Considering explant surgery? You’re in good company. The rate of implant removals has popped by 47% since 2020, according to industry estimates.

Our aesthetic goals and aspirations can change with time, so what may have been in alignment at one stage of life may not be what the patient is looking for later on, leading some patients to opt to have their implants removed.

Today, our specialists are pulling back the (surgical) curtain on breast explant surgery, covering everything you need to know about the procedure.

What is Breast Explant Surgery?

Breast explant surgery is a procedure that removes silicone or saline implants from a patient who previously had an augmentation. There are many reasons why patients consider explant surgery including discomfort from inconvenient scar tissue, changing aesthetic preferences, or general health concerns.

When Should I Consider Breast Explant Surgery?

There are many cases when explant surgery should be considered, including:

• It’s been 10–15 years since you had your implant procedure: Per the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, patients who have had breast implant surgery should consider explant surgery or surgical implant replacement every 10-15 years. Note: Patients with non-complicated cases may not need this procedure due to implant age. It’s best to speak with your surgical team to determine what’s most appropriate in your specific case.

• When you want to make a change to your appearance: Any procedure or surgery done to your body should be done in a way that leaves you feeling confident, radiant, and more yourself than ever. If you feel that your implants no longer fit the look you’re going for, you might consider breast explant surgery.

• You’re dealing with excessive tightness: Scar tissue can lead to hardening around your implant, known as capsular contracture. Your surgeon may recommend explant surgery in this specific case.

• You’ve experienced a rupture: If your implants rupture or are otherwise compromised, your surgeon might suggest breast explant surgery or implant replacement, if you wish to keep your implants.

Breast Explant Surgery: What to Know

The average breast explant surgery cost can range from $2,000-$4,000+
The American Society of Plastic Surgeons estimates that the average cost of explant surgery is $3,437, on average. There are many factors that can contribute to explant surgery costs, including how your region’s cost of living, the complexity of your case, and the level of experience your specialist has with breast explant surgery.

Surgical tools and medications may come at an additional cost. If you have further questions about explant surgery costs, we recommend booking a call with a Bliss Consultant to go over your options. They can offer you more specific financial information regarding your individual case.

How big are breast explant surgery scars?
Many report that breast explant surgery scars are barely noticeable, especially if you pursue a traditional explant surgery without a breast lift. Breast explant scars may appear white or red while they heal and can feel slightly raised to the touch.

While patient healing times vary, many explant surgery patients report a healing time of 1–2 weeks. Scars generally fade between 6–12 weeks.

Can I minimize the appearance of breast explant surgery scars?
There are many non-invasive ways to minimize the appearance of breast explant surgery scars, as well as professional scar removal options.

If you’re concerned about the longevity or appearance of scars from your upcoming explant surgery, speak with your surgeon. They can offer tailored support based on your specific needs.

Does breast explant surgery hurt?
Explant surgery itself does not hurt as it’s being done as you will be put under anesthesia for the procedure. Your surgeon will also take every precaution to ensure your comfort as you enter the recovery process.

While some patients report soreness and slight pain throughout the chest region, a majority of breast explant surgery patients are able to return to work after a week or two.

If you’re concerned about possible surgical pain, we recommend speaking with your surgeon ahead of time. They can tailor your recovery options to your needs in advance of the procedure and can set your expectations regarding post breast explant surgery pain.

What should I expect from explant surgery recovery?
Breast explant surgery recovery is fairly straightforward, per many patient accounts. Most have been able to manage their recovery using little to no pharmaceutical intervention and with rest and self-care.

Here are some patient testimonials to offer you a real-life look at what you can expect from explant recovery:

“I had mine under the muscle and basically felt nothing after. No pain or discomfort. Implant was painful for a long time and I was effectively bed-bound for a week or so. Even then, the day after my surgery. I was the passenger for a 2-hour drive home from the hospital, and I was fine.

But my breast explant surgery was a breeze and I felt entirely normal just a few hours after waking up. To be honest, the main reason I removed my implants was because they were painful and uncomfortable, and I felt more comfortable immediately after surgery compared to before.”

“I’ve had my breast implants removed and replaced two times. One time for a rupture. I was fine. The surgery was actually much easier than my initial breast augmentation surgery.”

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The key to a successful breast explant surgery is finding the right plastic surgeon for your needs. Everyone has their own standard of beauty — and Bliss Aesthetics wants to support you in attaining your aesthetic goals.

Bliss connects you to experts to guide the process of your elective cosmetic procedures, empowering you with the information, resources, and highly qualified professionals to define and pursue the next stage in your self-love journey.

We also offer comprehensive financial support options, connecting you to the care you need in a convenient, accessible way.

Ready to take the next step? Submit a short questionnaire about your aesthetic goals, and book a free consultation with our Bliss Patient Consultant to learn more. We look forward to assisting you.