#explantsurgery

Over time, many women consider breast implant removal to achieve a more natural look, relieve discomfort, or update their aesthetic preferences. Also known as explant surgery, this procedure removes implants from the breast pocket. Depending on your goals, some women may also choose to undergo a breast lift to tighten stretched skin, while others prefer simple removal.

Consultation with Dr. Gerard C. Mosiello at Tampa Palms Plastic Surgery is crucial. He will guide you to determine whether a simple removal, implant exchange, or breast lift is the best option for your body and lifestyle.

Why Consider Breast Implant Removal

Women opt for breast implant removal for many reasons. You might consider this procedure if:

Your implants are 10–20 years old

Your cosmetic preferences have changed

Pregnancy, breastfeeding, or aging has altered your breast shape

You experience discomfort or pain around implants

Scar tissue (capsular contracture) has caused a hard or distorted appearance

Your implant has ruptured or rippled

You notice symptoms of breast implant illness

The Breast Implant Removal Procedure

Breast implant removal surgery is performed under general anesthesia and usually takes 1–3 hours. Incisions are typically made in the same location as the original implant placement.

If a breast lift is part of your procedure, excess skin is removed, and breast tissue is tightened to create a firmer, more youthful shape. This ensures your results are natural-looking and well-supported.

Your surgeon may also evaluate the breast tissue for sagging, asymmetry, or other concerns to ensure a comprehensive approach tailored to your body.

Recovery After Breast Implant Removal

Recovery after breast implant removal is often faster and easier than after initial augmentation. Most patients return to work within five days, though complete healing takes 3–4 months.

Recovery Tips:

Avoid heavy lifting or intense exercise for the first six weeks

Mild discomfort is normal and manageable with medications

Scars typically heal well, leaving minimal visible evidence

Dr. Mosiello provides personalized instructions to ensure your recovery is smooth and complications are minimized.

Expected Results

Immediately after breast implant removal, your breasts may appear smaller or slightly deflated. If a breast lift is performed, your breasts will appear firmer and more youthful.

It can take up to three weeks for your breasts to settle into their natural shape. Results vary depending on age, skin elasticity, and surgical technique. Dr. Mosiello ensures every patient receives a tailored plan to achieve the best outcome.

FAQs About Breast Implant Removal

1. Is breast implant removal painful? Most patients report mild discomfort, which is manageable with prescribed medications and typically subsides within a few days.

2. Will I need a breast lift after implant removal? This depends on your breast size, skin elasticity, and personal goals. Dr. Mosiello can determine whether a lift is recommended.

3. How long until I see the final results? While initial changes are noticeable immediately, swelling and healing take 3–4 months for final results to appear.

4. Can I replace my implants with new ones? Yes, many women choose an implant exchange instead of complete removal. Size, shape, and material options can be customized.

5. Are there risks with implant removal? Like all surgeries, minor risks include infection, bleeding, or scarring. Following your surgeon’s instructions reduces complications.

6. How long is the surgery? The procedure typically takes 1–3 hours, depending on whether a breast lift or additional adjustments are performed.

7. Will scars be noticeable? Most scars heal well and are minimally visible, especially when incisions follow the original implant placement.

Schedule a Consultation

Over time, your body changes — and so can your preferences. For many women, breast implant removal becomes a personal decision rooted in health, comfort, or simply a shift toward a more natural look.

This surgical process, also known as explant surgery, involves removing the breast implants, and sometimes includes additional procedures like a lift to reshape and support the natural breast tissue. For others, it’s about a refresh or exchanging for a different style. What’s most important is that your choice is guided by expert care and the unique needs of your body.

Common Reasons to Consider Breast Implant Removal

Many women start to think about this procedure after 10–20 years of having implants. Here are some non-monetary reasons for choosing breast implant removal:

Lifestyle or aesthetic changes

Changes after pregnancy or breastfeeding

Pain or discomfort around the implants

Concerns about scar tissue (capsular contracture)

Signs of implant rupture or rippling

Symptoms linked to breast implant illness

What to Expect from the Procedure

The surgery is typically done under general anesthesia and lasts one to three hours. Most surgeons use the original incision site, minimizing new scarring. If you're also having a breast lift, your surgeon will remove excess skin and reshape the tissue for better support.

Recovery and Results

The recovery process is usually faster than the original augmentation. Many women return to work within five days, though full healing takes about three to four months. It’s best to avoid heavy lifting and high-impact activities for six weeks.

You may notice a deflated appearance at first, but your breasts naturally regain volume within a few weeks. The majority of women report minimal discomfort and good scar healing over time.

Your Trusted Partner in Tampa

Life is full of changes—and so are our personal preferences. For many women, what once felt like the perfect enhancement may no longer align with their lifestyle, comfort, or aesthetic goals. That’s where Breast Implant Removal comes in.

Whether it’s due to age, discomfort, or a shift in how you want to look and feel, the decision to remove breast implants is deeply personal—and more common than you might think.

Why Women Consider Removing Their Implants

There are several valid reasons for exploring this option. For some, implants that are 10 to 20 years old may need to be taken out due to safety or structural concerns. Others might notice changes in breast shape due to aging, weight shifts, pregnancy, or breastfeeding. Some women report experiencing tightness or distortion from scar tissue, known as capsular contracture. A few may also be dealing with symptoms linked to breast implant illness.

Every body is unique—and so is every explant journey.

What to Expect During Surgery

Breast Implant Removal is a safe procedure performed under general anesthesia. In many cases, your surgeon will use the same incision site from the original augmentation. If needed, additional procedures like a breast lift can help reshape and support the breast once the implant is removed.

The full procedure typically lasts one to three hours. Recovery, on the other hand, is often smoother than the original augmentation process.

Recovery and Healing Process

Most women can return to work in about five days, though it’s important to take it slow with strenuous activities. Healing occurs over a few months, with noticeable improvement in how your breasts look and feel by week three.

Your body needs time to adapt, and during this period, support from a skilled team—like the one at Tampa Palms Plastic Surgery—is crucial for proper healing.

Long-Term Results to Expect

It’s natural to see some deflation in your breasts immediately after surgery, especially without a lift. But your skin and tissue will begin to bounce back gradually. The final shape continues to improve over several months.

What matters most? Choosing a surgeon who prioritizes your long-term health and listens to your goals.

When It Might Be Time to Book a Consultation

You may want to explore Breast Implant Removal if:

You’re uncomfortable with the feel or appearance of your current implants.

Your implants have rippled, ruptured, or shifted.

You prefer a more natural appearance.

You’ve noticed symptoms that concern you.

You’re simply ready for a change.

Consulting with an experienced board-certified plastic surgeon like Dr. Mosiello is the best step forward. His team at Tampa Palms offers guidance tailored specifically to you, making the experience as seamless as possible.

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