Explant removal surgery, or breast implant removal, is becoming increasingly popular as more individuals decide to remove their breast implants for medical, aesthetic, or personal reasons. Whether you’re experiencing complications, looking for a more natural appearance, or prioritizing your health, explant surgery is a path to renewed comfort and confidence.

In this blog post, we’ll explore everything you need to know about explant surgery, including the reasons people choose it, what the procedure involves, and what to expect during recovery.

What is Explant Surgery?

Explant surgery is the process of removing breast implants. It may also include additional procedures, such as a breast lift (mastopexy) or the removal of surrounding scar tissue (capsulectomy), to restore the natural shape and appearance of the breasts.

Common Reasons for Explant Surgery

Health Concerns
- Breast Implant Illness (BII): Some individuals report symptoms like fatigue, joint pain, and brain fog, which they believe are linked to their implants.
- Capsular Contracture: The formation of hard, painful scar tissue around the implant.
- Ruptured or Leaking Implants: A common reason for removing older implants.
Aesthetic Reasons
- A preference for a more natural look.
- Changes in body proportions over time.
- Dissatisfaction with previous augmentation results.
Personal Choices
- Lifestyle changes or shifts in personal priorities.
- Desire to age naturally without the need for implant maintenance or replacement.

What Does Explant Surgery Involve?

Explant surgery is a customized procedure that varies depending on your implants, the condition of the surrounding tissue, and your aesthetic goals. Here’s what typically happens during the surgery:

1. Consultation and Planning

Your surgeon will assess the condition of your implants and discuss your goals. This is also when you’ll discuss options like:

A full or partial capsulectomy (removal of scar tissue).
Adding a breast lift to address sagging or loss of volume.

2. The Procedure

Anesthesia: The surgery is performed under general anesthesia for comfort.
Incisions: Incisions are made, often in the same locations as your initial augmentation surgery, to minimize additional scarring.
Implant Removal:
- For saline implants, the implant is deflated before removal.
- For silicone implants, the entire implant is carefully removed.
Capsulectomy (if needed): Scar tissue surrounding the implant is removed to address complications like capsular contracture.
Breast Lift (optional): Excess skin is removed, and the breast tissue is reshaped to create a firmer, more lifted appearance.

3. Closing and Recovery

Once the implants and any additional tissue are removed, the incisions are closed with sutures, and surgical dressings or a compression garment is applied to support the breasts during healing.

Benefits of Explant Surgery

Improved Health and Comfort
Many individuals report feeling physically better after removing implants, particularly if they were experiencing symptoms of BII or complications.
Enhanced Physical Freedom
Removing implants can lead to greater physical ease, including relief from the weight of implants and improved comfort during activities such as exercise or sleep.
Freedom from Maintenance
Implants are not lifetime devices and may require replacements or corrections over time. Removing them eliminates the need for future surgeries related to implants.
Emotional and Psychological Relief
Explant surgery can bring peace of mind, especially for those concerned about long-term implant safety or health.

What to Expect During Recovery

Recovery from explant surgery varies based on the complexity of the procedure and whether additional procedures, like a breast lift, were performed.

First Few Days

You may experience swelling, bruising, and mild discomfort.
Pain is manageable with prescribed medication.
A compression garment or surgical bra will help reduce swelling and provide support.

Weeks 1–2

Most patients can return to light activities within a week but should avoid heavy lifting or strenuous exercise.
Follow-up appointments will ensure proper healing.

Weeks 3–6

Swelling continues to subside, and scars begin to heal.
You can gradually resume normal activities, including exercise, as advised by your surgeon.

Months 3–6

Final results are visible as the breasts settle into their natural shape.
Scars will fade over time but may remain slightly visible.

Risks and Considerations

While explant surgery is generally safe, it’s important to understand the potential risks:

Surgical Risks
- Infection
- Bleeding
- Scarring
- Reactions to anesthesia
Aesthetic Concerns
- Loss of volume or sagging may require a breast lift or fat transfer to breasts for optimal results.
- Asymmetry or changes in breast shape could occur, especially if significant scar tissue was removed.
Emotional Adjustment
- It’s normal to experience mixed emotions about the change in your appearance. A supportive surgeon and loved ones can help ease this transition.

Who is a Good Candidate for Explant Surgery?

You may be a good candidate for explant surgery if:

You are experiencing complications, such as capsular contracture or implant rupture.
You suspect your implants may be contributing to health issues.
You want to return to a natural breast appearance.
You are in good overall health and have realistic expectations about the results.

Cost of Explant Surgery

The cost of explant surgery depends on:

The complexity of the procedure.
Whether additional surgeries, like a breast lift or capsulectomy, are included.
The surgeon’s expertise and location.

In destinations like Thailand, breast implant removal is often more affordable compared to Western countries, with world-class surgeons and state-of-the-art facilities. Explant removal in Phuket Thailand Starts from 60,000 Baht (approx $1,800 USD).

Explant surgery is a deeply personal decision, offering physical, emotional, and aesthetic benefits. Whether you’re addressing health concerns, seeking a natural look, or prioritizing peace of mind, explant surgery can help you feel more comfortable in your body.

If you’re considering explant surgery and need guidance, especially for procedures in Thailand, our team is here to facilitate your quote and surgeon consultation. Contact us today.

The content on this website is for informational purposes only and should not be considered a substitute for professional medical, legal, or other advice. FreshenUp Getaways assumes no legal responsibility for the accuracy, completeness, or use of any information on this site or linked sites. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider for personalized medical advice and treatment.

Explant Removal: What You Need to Know About Breast Implant Removal