Restore comfort with breast explant surgery in Nashville, a procedure to remove breast implants due to discomfort, lifestyle changes, or aesthetic concerns. Dr. Kristina O’Shaughnessy, our board-certified female plastic surgeon in Franklin, TN, offers expert, compassionate care to help you feel more aligned with your body and your personal goals.
- What Are the Reasons to Consider Explant Surgery?
- Breast Explant Surgery Before & After
- What Are the Types of Breast Explant Surgery?
- Breast Implant Removal With Lift (Mastopexy)
- What Happens During Breast Explant Surgery?
- What Is the Recovery Process After Breast Explant Surgery?
- Breast Implant Removal With Lift (Mastopexy)
- What Are the Expected Results From Breast Explant Surgery?
- Contact
Return to a More Natural Silhouette
Breast explant surgery is a procedure to remove implants, often chosen due to complications, changes in preference, or health-related concerns like capsular contracture or implant rupture. Some may also seek explant surgery to return to a natural appearance or address symptoms associated with breast implant illness. Dr. O’Shaughnessy performs breast explant procedures with precision, tailoring each surgery to your unique needs. In some cases, she may combine the procedure with a breast lift or fat grafting for optimal results.
What Are the Reasons to Consider Explant Surgery?
- Desire to return to a more natural breast size or shape
- Discomfort from implant weight or pressure
- Concerns about breast implant illness (BII) symptoms
- Capsular contracture causing tightness or pain
- Implant rupture or leakage
- Shift in lifestyle, body image, or personal preferences
- Detection of implant-related complications such as ALCL
- Asymmetry or dissatisfaction with previous augmentation results
What Are the Types of Breast Explant Surgery?
Total Capsulectomy
A total capsulectomy involves removing the implant and the surrounding capsule of scar tissue. This method ensures that no part of the implant shell or capsule is left behind, which can be important for patients experiencing capsular contracture or other complications.
En Bloc Capsulectomy
An en bloc capsulectomy is a specialized form of implant removal in which the implant and the entire capsule are removed together in one piece, without opening the capsule. This is often recommended when there are concerns about silicone leakage or breast implant illness.
Breast Implant Removal With Lift (Mastopexy)
When breast implants are removed, the surrounding skin and breast tissue may not retain a youthful shape on their own. In these cases, Dr. O’Shaughnessy may recommend combining explant surgery with a breast lift, also known as mastopexy. This procedure reshapes and repositions the natural breast tissue while removing excess skin, resulting in a firmer, uplifted contour. A lift can help restore a more balanced appearance after implant removal, especially if you’ve experienced stretching, sagging, or volume loss over time.
What Happens During Breast Explant Surgery?
Your breast explant surgery in Nashville will be performed under general anesthesia in our fully accredited surgical suite. Dr. O’Shaughnessy will make a precise incision, usually along the inframammary fold (under the breast) or the original augmentation scar. The implants are carefully removed, and in many cases, she performs a total capsulectomy or en bloc capsulectomy.
After implant removal, your breast tissue may appear deflated or lack volume. Dr. O’Shaughnessy may recommend a mastopexy (breast lift) to tighten the skin envelope and elevate the nipple-areolar complex, or fat grafting to restore fullness using your own tissue. These options are tailored to create a natural, proportional breast contour.
What Is the Recovery Process After Breast Explant Surgery?
After breast explant surgery, you can expect mild to moderate swelling, tightness, and soreness in the chest for the first few days. Drains may be placed to reduce fluid buildup and are typically removed within one week. Most patients return to non-strenuous activities within 5 to 7 days, though full healing takes several weeks. You’ll wear a surgical bra to minimize movement and protect your results. The final contour will improve as your tissue adjusts and swelling subsides.
To support a smooth recovery, be sure to:
- Wear your surgical bra as instructed
- Limit upper body activity for the first two weeks
- Sleep on your back with elevated support
- Take prescribed medications to manage discomfort
- Avoid heavy lifting or strenuous exercise for four to six weeks
- Attend all scheduled post-operative appointments
- Follow wound care instructions carefully
What Are the Expected Results From Breast Explant Surgery?
You’ll notice an immediate difference in your breast shape and size after explant surgery, although swelling and tissue settling may affect your final appearance. Over the following months, your breasts will soften and take on a more natural contour. If a lift or fat grafting was performed, the results may appear more refined over time. The outcome is long-lasting, especially when combined with a healthy lifestyle and stable weight. Most patients feel physically lighter and emotionally aligned with their new, natural silhouette.
Schedule Your Consultation
With Dr. O’Shaughnessy
Dr. Kristina O’Shaughnessy is a board-certified female plastic surgeon with 17+ years of experience in aesthetic and reconstructive breast surgery. Known for her empathetic approach and meticulous techniques, she offers a personalized experience for women seeking implant removal and natural restoration. At her integrated clinic and surgery center in Franklin, TN, you’ll receive expert guidance and care in a private setting. If you’re considering breast explant surgery in Nashville, schedule your consultation with Dr. O’Shaughnessy today.
