For decades, breast augmentation has been one of the most popular plastic surgery procedures worldwide. Millions of women have chosen breast implants to enhance their appearance, attractiveness and confidence or to reconstruct their breasts after cancer surgery. Yet today, a growing number of women are making a different and equally confident decision: to have their breast implants removed through a procedure known as an explantation.
Explantation is not a step backward nor does it reflect regret. Instead, it often represents a thoughtful and informed choice that aligns with a woman’s evolving health priorities, lifestyle, body image and sense of self. These factors, along with cultural changes, have led to breast implant removal becoming increasingly common and well accepted.
Why Is Breast Explantation More Common Today?
There are several reasons for why breast implant removal has become increasingly more popular:
1. Increased awareness and education
Women today have access to far more medical information than ever before. They research procedures, long-term outcomes, and potential risks, which has led many to reassess whether implants still serve their personal and health goals.
2. Changing beauty standards
The aesthetic ideal has shifted. Many women now favor a more natural silhouette over a fuller, augmented look. Minimalism, authenticity and comfort are increasingly valued.
3. Life changes
Bodies change with pregnancy, weight fluctuation, aging and hormonal shifts. What once felt like the right choice at 25 may feel different at 45, 60 or older.
4. Concerns about long-term implant maintenance
Breast implants are not considered lifetime devices. Over time, many women will require additional surgeries for implant rupture, capsular contracture, implant malposition or cosmetic changes. For some, the future price tag may be increasingly cost prohibitive or not where they want to spend their limited resources.
5. Health-related concerns
This largely relates to a rare issue referred to as breast implant illness (BII). For peace of mind, whether or not there is symptom relief, some women elect to undergo an explantation.
Common Reasons Women Choose Explantation
There are many reasons that women elect to have an explantation. The more common motivations include:
- Desire for a more natural appearance
- Physical discomfort or tightness
- Capsular contracture (hardening around the implant)
- Implant rupture or leakage
- Changes in aesthetic preferences, body image and/or lifestyle
- Desire to avoid future implant replacement surgeries
- Aging and tissue changes
- Personal preference for simplicity and low maintenance
- Concerns about having or possibly having BII
What Is an Explantation?
An explantation is the surgical removal of saline or silicone breast implants. If silicone implants are ruptured, any accessible free silicone is typically removed at the same time.
The complexity of the procedure varies from patient to patient and depends on several factors including the type and age of the implants, whether they are intact or ruptured, the thickness of the surrounding scar tissue capsule and whether a capsulectomy is recommended.
A capsulectomy is the partial or total removal of the scar tissue, known as the capsule, that naturally forms around implants. Its removal is indicated in a few situations but is not done routinely as part of an explantation. Your plastic surgeon can advise you regarding your particular situation.
How Is an Explantation Performed?
An explantation is most commonly performed under general anesthesia although in select cases sedation or local anesthesia may be appropriate.
The incision is usually made along the crease under the breast (the inframammary fold) or through a previous breast surgery scar. It is through this incision that the implant is removed. If a capsulectomy is planned, it is performed during the same operation.
Small, temporary drainage tubes are usually placed in order to minimize the risk of fluid accumulation. After the incisions are closed, either a surgical dressing or supportive bra is placed.
For uncomplicated cases, surgical time can be as short as 30 minutes. More complex procedures, such as those involving ruptured implants or total capsulectomies, may take an hour or longer.
How Much Discomfort Is Associated with an Explantation?
Most women report only mild discomfort, minimal pain and a relatively rapid recovery following explantation surgery. Many take little or no pain medication, including Tylenol, and are up and walking the same day. If a capsulectomy is also performed, these is usually little added discomfort.
Recovery and Postoperative Limitations
Recovery varies depending on whether a capsulectomy was performed, your general health and your surgeon’s specific protocols. In most cases, light activity can be resumed immediately. Many women return to desk-based work as soon as the following day. Relatively mild exercise is usually allowed after two to four weeks and unrestricted activities between four to eight weeks.
Your surgeon will provide personalized instructions tailored to your procedure and lifestyle.
What Will My Breasts Look Like After Explantation?
The most common question that I get asked by patients contemplating or planning to have an explantation is what their breasts will look like following the surgery. Specifically, this relates to the expected cup size, if drooping will be present and, if so, to what degree.
The resulting appearance of your breasts depends on numerous factors such as your natural breast size, the initial anatomy, skin elasticity, the size and duration of your implants, your age, weight changes, pregnancy history, medical issue and genetics. It can also be affected by the surgical techniques, including incision location, used in your previous breast augmentation(s) without/with a breast lift.
Some women are pleasantly surprised by how natural and proportionate their breasts look after their explantation. Commonly, there can also be minor or significant contour irregularities, droopy tissue, flatness and overall deflation of the breasts. When desired, additional procedures such as a breast lift can be done in order to improve shape and contour. (Photos)
Before
3 weeks after
Before
3 weeks after
Before
3 weeks after
If I Change My Mind Later, Can I Get New Implants?
An explantation does not permanently close the door to future breast implants. Candidacy depends on such factors such as breast tissue condition, skin elasticity, scar quality and overall health. The reality is that the vast majority of women who do undergo an explantation do not pursue a breast augmentation sometime in the future.
Satisfaction After Explantation
The patient satisfaction rate following an explantation is extremely high and there are numerous reasons for this. Many women report physical and/or emotional relief, improved self-image, greater comfort and even a sense of greater authenticity/more naturalness.
Final Thoughts
Breast explantation is not about undoing the past—it is about choosing what feels right for your body and your life today. It reflects growth, self-awareness and a thoughtful reassessment of what brings you comfort, confidence and peace of mind.
If you are considering an explantation, you deserve compassionate guidance, honest information and a surgeon who truly listens to your goals. To schedule your complimentary cosmetic consultation with me, Dr. Steven Turkeltaub, you can contact the Arizona Center for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery either by calling (480) 451-3000 or by email.
Steven H. Turkeltaub, M.D. P.C.
Scottsdale and Phoenix, Arizona