Restore your natural confidence.
Breast explant surgery—the removal of breast implants—is a personal decision that can reflect a change in your aesthetic preferences, lifestyle, comfort, or overall goals.
At BodyAesthetic Plastic Surgery & Skincare Center, Dr. C.B. Boswell provides individualized breast explant surgery for women in St. Louis who are ready for a more natural breast appearance or are experiencing concerns related to their implants. Every treatment plan is tailored to your anatomy, implant history, and desired outcome.
Whether you are considering implant removal alone or are interested in reshaping the breasts afterward, we will help you understand your options and make an informed decision about your care.
Why Women Choose Breast Explant Surgery
There are many reasons a woman may decide to have her breast implants removed, including:
- Changing aesthetic goals: You may prefer a more natural appearance or feel that your current breast size no longer suits your body or lifestyle.
- Physical discomfort: Tightness, pain, changes in breast shape, or other physical concerns may lead you to consider implant removal.
- Implant-related concerns: Complications such as implant rupture, capsular contracture, or changes in implant position may require removal.
- Health considerations: Some women choose implant removal because they are concerned about symptoms they associate with their implants, sometimes referred to as breast implant illness.
During your consultation, Dr. Boswell will review your medical and implant history, examine your breasts, discuss your concerns, and explain the options available to you.
What to Expect From the Procedure
Silicone gel-filled breast implant removal is performed under general anesthesia. Removal of saline-filled implants can frequently be performed in the office using local anesthesia.
Depending on your individual circumstances, breast explant surgery may include:
Implant Removal
The implant is carefully removed through an incision, often using the scar from your original breast augmentation whenever possible.
Capsulectomy
Scar tissue, known as the capsule, naturally forms around a breast implant. Depending on your individual needs, Dr. Boswell may recommend removing some or all of this capsule along with the implant.
Breast Lift (Mastopexy)
Some women may benefit from a breast lift after implant removal to improve breast shape and position. However, most patients do not require a mastopexy after breast implant removal.
If a lift is appropriate, Dr. Boswell will typically allow approximately four to six months after implant removal for the skin and breast tissue to contract before determining whether additional reshaping is necessary.
Your surgical plan will be customized to your anatomy, the condition of your breast tissue, and your aesthetic goals.
Recovery
Most patients can return to work within approximately one week after surgery if their occupation does not involve strenuous physical activity.
Normal daily activities can generally be resumed within one to two weeks, although strenuous exercise should be postponed until you are fully healed. For many patients, this is approximately four to six weeks.
Your recovery will depend on the extent of your surgery and your individual healing process. Dr. Boswell will provide specific postoperative instructions and monitor your progress throughout your recovery.
Breast Explant Scars & Long-Term Results
As with any surgery, breast explant surgery will leave scars. Whenever possible, existing breast augmentation scars may be used for implant removal.
Scars generally continue to mature for approximately 18 months. They may initially appear red and raised, gradually becoming lighter and flatter as healing progresses.
Although surgical scars do not disappear completely, they typically become less noticeable with time.
The final appearance of your breasts will depend on factors such as the size and type of your implants, the amount of breast tissue and skin you have, the condition of your skin, and whether additional procedures are performed.
Is Breast Explant Surgery Right for You?
Choosing to remove breast implants is highly personal. You may be ready for a more natural appearance, experiencing implant-related concerns, or simply feel that your implants no longer fit your lifestyle or aesthetic preferences.
During a private consultation, Dr. Boswell will evaluate your breasts and discuss all appropriate options, which may include:
- Implant removal alone
- Implant removal with capsulectomy
- Implant replacement
- Breast lift or reshaping
- A staged approach to breast rejuvenation
Understanding the advantages, limitations, and expected results of each option can help you choose an approach that is appropriate for your body and goals.
Schedule a Consultation for Breast Explant Surgery in St. Louis
If you are considering breast implant removal in St. Louis, BodyAesthetic Plastic Surgery & Skincare Center can help you understand your options.
Schedule a consultation with Dr. C.B. Boswell to discuss your implant history, concerns, aesthetic goals, and the best approach for your breast explant surgery.
Restore your natural confidence. Contact BodyAesthetic Plastic Surgery & Skincare Center today to schedule your consultation.