August 27, 2025 | 5 minute read
Deciding to have your breast implants removed can come with mixed emotions. Whether it’s due to complications, lifestyle changes, health concerns, or simply a change in aesthetic preference, many women eventually find themselves thinking about going back to their natural breasts. But what will your breasts look like after implant removal? Will they be deflated? Will they sag? Will your breasts look anything like they did before augmentation? In this blog, we go over what your breasts may look like after implant removal and what your options are if you want to improve or reshape them.
6 Min Read:
Table of Contents
- What Is Breast Explant Surgery?
- Reasons to Undergo Breast Implant Removal Surgery
- What Factors Influence How My Breasts Look After Implant Removal?
- What Are My Options After Explant Surgery?
- Learn More About Breast Implant Removal Surgery in Chicago
What Is Breast Explant Surgery?
Breast implant removal, also known as breast explant surgery, is a procedure to remove your breast implants, often along with the surrounding scar tissue (capsule). While some surgeons leave the capsule or remove it in pieces, Dr. Straka removes the entire breast implant and capsule as one unit, using a technique called “en bloc capsulectomy.” En bloc capsulectomy has several benefits, but is especially helpful for women experiencing symptoms of breast implant illness or complications like implant leaks or capsular contracture, as it may reduce inflammation and help with overall healing.
Reasons to Undergo Breast Implant Removal Surgery
There are several reasons to consider breast explant surgery, including:
- Changes in personal aesthetic preferences
- Lifestyle changes
- Capsular contracture
- Ruptured or leaking implants
- Implant-related complications (like shifting or implant malposition)
- Breast implant illness (BII)
- Aging and skin changes
- Desire to avoid future surgeries
What Factors Influence How My Breasts Look After Implant Removal?
When it comes to what your breasts will look like post-explant, the reality is that every result is unique, and several key factors will influence your final appearance.
The Size of Your Breast Implants
If you have larger implants, they are likely to stretch the skin and underlying tissues more noticeably. After your implant removal, this stretched tissue may not fully contract back to the way it was before, leading to more noticeable sagging or “deflation.” The removal of smaller implants typically has a less dramatic effect and may result in more subtle changes once removed.
Length of Time You’ve Had Implants
The longer you’ve had your breast implants, the more time your skin and breast tissue have had to adjust or stretch to accommodate them. Over the years, this can weaken the elasticity of the surrounding skin. If you’ve had implants for a decade or more, it’s more likely your breasts will appear deflated or have a significant loss of volume once they’re taken out.
The Amount of Natural Breast Tissue You Have
If you had very little natural breast tissue before getting implants, your breasts will likely appear smaller and may have less shape or volume post-explant. On the other hand, if you had a fuller chest to begin with, the change may be less drastic.
Your Age and the Quality of Your Skin
Skin naturally loses elasticity with age, so older patients may notice more sagging or loose skin after breast implant removal. Genetics, sun exposure, smoking, and weight fluctuations can also impact your skin quality. Younger patients with better skin quality and tone may see a better “rebound” and less need for additional surgery.
What Are My Options After Explant Surgery?
If you’re unhappy with how your breasts look after implant removal, several options are available to restore your breast shape and contour:
Breast Lift (Mastopexy)
A breast lift can remove excess skin, resculpt and tighten the remaining tissue, and elevate the position of the nipple. This is especially helpful if you have sagging or drooping after explant surgery.
Fat Transfer to the Breasts
Also called fat grafting, this technique uses liposuction to harvest excess fat from a selected area of your body, then purifies it and injects it into your breasts to increase volume. While it won’t give you a significant size increase, it can restore a modest, natural-looking fullness to your breasts.
Replacement with Smaller or Different Implants
If you’re not entirely done with implants but want a smaller size or different material (like switching from silicone to saline), you can opt for a breast revision surgery rather than a complete removal.
No Additional Surgery
Some women are happy with the natural appearance of their breasts post-explant surgery and choose not to undergo further procedures. As swelling subsides and the tissues settle over time, your results can continue to improve for several months.
Learn More About Breast Implant Removal Surgery in Chicago
Just as when you initially underwent breast augmentation, choosing to remove your breast implants is an extremely personal decision. That’s why it’s essential to go into your surgery knowing what you want and what to expect from the procedure and results. If you’re considering breast implant removal surgery, it’s time to schedule an appointment with Dr. Philip Straka. Dr. Straka is a board-certified plastic surgeon who specializes in breast surgeries and is highly skilled and experienced in providing his patients with safe and aesthetically pleasing results. To learn more about breast explant surgery, call our office today at (281) 540-8044 or complete the online contact form.