What To Expect After Breast Implant Removal

When I say I specialize in breast enhancement, I mean that I specialize in helping patients achieve their ideal chest contours—including their decision to remove their breast implants. Some women choose to pursue explant surgery due to complications, lifestyle changes, or updated aesthetic preferences; no matter your reasons, knowing what to expect after breast implant removal can help you move forward confidently with your choice.

Recovery After Breast Implant Removal

Your breast implant removal recovery depends on factors like implant size, how long they’ve been in place, and whether you’re also having a breast lift or fat transfer. While everyone heals at their own pace, recovery follows a general timeline:

First Few Days

• You can expect some swelling, bruising, and mild discomfort, which you can manage with prescribed pain medication.
• A compression garment or surgical bra helps reduce swelling and supports your breasts as they heal.
• You may have drains in place if there is excessive scar tissue or fluid buildup. This is more common with implant removal for capsular contracture.

Week 1

• Most patients feel well enough to move around the house but should avoid lifting, stretching, or vigorous movement.
• If your job isn’t physically demanding, you may return to work within a week.
• Swelling and bruising begin to subside, but your breasts will continue adjusting.

Weeks 2 to 4

• Swelling continues to improve, and discomfort is minimal.
• You may return to low-impact exercise but should avoid chest workouts or heavy lifting.
• Incisions are healing, though scars may still appear dark or raised at this stage.

Months 2 to 3

• Your breasts will have softened and taken on their new shape.
• If you did not get a lift, your skin will retract to some degree, but the extent depends on your skin elasticity and implant size.

How Will Your Breasts Look After Implant Removal?

A common concern among patients considering implant removal is whether their breasts will look deflated or saggy. The answer depends on multiple factors:

• Your natural breast volume: If you had small breasts before augmentation, they will return to a similar size.
• Skin elasticity: If your skin is still firm, it may retract well on its own. If it has stretched significantly (especially if you have had large implants), you can expect some sagging.
• Implant size: Larger implants create more skin stretching, increasing the likelihood of sagging after removal.
• Time with implants: The longer you’ve had implants, the less likely your skin will retract completely after removal.

Do You Need a Breast Lift After Implant Removal?

Not all patients need a breast lift after removing their implants, but I recommend it for those who experience sagging or stretched skin. A breast lift removes excess skin, reshapes the breast tissue, and repositions the nipples for a perkier, more youthful appearance.

Here is how to determine if a breast lift might be beneficial for you:

• You have noticeable sagging or loose skin after implant removal.
• Your nipples sit lower on your breasts than before augmentation.
• You prefer a rounder, firmer look rather than a natural “settled” shape.

If you’re unsure whether you’ll need a lift, I often recommend waiting a few months after implant removal to see how your breasts settle naturally before making a decision.

Options for Enhancing Your Results

If you are concerned about losing volume but don’t want new implants, you have some alternatives:

• Fat Grafting: Using liposuction, I can transfer fat from another area of your body (such as the abdomen or thighs) to the breasts for subtle volume restoration.
• Scar Revision: If prior surgeries have left noticeable scarring, we can explore options like microneedling or CO2 laser skin resurfacing to improve its appearance.

The Role of Before and After Photos

Many of my patients find it helpful to see how different bodies respond to implant removal, especially when comparing results with and without a breast lift. If you’re considering this procedure, I encourage you to browse my breast implant removal before and after gallery to see real patient outcomes.

Explore Your Options

Choosing to remove your breast implants is a personal decision, and you deserve a smooth, informed, and supportive experience. If you’re considering breast implant removal and want to learn more about your options, I invite you to request a consultation online or call our office at (239) 262-5662 to discuss how to achieve the chest contours that are right for you.