Breast Implant Removal: Why More Women Are Choosing Explant Surgery and What to Expect

In recent years, more women are choosing to have their breast implants removed; a decision that reflects a broader shift toward authenticity, health-conscious choices, and personal empowerment. While breast augmentation remains a popular and positive procedure for many, explant surgery has become increasingly common among women who no longer feel aligned with their implants, whether for medical, aesthetic, or lifestyle reasons.

Known medically as breast explant surgery, this procedure removes previously placed breast implants, often accompanied by a capsulectomy (removal of the scar tissue capsule that forms around implants). For some, it’s a return to their natural shape; for others, it’s part of a health journey or evolving body image.

In this guide, we’ll explore why more women are choosing explant surgery, what the procedure involves, what to expect during recovery, and how to determine if it’s the right step for you.

There are many deeply personal and valid reasons for wanting breast implant removal. Common motivations include:

1. Lifestyle Changes

As women enter new life stages, their priorities and lifestyles evolve. Fitness-focused individuals, mothers, or those seeking a lower-maintenance lifestyle may find that implants no longer align with their daily comfort, wardrobe preferences, or activity levels.

2. Aesthetic Shifts

Cultural trends toward natural beauty and body acceptance are influencing aesthetic preferences. Some women feel that their implants no longer match how they see themselves or how they want to present to the world. Explant surgery can help restore body harmony and personal confidence.

3. Implant Complications

Even with skilled surgical placement, implants can sometimes lead to complications such as:

• Capsular contracture (hardening of scar tissue)
• Implant rupture or leakage
• Rippling or asymmetry
• Pain or discomfort

 These issues can impact both appearance and quality of life, prompting removal.

“A really hot topic in the world of plastic surgery right now is BII. It is important to note that it is rare and research is ongoing.”

Dr. Nichole Joslyn

4. Health Concerns (Including Breast Implant Illness)

Although not fully understood by the medical community, some women report systemic symptoms such as fatigue, joint pain, brain fog, and anxiety, which they associate with breast implant illness (BII). While scientific evidence is still emerging, some patients report relief from these symptoms after explant surgery.

5. Implant Lifespan and Maintenance

Breast implants are not lifetime devices. Most manufacturers recommend replacing them every 10–15 years. Some women opt for removal rather than undergoing additional surgeries to replace or revise their implants.

Breast implant removal is typically performed under general anesthesia and can take 1 to 3 hours depending on the complexity. The exact surgical plan varies based on your needs:

Simple Explant

Removal of the implant and the entire capsule of scar tissue surrounding it, all in one single, intact piece. This technique is more complex and often requested by patients with concerns about Breast Implant Illness (BII) or implant rupture.

En Bloc Capsulectomy

Removal of the implant and the entire capsule of scar tissue surrounding it, all in one single, intact piece. This technique is more complex and often requested by patients with concerns about Breast Implant Illness (BII) or implant rupture, as it aims to prevent potential leakage or exposure during removal.

Total Capsulectomy

The entire capsule and implant are removed, but not necessarily in one piece. Unlike en bloc, this method may involve removing the implant first, followed by careful excision of the capsule. It still removes all of capsule and implant.

Partial Capsulectomy:

Part of the capsule and the implant are removed. This may occur when risks of complete capsule removal outweigh the potential benefits. 

With Lift (Mastopexy)

In some cases, patients choose to combine explant surgery with a breast lift to reshape and tighten the natural breast tissue after implant removal.

Your surgeon will help determine which technique is safest and most effective for your anatomy, implant history, and goals.

Recovery from breast implant removal is generally easier than the initial augmentation, but it still requires care and patience:

• Week 1: Expect moderate swelling, bruising, and tenderness. Rest and minimal movement are key.
• Weeks 2-3: Most patients return to non-physical work. Discomfort begins to subside.
• Weeks 4-6: Light activities may resume. Your breasts will continue to settle into their natural shape.
• Months 3-6: Results become visible. Scars begin to fade, and the chest wall adapts.

Every patient heals differently. Your experience will depend on factors like implant size, duration of implantation, and whether a lift or capsulectomy was performed.

Your surgeon will provide compression garments, scar care guidance, and a detailed recovery timeline.

One of the most common concerns is how breasts will look post-explant. The appearance depends on several factors:

• Skin Elasticity: Younger patients or those with good skin tone may see minimal sagging.
• Implant Size and Duration: Larger implants worn for many years may stretch the skin and tissue more.
• Natural Breast Tissue: The amount of native breast tissue will influence post-surgery volume and contour.

For women concerned about sagging or deflation, a breast lift can be performed simultaneously or later to improve shape and symmetry. Some patients also opt for fat transfer to restore volume naturally.

Your surgeon should walk you through realistic expectations with photos and simulations of possible outcomes based on your body.

Choosing to remove implants can be an emotional experience, especially if augmentation was once tied to body image or identity. However, many women report a renewed sense of freedom, health, and authenticity after explant surgery. Common emotional benefits include:

• Relief from physical discomfort or worry
• Enhanced body connection and acceptance
• Confidence in natural beauty

Support from friends, family, or online communities of women who’ve undergone explant surgery can be incredibly helpful throughout the process.

If you’re considering implant removal, ask yourself:

• Do I feel physically or emotionally disconnected from my implants?
• Am I experiencing any complications or symptoms?
• Have my aesthetic goals or lifestyle changed?
• Do I feel ready to return to my natural body?

A consultation with a board-certified plastic surgeon can help answer these questions in depth. They’ll review your medical history, listen to your concerns, and offer a surgical plan that aligns with your goals.

Explant surgery requires skill, sensitivity, and experience. Look for a surgeon who:

• Specializes in breast surgery and has specific explant experience
• Offers en bloc or total capsulectomy when appropriate
• Provides thorough consultations with honest expectations
• Shares before-and-after photos of previous explant patients

A compassionate, transparent surgeon will help guide you through every step of your journey with respect and care.