Breast implant removal, often referred to as explant surgery, is a procedure performed to remove previously placed breast implants. Women choose implant removal for a variety of reasons, including lifestyle changes, concerns about implants, implant-related complications, or a desire to return to a more natural breast appearance.
At Jacobson Cosmetic Surgery, Dr. Jacobson performs explant surgery with a focus on safety, thoughtful surgical planning, and restoring natural breast shape after implant removal.
Depending on a patient’s anatomy and goals, implant removal may be combined with additional procedures such as:
- Capsulectomy(removal of scar tissue surrounding the implant)
- Breast lift (mastopexy)
- Auto-augmentation, where existing breast tissue is reshaped to restore projection and contour
The goal is to create a natural, balanced breast contour after implant removal while prioritizing patient safety and long-term breast health.
Why Do Women Choose Breast Implant Removal?
There are many reasons a patient may decide to remove breast implants. Every patient’s situation is unique, and Dr. Jacobson works closely with each patient to determine the most appropriate surgical plan.
Common reasons include
- Lifestyle changes or evolving aesthetic preferences
- Concerns about implant longevity
- Implant-related complications such as rupture or capsular contracture
- Discomfort related to implants
- Concerns about Breast Implant Illness (BII)
- Desire to return to a more natural breast appearance
Understanding Breast Implant Illness (BII)
Dr. Jacobson takes a patient-centered approach, providing clear information about the available evidence while respecting each patient’s individual concerns and goals.
Reported Symptoms
Breast Implant Illness is a term used by patients to describe a collection of symptoms they feel may be associated with breast implants.
- Fatigue
- Brain fog
- Joint or muscle pain
- Hair loss
- Skin rashes
- Anxiety or mood changes
What the Evidence Shows
While many patients report improvement in symptoms after implant removal, current scientific studies have not demonstrated statistically significant evidence that removing implants and surrounding capsule tissue consistently “cures” Breast Implant Illness.
However, many women report feeling greater peace of mind and personal reassurance after having their implants removed, and patient satisfaction following explant surgery remains high.
Dr. Jacobson’s Anatomy-Based Approach to Explant Surgery
Implant removal requires careful consideration of breast tissue, skin elasticity, and the capsule surrounding the implant. Based on these factors, a personalized surgical plan is developed to ensure the best possible aesthetic and structural outcome after explant surgery.
During consultation, Dr. Jacobson evaluates:
01
Implant size and type
Understanding what was placed and how it interacts with tissue.
02
Implant position
Above or below the muscle affects the removal approach.
03
Thickness of breast tissue
Determines how much natural volume remains after removal.
04
Skin elasticity
Affects how well the breast will reshape post-explant.
05
Presence of capsular contracture
Influences capsulectomy approach.
06
Desired breast shape after removal
Guiding the reshaping and lift plan.
Capsulectomy Options
A capsulectomy refers to the surgical removal of the capsule surrounding the implant. The extent of capsule removal varies depending on the patient’s anatomy and surgical indication.
What Is the Capsule?
When a breast implant is placed, the body naturally forms a layer of scar tissue around it known as a capsule. This capsule is the body’s normal response to a foreign object. In some cases, the capsule may:
- Remain thin and soft (normal)
- Become thickened or tight (capsular contracture)
- Cause discomfort or breast distortion
Depending on the clinical situation, removal of this capsule may or may not be recommended.
Dr. Jacobson carefully evaluates the risks and benefits of each approach during consultation.
Complete Removal
Total Capsulectomy
Removal of the entire capsule surrounding the implant.More extensive dissection and slightly increased surgical complexity.
Recommended When:
- Capsular contracture is present
- The capsule is thickened or abnormal
- There is implant rupture
- Specific patient concerns regarding capsule removal
Less Invasive
Partial Capsulectomy
Only a portion of the capsule is removed.
Appropriate When:
- The capsule is thin and healthy
- There is no capsular contracture
- Removal of the entire capsule would add unnecessary surgical risk
Benefits:
- Shorter operative time
- Less surgical dissection
- Reduced risk to surrounding structures
Auto-Augmentation After Implant Removal
One concern many patients have with implant removal is loss of breast volume or projection.
Your Own Tissue
Auto-Augmentation Technique
In some cases, Dr. Jacobson may perform an auto-augmentation technique, which uses the patient’s existing breast tissue to improve shape after implant removal.
This technique involves:
- Reorganizing and repositioning the existing breast tissue
- Creating internal support to improve projection
- Reshaping the breast to maintain a natural contour
Auto-augmentation can help restore natural breast fullness and projection without implants. This technique is often combined with a breast lift to optimize breast shape and positioning.
The Explant Procedure
Breast implant removal is performed as an outpatient procedure under general anesthesia.
The surgery typically takes 1–2 hours, depending on:
- Whether a capsulectomy is performed
- Whether additional procedures such as mastopexy or auto-augmentation are included
During surgery, Dr. Jacobson carefully removes the implants and addresses the surrounding capsule and breast tissue as planned. The breast is then reshaped to achieve the most natural and balanced appearance possible.
Who Is a Good Candidate for Explant Surgery?
A consultation with Dr. Jacobson will determine the most appropriate surgical plan for your anatomy and goals.
You may be a good candidate for breast implant removal if you:
- Desire removal of existing breast implants
- Are experiencing implant-related concerns or complications
- Are concerned about Breast Implant Illness
- Prefer a more natural breast appearance
- Are in good overall health
- Are a non-smoker
- Have realistic expectations regarding surgical outcomes
Explant Surgery Recovery & Downtime
Recovery after implant removal varies depending on whether additional procedures are performed.
Days 1–3
Rest
Swelling, mild bruising, skin tightness
Days 3–7
Light Activity
Desk work resumes; supportive surgical bra
Week 1–2
Normal Daily Activities
Normal daily activities; avoid strenuous activity
Week 2–6
Light Cardio
No heavy lifting or vigorous exercise
6+ Weeks
Final Results
Gradual return to full activity
Early Recovery (First Week)
Patients may experience:
- Swelling
- Mild bruising
- Tightness of the breast skin
- Temporary changes in breast sensation
Most discomfort is manageable with oral pain medication and supportive garments.
Support Garments
Patients are typically placed in a supportive surgical bra after surgery. This helps:
- Support healing breast tissue
- Reduce swelling
- Maintain breast contour during recovery
Activity Restrictions
Typical recovery guidelines include:
- Normal daily activities beginning within several days
- Avoid strenuous activity for approximately 2 weeks
Heavy lifting and vigorous exercise should be avoided for about 4–6 weeks. After this period, most patients are cleared to gradually return to full activity.
Long-Term Results
After implant removal, the breasts will continue to settle and reshape as healing progresses. Final breast shape typically continues to refine over several months as swelling resolves and tissues adjust.
If a breast lift or auto-augmentation is performed, these techniques can help restore:
- Improved breast projection
- Better breast contour
- More balanced breast shape
The focus is on:
- Safe implant removal
- Thoughtful breast reshaping
- Restoring natural breast proportions
“Natural Results —
Never Overdone.”
Dr. Jacobson’s goal with explant surgery is to create natural, comfortable breasts that align with your body and personal preferences.
The focus is on:
- Safe implant removal
- Thoughtful breast reshaping
- Restoring natural breast proportions
The result should feel balanced, comfortable, and authentic to you.
Why Choose Dr. Jacobson for Explant Surgery?
- Extensive experience in aesthetic breast surgery
- Personalized surgical planning based on breast anatomy and implant history
- Expertise in capsulectomy and breast reshaping techniques
- Focus on natural results and patient-centered care
- Concierge-level care from consultation through recovery
Breast Implant Removal FAQs
What is a capsulectomy, and do I need one?
A capsulectomy is the surgical removal of the scar capsule that naturally forms around a breast implant. Whether you need a partial or total capsulectomy depends on the condition of your capsule. If the capsule is thin and healthy with no signs of contracture, a partial capsulectomy may be appropriate, which involves less dissection and shorter operative time. If capsular contracture, thickening, or implant rupture is present, a total capsulectomy — removal of the entire capsule — may be recommended. Dr. Jacobson evaluates the risks and benefits of each approach during your consultation.
Will my breasts look natural after implant removal?
The appearance of your breasts after implant removal depends on several factors, including your natural breast tissue volume, skin elasticity, implant size, and how long the implants have been in place. To optimize breast shape, Dr. Jacobson may combine implant removal with a breast lift or auto-augmentation technique, which uses your existing breast tissue to restore projection and natural contour. The breasts continue to settle and reshape over several months as healing progresses.
What is auto-augmentation after explant surgery?
Auto-augmentation is a technique where Dr. Jacobson uses your existing breast tissue to improve breast shape and projection after implant removal. This involves reorganizing and repositioning the tissue, creating internal support, and reshaping the breast to maintain a natural contour — all without implants. Auto-augmentation can help restore natural breast fullness and is often combined with a breast lift for optimal results.
Will removing my implants help with Breast Implant Illness symptoms?
Many patients report improvement in symptoms they associate with Breast Implant Illness after having their implants removed. However, current scientific studies have not demonstrated statistically significant evidence that implant removal consistently cures BII symptoms. Many women do report feeling greater peace of mind and personal reassurance after explant surgery, and patient satisfaction remains high. Dr. Jacobson provides clear information about the available evidence while respecting each patient’s individual concerns and goals.
How long is recovery after explant surgery?
Most patients can expect approximately 5–10 days of downtime. Many return to desk work within about one week. A supportive surgical bra is worn during recovery to support healing breast tissue and maintain contour. Strenuous activity should be avoided for approximately 2 weeks, and heavy lifting and vigorous exercise for about 4–6 weeks. Recovery may vary depending on whether additional procedures such as capsulectomy, breast lift, or auto-augmentation are performed.
Can explant surgery be combined with a breast lift?
Yes. If breast sagging is present after implant removal, Dr. Jacobson may combine explant surgery with a breast lift (mastopexy) to improve nipple position and overall breast shape. A breast lift can also be combined with auto-augmentation to restore projection using your own tissue. During your consultation, Dr. Jacobson will evaluate your anatomy and goals to determine whether combining procedures would optimize your results.
Serving Lincoln and Surrounding Nebraska Communities
If you are considering breast implant removal, a personalized consultation with Dr. Jacobson at Jacobson Cosmetic Surgery can help determine the safest and most appropriate approach for your goals. During your consultation, Dr. Jacobson will review your implant history, examine your breast anatomy, and discuss options for implant removal, capsulectomy, and breast reshaping. Schedule your consultation today. Serving patients throughout Lincoln, Omaha, and greater Nebraska.
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