Breast Explant Surgery
Breast Explant Surgery in West Palm Beach & Palm Beach, FL
Breast augmentation is a popular and highly effective procedure for enlarging the breasts. However, not all women want to maintain this additional breast volume throughout their lives. To remove unwanted or inadequate implants, Dr. Ravinder Jarial performs breast explant surgery on his patients in West Palm Beach and Fort Lauderdale. It is a safe procedure for achieving a natural, attractive breast appearance.
Candidates for Breast Explant Surgery
Women choose to remove their implants for a variety of reasons, which may include:
Capsular Contracture
Some women develop a capsule of scar tissue around the implant that is especially dense. This capsule may constrict the implant, which can cause significant discomfort or alter the profile of the breast.
Breast Implant Illness
Though the medical community still does not have a formal diagnosis for BII, a small percentage of women notice symptoms that include brain fog, fatigue, pain and sensitivity and/or anxiety. If women and their doctors have concerns that the implants are the culprit for these problems, they may agree that removing the implant is for the best.
Implant Rupture
While a ruptured implant is extremely rare, it is still important to have a plastic surgeon remove the faulty implant when it does occur.
Personal Preference
A decision a woman makes at one stage of her life is not necessarily the same choice she would make for herself as she gets older. If she is no longer satisfied with the volume of her breasts, she may decide to remove (or remove and replace for implants of a different size and/or texture) to achieve her preferred look.
Dr. Jarial believes any reason a woman decides to remove her implants is a valid one, and he is happy to assist his patients who make this choice.
Breast Explant Surgery Details
This surgery is gentler than other cosmetic procedures, which means that Dr. Jarial can use light anesthesia without sacrificing any patient comfort. In this 60 to 90-minute procedure, Dr. Jarial carefully makes an incision, usually under the breast or along the perimeter of the areola. After pulling out the implant through the incision, he sutures and bandages the area. He can then repeat this process on the other breast.
Breast Explant Recovery and Results
Patients can expect a recovery that is easier than what they experienced during their original breast augmentation. Typically, patients elect to take one to two weeks off from work to recover. They can expect to experience swelling and soreness for about six weeks, though discomfort is manageable with pain medication. They should limit strenuous physical activity to avoid jostling the breasts, particularly in the first few weeks. Because Dr. Jarial usually places his incisions at the same point where a surgeon previously inserted the implants, patients do not have scars in a new area.
Breast Explant Complementary Procedures
While many women choose to simply remove their implants, others may decide to replace them (a procedure known as breast revision surgery). Others still choose to follow up with breast lift to counteract the sagging that comes with age. Dr. Jarial often suggests that his patients wait a couple months after breast explant surgery so they can see their final results and decide whether they want an additional procedure to achieve their desired look.
Meet with Dr. Jarial
If you are considering removing your breast implants and want to discuss the procedure with a board-certified plastic surgeon, please schedule a consultation at Ultra Aesthetics in West Palm Beach by calling (561) 249-0390.
FAQs
What can I expect my breasts to look like after implant removal?
After implant removal, your breasts may initially appear flatter, less full, or somewhat deflated. This is completely normal and expected. The degree of change depends on factors like how long you’ve had implants, your original breast volume, and the elasticity of your skin. Some swelling is also typical and will subside over time.
You may notice that the breast tissue and skin need time to re-drape over your chest wall. This process varies from person to person. If you had significant natural breast tissue before your implants, your breasts may retain more volume than you expect. On the other hand, if your implants were large or placed many years ago, the skin may have stretched more and take longer to adjust. Over time—often several weeks to months—your breast shape will gradually settle into its new, natural appearance.
Dr. Jarial takes a personalized approach, helping you understand what your outcome is likely to be so you can make informed decisions about your care.
How do you help patients achieve a natural-looking shape after explant?
Achieving a balanced, natural breast shape is one of Dr. Jarial’s main goals during explant surgery. He considers your existing breast tissue, skin quality, and desired results when recommending a surgical plan. If needed, he may remove the capsule around the implant (a procedure called capsulectomy) to improve the final contour and ensure a smoother shape.
To enhance your natural breast appearance, Dr. Jarial may also recommend a simultaneous breast lift (mastopexy) or fat transfer. A breast lift reshapes and repositions the breast and nipple, creating a more lifted look without the use of implants. Fat grafting can add modest volume and help improve symmetry. Each option is designed to support your goals while preserving a natural aesthetic.
Do I need a breast lift at the same time as implant removal?
A breast lift isn’t required for every explant procedure, but it is often recommended—especially if your skin has lost elasticity or if the nipples sit lower on the breast than you’d like. Without implants to provide structure and volume, sagging or drooping can become more noticeable.
During your consultation, Dr. Jarial evaluates whether a lift would improve your outcome and discusses this with you thoroughly. A lift performed at the same time as explant surgery can reduce the need for a second surgery and often leads to a more complete aesthetic result. However, the choice is always yours, and your comfort and preferences are central to the decision-making process.
Can I remove my implants now and decide on a lift later?
Yes, you absolutely have the option to stage your procedures. Some patients prefer to remove their implants first and wait to see how their body naturally heals before deciding on additional surgery. This approach can give you clarity about how your breasts look without implants and whether you’re satisfied with the shape and contour.
If you later feel that sagging or lack of volume is an issue, a breast lift or fat grafting can be scheduled at a later date. Dr. Jarial supports your choice to move at your own pace and will work with you to develop a personalized timeline based on your goals and healing process.
