Explant surgery, the procedure to surgically remove breast implants, brings physical changes to the breasts that patients are curious about before proceeding. What those changes look like varies from patient to patient and depends on a number of individual factors. A consultation is the appropriate time to discuss what can realistically be expected based on each patient’s specific anatomy and history.
How Do the Breasts Change After Implant Removal?
The breasts will look and feel different once implants are removed. Implants take up space inside the breast and stretch the surrounding tissue over time. When they are taken out, that tissue no longer has the same support, and the breast will rest on the chest wall in a different way.
The degree of change depends on several factors, including how large the implants were, how long they were in place, the amount of natural breast tissue present, and the elasticity of the skin. Patients who had smaller implants in place for a shorter period may notice less change than those who had larger implants for many years.
Swelling in the weeks after explant surgery can also affect how the breasts look in the early recovery period. The final appearance takes time to settle, and it is not possible to assess the long-term result until healing is complete.
Does Skin Laxity Change After Implant Removal?
Skin laxity refers to changes in skin firmness and position that can occur after implants are removed. Implants stretch the breast skin over time, and when they are removed, that stretched skin does not automatically contract back to its original state.
The extent of skin laxity after removal varies considerably between patients. Factors such as age, skin quality, the size of the implants, and the duration they were in place all influence how the skin responds after the implants are gone. Younger patients with good skin elasticity may experience less laxity than older patients or those who have had larger implants.
In some cases, patients choose to have a breast lift (mastopexy) performed at the same time as, or after, implant removal to address changes in breast position or excess skin. Whether this is appropriate depends on the individual’s anatomy and goals, and is discussed at consultation.
Will There Be Visible Scarring After Implant Removal?
Scarring after implant removal will depend on the incisions used during the procedure. In many cases, the same incision line from the original augmentation is used, but reopening an existing scar can still change how it looks over time. In other situations, a different or additional incision may be needed, depending on the procedure and the condition of the tissue.
All surgical incisions produce a scar. How a scar matures over time varies between patients and is influenced by factors such as genetics, skin type, wound care, and sun exposure. Scars generally continue to change in colour and texture for up to 12 to 18 months after surgery.
Post-operative instructions for scar care are provided after surgery. Following these closely plays a part in how the scar heals over time.
Can Breast Tissue Change After Long-Term Implant Use?
Breast tissue can change during the time implants are in place. The weight and pressure of implants may cause the surrounding natural tissue to thin over time in some patients, particularly those who have had implants placed for many years. This is sometimes referred to as tissue atrophy, and it can influence how the breast looks and feels after removal.
The degree to which this occurs varies between patients and is not always predictable before surgery. A pre-operative assessment helps to identify what tissue is present and what the likely outcome of removal may look like based on individual anatomy.
Where significant tissue thinning has occurred, this is taken into account when discussing what the breast may look like after removal. This is an important part of the discussion at the consultation.
Is a Breast Lift Needed After Implant Removal?
Not every patient who undergoes implant removal also requires a breast lift. The decision depends on the degree of skin laxity, the amount of remaining breast tissue, and what the patient wants in terms of breast position and contour after removal.
Some patients proceed with removal alone. Others choose to combine removal with a mastopexy at the same time, while others prefer to allow healing to complete before deciding whether a lift is appropriate. There is no single approach that applies to all patients, and the options are discussed in detail at consultation based on clinical assessment.
A staged approach, where removal is performed first, and a lift is considered later if needed, is a reasonable option for some patients. The timing and suitability of any additional procedure are determined on an individual basis.
Why Choose Dr Philip Richardson for a Breast Implant Removal Procedure in Brisbane
Dr Philip Richardson is a member of the Australian Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS), the Australasian Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons (ASAPS), the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons (RACS), the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, and the International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ISAPS). With over 22 years of experience as a fully qualified Specialist Plastic Surgeon and more than 9,000 breast procedures performed, Dr Richardson has extensive experience in this area.
Implant removal, particularly when capsulectomy or revision surgery is involved, requires a detailed understanding of breast anatomy and how tissue can change after implants have been in place for some time. Dr Richardson has experience across the full range of breast procedures, including complex revision cases, and consultations include an assessment of each patient’s anatomy, history, and goals before any recommendations are made. His approach to surgery is guided by current clinical evidence.
At Brisbane Plastic & Cosmetic Surgery, post-operative care after explant surgery is considered an important part of the overall process. Dr Richardson and his team monitor healing through scheduled follow-up appointments and are available to patients who have questions or concerns during their recovery. Each patient’s post-operative plan is based on the specifics of their procedure and individual recovery progress.
