Thinking About Removing Your Implants? These Are Your Best Options
Deciding to remove breast implants is a deeply personal choice. Whether it’s due to lifestyle changes, health concerns, or simply shifting aesthetic preferences, more women are now exploring explant surgery and its alternatives. The good news is that there are several approaches available, each tailored to your unique goals and body. Let’s take a closer look at the most common options.
1. Explant Alone (Implant Removal Only)
What it is: The most straight forward approach—removing the implants without additional procedures.
Who it’s best for:
Women who are comfortable with how their natural breasts will look post-removal.
Those prioritizing health or recovery over aesthetics.
In some cases, the implant capsula is removed as well. Medical indications for a so-called capsulectomy are:
Implant rupture
Capsular contracture grade 3-4
Signs of malignancy
What to expect: After surgery, the breasts will return to their natural size and shape. Depending on skin elasticity, some may notice sagging, deflation, or asymmetry, which can be addressed with other techniques if desired.
2. Explant with Lift
What it is: A breast lift performed at the same time as implant removal. Excess skin is tightened, and the breast tissue is reshaped to sit higher on the chest wall.
Who it’s best for:
Patients concerned about sagging or deflation after implant removal.
Those seeking a perkier, more youthful contour.
What to expect: This combination provides an improved shape and projection after explant, though the patient must accept a scar around the areola and down to the breast fold (circumvertical), with sometimes also a scar in the fold.
3. Fat Transfer
What it is: Fat is liposuctioned from one area of the body (such as the abdomen or thighs), purified, and then injected into the breasts.
Who it’s best for:
Women who want to restore some volume after explant, but without new implants.
Those looking for a subtle, natural-looking enhancement.
What to expect: Results vary depending on how much fat can be harvested and how much fat survives after fat transfer. While it won’t replicate the size of implants, it usually provides a soft, natural boost.
4. The “Internal Bra” breast lift with fat transfer
What it is: A surgical technique that uses a bio-degradable mesh to create internal support, like an invisible bra inside the chest. It combines all the previous techniques and adds a powerful inner bra for long-term stability.
Who it’s best for:
Patients with stretched tissue or weak support after implant removal.
Patients with sagging breasts and deflation, looking for a more perky look and enhanced volume with long-term stability
Patients desiring upper-pole fullness and long-lasting lift.
Patients looking for the most powerful technique in breast rejuvenation after explantation
What to expect: The gland is reshaped to restore proportions and breast projection, while the internal bra maintains long-term stability of the enhanced shap. Fat transfer is performed to restore the lost volume after implant removal.
Making the Choice That’s Right for You
Every journey is unique. Some patients are happiest with a simple removal, while others prefer reshaping or restoring fullness. The right approach depends on your health, body type, and aesthetic preferences.
Pro tip: Consult with a board-certified plastic surgeon who specializes in explant procedures. I can help guide you toward the safest, most satisfying option for your goals.
You can book your consultation directly through the website.
You can book your consultation directly through the website. Live abroad? We also offer online video calls, just send an email to: info@drwaked.be
Final thought: Removing implants doesn’t mean losing confidence, it can be an empowering step toward embracing your natural self, with plenty of options to ensure that you will love the results.