5 Breast Implant Removal Before & After Photos That Show How Beautiful Explant Results Can Be

Explant surgery, also called breast implant removal, is on the rise at our San Diego plastic surgery practice and across the country. With celebs like Chrissy Teigen opening up about having their implants removed, more women are learning about the benefits of revising their breast augmentation results. You might be considering it, too, if your implants no longer feel like “you.”

It’s no secret that breast augmentation helps thousands of women feel more confident in their bodies every year. Still, it’s important to note that implant removal can be just as empowering and even life-changing. That’s why in this post, we’re showcasing a few of our favorite breast implant removal before and after photos that highlight how beautiful breast implant removal can really be.

A More Lifted Look

This 48-year-old woman had a bilateral capsulectomy with explantation of breast implants and a breast lift. The surgery, performed by board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Hector Salazar-Reyes, brought her breasts back into proportion with her frame. An added breast lift gave her an extra rejuvenating boost, completing her refreshed new look.

A Subtle Size Adjustment

This 30-year-old woman had her breast implants removed by board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Luke Swistun. Because the surgery used the same incisions as her initial breast augmentation, she was left with very little visible scarring. She also had enough skin elasticity that she didn’t need any additional lifting to achieve a beautiful and natural-looking result.

When Less Is More

After having her implants removed and her breasts lifted by Dr. Salazar-Reyes, this 36-year-old woman achieved a more youthful and proportionate breast appearance. Many women who have a similar transformation report they experience less shoulder and back pain, feel more comfortable when working out, and have an easier time finding clothes that fit and flatter them.

A Total Transformation

This 47-year-old woman had her breast implants removed by Dr. Salazar-Reyes. Her implants were large for her frame, making her top half look disproportionately full. After implant removal, her whole body looks slimmer and more balanced.

Looking Like New

This 30-year-old woman complimented her explant surgery with a nipple reduction or areolar reduction. These combined procedures turned the clock back on her appearance and gave her a fresh start with breasts that look like they had never been operated on.

A Few Notes About Capsulectomy

You might notice that we’ve referenced “capsulectomy” in some of our photo descriptions. Sometimes explant surgery warrants removing the capsule of tissue that surrounds an implant in addition to the breast implant. Depending on your needs, the capsule can be removed in one piece or in separate pieces during a capsulectomy. The types of breast implant capsulectomy techniques we perform include:

• Total Intact Capsulectomy: Complete removal of the breast implant capsule as a single unit
• Total (Precise) Capsulectomy: Complete removal of the breast implant capsule (not necessarily in one piece)
• Partial Capsulectomy: A portion of the breast implant capsule is left behind
• En bloc Capsulectomy: Removal of the breast implant capsule with a margin of unresolved tissue for treatment of suspected or confirmed breast implant-associated cancer

Given its risks and complexities compared to other types of breast implant capsulectomies, en bloc capsulectomies are only considered when breast implant-associated cancer is confirmed or strongly suspected following a comprehensive medical evaluation. During your personalized consultation, we will assess your condition thoroughly and determine the most appropriate type of breast implant removal for your needs.

Your Dream Starts Here

Want to meet personally with one of our board-certified plastic surgeons to discuss having your implants removed? Please request a consultation online or call (858) 452-1981. We can’t wait to hear from you!

This blog post was originally published in December 2021 and updated in July 2024.