Detroit Breast Implant Removal (Breast Explant)

FAQs: Breast Augmentation

 

Things To Know About Breast Implant Removal (Breast Explant)

• Chau Plastic Surgery in the Detroit, MI area offers personalized breast implant removal (explant) surgery, with or without capsule removal and breast lift options tailored to each patient.
• Common reasons for removal include discomfort, capsular contracture, aesthetic changes, and a desire for a more natural look or lifestyle change.
• Every surgical plan is customized after an in-depth consultation, focusing on patient safety, symmetry, and natural breast contour.
• Typical recovery for Detroit patients involves 1–2 weeks off most desk jobs, several weeks of activity restrictions, and gradual improvement over a few months.
• Chau Plastic Surgery provides transparent pricing estimates and financing options after a private consultation at their office.

Breast Implant Removal (Breast Explant) in Detroit at Chau Plastic Surgery

For many women in the Metro Detroit area, breast augmentation was once a decision that aligned perfectly with their goals and lifestyle. Years or even decades later, circumstances change—and so do aesthetic preferences and personal priorities. Chau Plastic Surgery is a Detroit-area plastic surgery practice dedicated to providing individualized care for women who are ready to choose breast implant removal.

Whether your saline implants or silicone implants were placed five years ago or twenty, the team at Chau Plastic Surgery understands that this decision involves removing something that once felt right but no longer does. The practice focuses on helping women navigate this transition with confidence, comfort, and clarity about what to expect.

Patients from across Metro Detroit—including Troy, Birmingham, Novi, Oakland County, West Bloomfield, and surrounding communities—choose Chau Plastic Surgery for implant removal and breast reshaping procedures. The goal is always the same: to restore comfort, self confidence, and a breast shape that feels right for each patient’s current stage of life.

What Is Breast Implant Removal (Explant Surgery)?

Breast implant removal, commonly called explant surgery, is a surgical procedure designed to remove existing breast implants and, when needed, the surrounding scar tissue known as the capsule. This procedure addresses a variety of patient needs, from physical discomfort to aesthetic concerns to lifestyle reasons.

When any implant is placed in the body, the immune system naturally forms a thin layer of tissue around it—this is the capsule. In most cases, this capsule remains soft and causes no problems. However, over time, some capsules can thicken, harden, or tighten around the implant, leading to discomfort, distortion, or other complications.

Breast implant removal procedures at Chau Plastic Surgery may involve:

• Removing just the implants while leaving the capsule intact
• Removing implants along with part of the capsule (partial capsulectomy)
• Removing implants along with the entire capsule (total capsulectomy)
• Combining implant removal surgery with a breast lift for improved breast appearance

The aim at Chau Plastic Surgery is always to maintain as much healthy natural tissue and remaining breast tissue as possible while thoroughly addressing symptoms and cosmetic concerns. The specific approach depends on each patient’s unique anatomy, health history, and goals.

Explantation vs. Capsulectomy

Patients researching breast implant removal often encounter different medical terms that can feel confusing. Understanding these distinctions helps you have more productive conversations with your surgeon and make informed decisions about your care.

Explantation refers specifically to removing the breast implant itself—whether saline or silicone—from the breast pocket. This procedure involves removing the implant device that was placed during your original breast augmentation.

Capsulectomy refers to surgically removing some or all of the capsule (the scar tissue layer) that has naturally formed around the implant over time. This is an additional step beyond simply removing the implant.

Your surgical plan at Chau Plastic Surgery may include:

Procedure Type	What It Involves
Implant removal alone	Removing the implant while leaving the capsule in place
Implant removal with partial capsulectomy	Removing the implant plus portions of thickened or problematic capsule tissue
Implant removal with total capsulectomy	Removing the implant along with the entire capsule as a complete unit

The surgeon at Chau Plastic Surgery reviews any available imaging, examines the breast tissue during your consultation, and discusses the risks and benefits of each approach before recommending a specific plan. Factors that influence this decision include the condition of your capsule, whether capsular contracture is present, your implant type, and your overall well being goals.

Why Detroit Patients Choose Breast Implant Removal

Choosing to remove breast implants is deeply personal, and the decision often evolves over many years. What felt perfect at 30 may no longer align with how a woman sees herself at 45 or 55. At Chau Plastic Surgery, the team respects that these decisions involve both medical and emotional considerations.

Medical Reasons for Implant Removal

Many patients seek breast implant removal surgery to address physical symptoms or complications:

• Capsular contracture: Breasts feel hard, painful, misshapen, or distorted due to tightened scar tissue around the implant
• Suspected or confirmed implant rupture: Silicone or saline leakage requiring removal and evaluation
• Rippling, shifting, or visible implant edges: Changes in breast appearance as the implant moves or becomes more visible through the skin
• Chronic discomfort or heaviness: Ongoing pain, pressure on chest muscles, or physical burden from implant size or weight
• Other complications: Including infection, asymmetry, or bottoming out of implants

Aesthetic and Lifestyle Reasons

Beyond medical concerns, many women choose removal for personal preference and lifestyle reasons:

• Wanting a smaller, more natural breast size that matches their current physical appearance
• Changes in taste, fashion, or body image since the original augmentation
• Increased physical activity or athletic goals that are hindered by implants
• Breast changes after pregnancy, breastfeeding, or significant weight shifts
• Simply being “ready to be done” with maintenance surgeries, MRI monitoring, and the long-term commitment implants require

Some Detroit-area patients express that after years with implants, they want to experience their natural breasts again and feel more connected to their own body. Others have reached a stage of life where simplicity and authenticity matter more than enhancement.

At Chau Plastic Surgery, the surgeon listens closely to these motivations—whether medical, aesthetic, or both—to design a treatment plan that fits both health and appearance goals. There is no judgment about why a patient wants her implants removed; there is only support for helping her achieve beautiful, natural looking results.

How Chau Plastic Surgery Plans Your Implant Removal

At Chau Plastic Surgery, every breast revision surgery begins with careful planning and a patient-centered approach. The practice believes that thorough consultation and attention to detail lead to the best possible breast revision results.

During your consultation, the surgeon:

• Takes an extensive medical and surgical history, including details about your original augmentation (implant type, implant size, placement, and any previous breast revision procedures)
• Evaluates current implant position, capsule firmness, skin elasticity, and breast tissue quality
• May recommend imaging such as MRI or ultrasound if rupture, silicone migration, or significantly thickened capsules are suspected

Discussing Your Options

Based on this evaluation, patients discuss whether they prefer:

• Simple removal: Accepting a smaller, natural breast appearance after implant removal
• Removal plus breast lift: Combining explant with mastopexy to address loose skin and improve perkiness
• Staged plan: A phased approach for patients who are unsure about size changes and want to see how their body responds before committing to additional procedures

The surgeon reviews surgical risks, benefits, anesthesia options, expected scarring, realistic expectations, and recovery timeline in clear, plain language. Patients are encouraged to ask questions and voice any concerns.

Pre-Operative Instructions

Written pre-operative and post-operative instructions are provided so patients know exactly what to expect before surgery day. This includes guidance on:

• Medications and supplements to discontinue before surgery
• Arranging time off work and help at home during recovery
• Smoking cessation and nutritional optimization for healing
• What to wear and bring on the day of surgery

This personalized care approach ensures that patients achieve the outcomes they envision while understanding every aspect of their surgical plan.

What to Expect During Breast Implant Removal Surgery

Understanding what happens on surgery day helps many patients feel more prepared and less anxious. This section walks through the typical experience at an accredited surgical facility used by Chau Plastic Surgery.

Anesthesia and Comfort

Breast implant removal surgery is typically performed under general anesthesia, monitored by an anesthesia professional throughout the procedure. This ensures patient safety and complete comfort during surgery.

Incision Placement

Whenever possible, incisions follow the same location used during your original breast augmentation—such as in the inframammary fold (beneath the breast) or around the areola. Using existing scars helps minimize additional visible scarring and maintains optimal breast appearance.

The Surgical Steps

The procedure generally involves:

1. Carefully opening the existing capsule to access the implant
2. Removing each implant (saline or silicone) intact when possible
3. Removing some or all of the capsule if indicated by your surgical plan
4. Evaluating the pocket and remaining natural tissue for any abnormalities
5. Performing a breast lift if planned, reshaping breast tissue and repositioning the nipple-areolar complex
6. Precise closure of incisions using techniques designed to encourage thin, low-profile scars

Same-Day Recovery

Most patients return home the same day after a monitoring period in recovery. A responsible adult must be available to drive you home and stay with you for the first 24 hours following surgery.

Your Consultation and Pre-Operative Preparation

The consultation typically takes place several weeks before surgery and includes a comprehensive discussion of your health, aesthetic goals, and any concerns. This thorough consultation is essential for achieving the best outcomes.

During this appointment:

• Measurements and photographs are taken to plan incision placement, capsule management, and any lift technique
• A physical examination assesses your current breast tissue, implant condition, and skin quality
• You receive personalized guidance about medications to stop before surgery, arranging time off work, and optimizing your health for healing

The practice reviews consent forms, answers all remaining questions, and confirms realistic expectations regarding breast size, breast shape, and scars after healing. Patients leave this appointment with a clear understanding of their upcoming procedure and a written surgical plan.

Recovery After Breast Implant Removal in Detroit

Most patients feel sore but manageable after breast implant removal surgery. Chau Plastic Surgery prioritizes both comfort and clear follow-up care to support your healing progress throughout recovery.

Early Recovery Timeline

Timeframe	What to Expect
First 24-48 hours	Rest at home, take prescription pain medication and/or over-the-counter options as directed
First week	Swelling, tightness, and bruising gradually ease; drains may be in place for 3-5 days
1-2 weeks	Most patients with desk jobs can return to light work with restrictions
3-4 weeks	Energy returns, incisions continue healing, transition to non-underwire bras
5-6 weeks	Light exercise like walking and yoga typically permitted
7-8 weeks	Full strenuous activity clearance for most patients

Activity Restrictions

During breast implant removal recovery, patients should:

• Avoid heavy lifting (typically anything over 10-15 pounds) for several weeks
• Refrain from strenuous exercise and upper-body workouts until cleared by your surgeon
• Wear a supportive surgical bra or soft sports bra consistently as directed

Keys to Successful Healing

Optimal recovery depends on:

• Attending all post-operative appointments at the Chau Plastic Surgery office
• Monitoring incisions for signs of infection or fluid buildup
• Following scar care instructions, including silicone products and sun protection
• Taking pain medication as prescribed to stay comfortable

Final Results

Final breast shape continues to settle over several months as swelling resolves and tissues relax. Mild asymmetry is common in the early weeks and usually improves significantly over time. Scars mature from red or pink to faded and softer over approximately six months.

Many patients report that breast implant removal recovery is actually smoother than their original augmentation, with lower pain scores and faster return to normal activities.

Cost and Financing for Breast Implant Removal

Cost is a practical question for most patients considering plastic surgery, and Chau Plastic Surgery aims for transparency throughout the process.

Factors That Affect Pricing

The cost of breast implant removal varies depending on several factors:

• Whether implants alone are removed or capsular work is added
• Whether a breast lift or other additional procedures are performed at the same time
• Operating room and anesthesia time required
• Any necessary lab work or imaging studies

Getting Your Estimate

Exact, personalized fee estimates are provided after an in-office consultation, once the surgeon has confirmed your surgical plan. This ensures you receive an accurate quote based on your specific needs rather than a generic estimate.

Financing Options

The practice can discuss available financing options or payment plans commonly used by Detroit-area patients for cosmetic procedures. Many patients find that spreading payments over time makes their procedure more accessible.

Insurance Considerations

Patients should bring insurance information to their consultation if they suspect a medical reason for removal, such as implant rupture or severe capsular contracture. However, most purely cosmetic implant removals and reconstructive surgery for aesthetic preferences are not covered by insurance plans.

If you have a warranty on your breast implants from the manufacturer, it may be worth contacting them to understand your options, particularly in cases of rupture.

Frequently Asked Questions About Breast Implant Removal

Will my breasts look flat after my implants are removed?

The final appearance depends on several factors: your original breast size before augmentation, how large your implants were, your skin elasticity, and how long the implants were in place. Some women retain a pleasing natural volume with satisfying breast shape, while others may have more looseness or deflation.

Women who had implants for many years or had larger implant sizes may notice more significant changes. A breast lift can be performed simultaneously or as a separate procedure to address excess skin and improve perkiness. During your consultation, Chau Plastic Surgery can show before-and-after photos of patients with similar body types so you know what realistic expectations look like.

How long will my breast implant removal take?

Straightforward implant removal without extensive capsular work is typically performed in about 1-2 hours. Procedures involving total capsulectomy, en bloc removal, or combination with a breast lift can take longer.

The exact duration depends on your individual anatomy, implant condition, and surgical plan. This is discussed in advance during your consultation so you can plan accordingly. After surgery, patients stay in recovery for a short monitoring period before going home the same day.

Can I combine implant removal with other procedures?

Yes, many Detroit patients choose to combine implant removal with a breast lift for improved breast shape and nipple position. This consolidates recovery into one period rather than requiring two separate surgeries.

Depending on overall health and surgical time, additional procedures such as minor body contouring may also be discussed. However, patient safety always comes first. The surgeon will recommend staging procedures separately if combining too many would increase surgical risks or compromise healing.

How soon before a big event should I schedule surgery?

Patients planning for a wedding, vacation, or major event should ideally schedule breast implant removal surgery at least 3-6 months beforehand. While most patients feel “event-ready” sooner, this timeframe allows swelling to fully resolve, scars to soften and fade, and final breast shape to emerge.

If you have a specific timeline in mind, discuss this during your consultation so expectations and surgery dates can be aligned appropriately.

How do I schedule a breast implant removal consultation with Chau Plastic Surgery?

To schedule your consultation, contact Chau Plastic Surgery directly by phone or through the practice’s website contact form. The office is conveniently located in the Detroit metro area, serving patients from throughout Oakland County and beyond.

When you call, be prepared to share basic information about your implant history—including the approximate date of your original augmentation, implant type, and implant size if known—along with your current concerns. The office team will explain available appointment times, what to bring, and how to prepare for your visit.

Chau Plastic Surgery has performed thousands of breast procedures and is committed to providing personalized care and natural looking results. The board certified plastic surgeon takes an amazing job of helping patients achieve their aesthetic goals while prioritizing their overall well being and self esteem throughout the process.

Whether you’re experiencing physical symptoms, have aesthetic preferences that have evolved, or simply feel ready to return to your natural breasts, Chau Plastic Surgery is here to guide you through every step of your breast implant removal journey.

Additional Frequently Asked Questions

What happens to my breast tissue after implant removal?

After your implants are removed, your remaining breast tissue gradually settles into its new position over several months. The natural tissue that was stretched around the implant will contract to some degree, though the extent depends on your skin elasticity and how long implants were in place. Some women are pleasantly surprised by how much natural volume they retain, while others may benefit from a breast lift to achieve their desired physical appearance.

Is breast implant removal generally safe?

Yes, breast implant removal is generally safe when performed by an experienced, board certified plastic surgeon. Infection rates are under 1% when implants aren’t being replaced, and most patients experience a smooth recovery. As with any surgical procedure, there are surgical risks including bleeding, asymmetry, or seroma formation, but these complications are relatively rare. Your surgeon will review all potential risks during your consultation.

Will I need new implants after removal, or can I stay natural?

This is entirely your personal preference. Many women who choose removal want to return to their natural breasts and have no interest in replacement. Others may eventually consider breast augmentation with new implants after giving their body time to heal. At Chau Plastic Surgery, there is no pressure either way—the focus is on helping you achieve the results that align with your current lifestyle and aesthetic goals.

How can I tell if my implants need to be removed?

Signs that may indicate a need for implant removal include changes in breast shape or firmness, visible rippling, asymmetry, persistent pain or discomfort, or confirmed rupture on imaging. Breast implants generally last 10-15 years, though some function well longer while others develop problems sooner. If you’re experiencing any concerns, a consultation with a board certified plastic surgeon can help you understand your options and whether removal is appropriate for your situation.