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 Is Breast Explant Surgery?
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 breast fat grafting for optimal results.
Why Should I Consider Breast 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.
Breast Explant Surgery FAQS
What Happens During Breast Explant Surgery?
Breast explant surgery is performed under general anesthesia, with Dr. O’Shaughnessy making a precise incision — typically along the inframammary fold or the original augmentation scar — to carefully remove the implants, often along with a total or en bloc capsulectomy. Depending on your anatomy and goals, she may also recommend a breast lift or fat grafting to restore a natural, proportional contour after implant removal.
What Is The Recovery Process After Breast Explant Surgery?
Most patients experience mild to moderate swelling, tightness, and soreness in the first few days and can return to non-strenuous activities within five to seven days, with full healing taking several weeks. Supporting your recovery with a surgical bra, limited upper body activity, and attendance at all post-operative appointments will help ensure the smoothest possible outcome.
What Results Can I Expect After Breast Explant Surgery?
You will notice an immediate change in your breast shape and size following surgery, though final results continue to refine over the following months as swelling subsides and tissue settles naturally. When combined with a lift or fat grafting if recommended, results are long-lasting — and most patients report feeling both physically and emotionally aligned with their new, natural silhouette.
Can explant surgery be customized to individual goals?
Yes, surgical plans vary widely and may include removing scar tissue, reshaping the breast, or combining procedures based on patient preferences and anatomy.
What are some less obvious reasons patients choose explant surgery?
Beyond medical concerns, some patients opt for removal due to lifestyle changes, personal preferences, or evolving aesthetic goals over time.
Is explant surgery typically an outpatient procedure?
In many cases, yes—patients usually go home the same day, although recovery support is still needed during the first 24–48 hours.
Will my breast shape change significantly after explant surgery?
Yes, breast appearance often changes depending on skin elasticity and implant size, which is why some patients choose additional procedures like a lift for improved contour.
How long does it take for final results to settle?
While initial healing happens within weeks, it can take several months for swelling to fully resolve and for the breasts to settle into their final shape.
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.
