Pectoral Muscles After Breast Implant Removal

Breast implant removal, also called explant surgery, is a personal decision many women make for health, comfort, or cosmetic reasons. If you are considering this procedure, you may wonder what happens to the chest muscles after the implants are removed. Since the pectoral muscles sit directly beneath the breasts, it is common to notice changes in their appearance, function, and sensation following surgery.

Table of Contents

• What Are the Pectoral Muscles?
• How Do Implants Affect the Pectoral Muscle?
• What Happens During Breast Implant Removal?
• How the Pectoral Muscles May Look After Removal
• Changes in Muscle Function
• Muscle Sensation After Breast Implant Removal
• Explant Surgery Recovery Timeline and What to Expect
• Learn More About Breast Implant Removal in Chicago

What Are the Pectoral Muscles?

The pectoral muscles are a group of four muscles on the chest that are responsible for arm movement, posture, and stability. The most superficial muscle, the pectoralis major, is a large, fan-shaped muscle that is typically the primary muscle involved in breast implant placement and removal procedures.

How Do Implants Affect the Pectoral Muscle?

During breast augmentation, the extent to which the pectoral muscles are affected depends on implant placement. 

When implants are placed beneath the muscle (submuscular), the pectoralis major is partially lifted to create space for the implant. After recovery, the implant sits in its final position under part of the pectoral muscle, providing improved coverage and a more natural appearance. Over time, the muscle adapts to the implant’s shape and position.

When placed above the muscle (subglandular), the pectoral muscles remain untouched. However, even though the muscles are not manipulated during surgery, the added weight on the chest still places a greater demand on the chest muscles, and they will need to adapt.

What Happens During Breast Implant Removal?

When breast implants are removed, the chest muscles and other surrounding tissues need time to recuperate. If your implants were under the muscle, removal may temporarily cause:

• Muscle tightness or soreness as the tissue readjusts
• Minor weakness or stiffness during arm movements
• Postoperative swelling or bruising that typically resolves with healing

Most patients notice improvement as they progress through recovery, with muscle function steadily returning to normal.

How the Pectoral Muscles May Look After Removal

Once implants are removed, the chest can take on a different appearance. For many patients, the pectoral muscles may appear more visible and defined, since there is no longer an implant pressing outward. 

In some cases, patients notice a “windowing” effect, characterized by a groove or indentation in the chest where the former implant had compressed the muscle for an extended period. This does not happen to everyone, but when it does, it often softens over time as tissues adapt and heal.

Changes in Muscle Function

Because implants can stretch or displace the pectoral muscles, it’s not unusual to feel some weakness or tightness in the chest immediately after surgery. These changes are temporary and typically improve with time.

Most patients regain normal muscle function with proper rest and gradual activity. Your surgeon will guide you as to when you can perform light stretching and exercises after your surgery.

Muscle Sensation After Breast Implant Removal

Another common concern is altered sensation in the chest. Some patients experience numbness, tingling, or sensitivity in the pectoral region following explant surgery. This is usually related to the incisions, swelling, or manipulation of tissues during the procedure.

For most patients, these changes resolve as nerves heal. Dr. Straka will discuss your specific risks and guide you through the healing process.

Explant Surgery Recovery Timeline and What to Expect

Recovery after breast implant removal can take several weeks or months, depending on factors like implant size, placement, and overall health. During the recovery period, it’s essential to:

• Follow all postoperative care instructions
• Listen to your body and limit strenuous activities until cleared by your surgeon
• Begin gentle movement and light exercises when recommended

Patients whose implants were removed due to complications, such as infection or capsular contracture, may require additional treatment and a longer recovery period.

Learn More About Breast Implant Removal in Chicago

If you are considering breast implant removal, finding an explantation expert is key. Dr. Philip J. Straka is a board-certified plastic surgeon in Chicago, IL, with over 25 years of experience in specialized breast procedures. To schedule a consultation, please call us at (281) 540-8044 or complete our online contact form.