation and involves removing breast implants or revising their shape and size. Breast implants are not designed as ‘lifetime’ devices – the vast majority of women who undergo breast augmentation will need revisionary surgery at some point, either to remove or replace the implants or to reposition the breast back over the front of the implant.

Breast implants may need removal for a variety of reasons. They may rupture or leak silicone, cause an aggressive inflammatory response and tissue contraction, or become infected or colonised with bacteria. They may also move over time from their original placement, or patients may just decide that they don’t want them anymore for either lifestyle considerations or health concerns.

Breast Implant Removal Techniques

Breast implants can be removed either with or without a lift (Mastopexy). In both procedures, the implant and its surrounding capsule (the scar tissue formed around the implant) is removed through your existing incision from your initial augmentation procedure. This is called an explant and Capsulectomy. The Capsulectomy can be performed as an en-bloc (which means all-together) procedure, where the entire capsule is removed as a single piece with the implant contained inside it. This may be preferred for implants that have ruptured or have other issues. Patients with smaller implants, more breast tissue, and no breast ptosis (or drooping) may be able to undergo explant and Capsulectomy without breast lift (Mastopexy) and still have a favourable cosmetic outcome.

For patients that have large implants, a small amount off their own breast tissue, or a degree of breast ptosis, your surgeon may advise undergoing a breast lift (or mastopexy) at the same time as your explant procedure. This allows the surgeon to reposition the nipple back onto the middle of the remaining breast and remove any of the now excess skin after the implant has been removed. It is designed as a single procedure to remove an unwanted or symptomatic pair of breast implants and maintain breast aesthetics.

Breast Implant Removal (Explant Surgery) Recovery Time

Recovery from breast implant removal surgery (Explant Surgery) varies somewhat between patients. Typically, patients without a lift report a similar time frame of recovery to that from when they had their initial breast augmentation surgery. Pain medication is usually not required by the end of the first week. Patients that also have a lift (Mastopexy) are usually back at work, driving a car, and performing their usual daily activities at 2 weeks. It is advised to avoid exercise for 6 weeks post-operatively.

All scars take 12 months to become completely mature, and breast surgery scars are no different. Surgical scars are taped for a period of 6 weeks to avoid stretching, and then massaged for 6-12 weeks afterwards on the advice of your surgeon. All patients wear a post-op compression bra for the first 6 weeks post-operatively, and can go back to wearing normal bras after then.

Breast reduction and Breast implant removal (Explant Surgery) is now common, with many women having this procedure for various reasons. Our Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon Dr Widdowson is experienced and knowledgeable in this area, having performed hundreds of these procedures. If you are considering explant surgery, book in for a consultation at The Lotus Institute.

Common Questions

1. Does skin shrink after breast implant removal?

Yes, skin can shrink after breast implant removal (Explant surgery). The extent of skin shrinkage largely depends on factors such as the elasticity of the breast tissue, the duration the implants were in place, and the size of the original breast implants. After explant surgery, many women notice that their breast shape changes, and while some may experience a tightening of the skin, others may not see significant shrinkage.

2. What happens to the breast tissue after implants are removed?

After breast implants are removed, the breast tissue may undergo a period of adjustment. It can take time for the breast tissue to settle and adapt to its new state. Some women may experience sagging, while others may notice an improvement in firmness, especially if they undergo a breast lift (Mastopexy) simultaneously with the implant removal surgery (explant surgery).

3. Will I need a breast lift after breast implant removal?

A breast lift (Mastopexy) may be necessary for some women after breast implant removal to restore a more aesthetic breast shape. This decision depends on the amount of skin elasticity, the size of the implants, and individual preferences. Consulting with a qualified plastic surgeon can help determine the best course of action.

4. Can scar tissue affect skin tightening after breast implant removal?

Yes, scar tissue from the initial breast augmentation or previous breast surgeries can influence how the skin behaves post-removal. If there is significant scar tissue, it may restrict the natural retraction of the skin, leading to a less favourable aesthetic outcome. Addressing scar tissue may require additional treatments or surgeries.