Breast Implant Removal

Conveniently located to serve the areas of Pasadena, CA

Breast Implant Removal Dr. Caroline Min

Breast implant removal—also known as explant surgery—is a procedure designed for women who no longer wish to have their breast implants. Breast augmentation can be a positive and empowering experience, but there are times when a woman may choose to remove her implants. Dr. Caroline Min offers compassionate, customized care, whether due to aesthetic or lifestyle changes, personal preference, or implant complications. Dr. Min has performed numerous explant surgeries and has the experience to guide you through the explantation process safely and thoughtfully. She believes that breast explant surgery is about more than just removing implants—it’s about helping women feel comfortable and confident in their own skin.

Before and After Photos

Breast Implant Removal Before & After Patient #1707
Breast Implant Removal Before & After Patient #1707
Breast Implant Removal Before & After Patient #2285
Breast Implant Removal Before & After Patient #2285
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Reasons for Implant Removal

Patients may consider explant surgery for a variety of reasons, including:

  • Capsular contracture (hardening of scar tissue around the implant)
  • Implant rupture or leakage
  • Changes in aesthetic goals or body image
  • Aging implants that have reached the end of their recommended lifespan
  • The desire for a more natural look or feel
  • Breast implant illness (BII): BII is a term used to describe symptoms some individuals attribute to their breast implants. Symptoms may include fatigue, joint pain, and cognitive issues like brain fog. If you have concerns about BII, it is important to discuss them with Dr. Min during your consultation.

What to Expect

Breast implant removal is different for every patient and Dr. Min tailors the procedure to each patient’s unique anatomy and needs. It can be straightforward or more complex, depending on your goals and the condition of the implants and surrounding breast tissue. During your consultation, Dr. Min will take the time to understand your reasons for explantation, examine your breast tissue, and help you explore options that align with your aesthetic goals and lifestyle.

Options may include:

  • Simple explantation: Removal of the implants only.
  • Explantation with capsulectomy: Removal of both the implants and the surrounding scar tissue (capsule). This can be done as a partial or total capsulectomy depending on your needs.
  • Breast lift (mastopexy): A breast lift may be performed at the same time as explantation to reshape the breast after implant removal. A breast lift can create a perkier and more youthful appearance.
  • Fat transfer: To increase breast size, fat can be transferred to the breasts from areas where there is excess such as the abdomen, inner thighs, or back. This can be done at the same time as explantation or at a future date. Fat transfer may be done once or in multiple sessions, depending on your goals.

Deflation Before Implant Removal (for Saline Implants only)

If you have saline breast implants, they can often be deflated in the office before explantation. This is a quick and virtually painless procedure that can be helpful for several reasons:

  • It gives you a realistic preview of your breast shape and volume without implants, helping you decide whether you’d like to proceed with a lift or fat transfer at the time of explantation.
  • It allows the breast tissue and skin to gradually adjust and recover from being stretched over time, which may improve final aesthetic outcomes after surgery.
  • It may provide symptom relief for women experiencing discomfort before full implant removal.

Not every patient is a candidate for deflation, but it can be a helpful step in the treatment plan for some. Dr. Min will discuss this option with you during your consultation and determine if it’s appropriate based on your implant type and individual goals.

Benefits

There are several benefits to breast implant removal, which include:

  1. Increased daily comfort: Removing implants can help you feel more comfortable, especially if you have been suffering from pain from conditions such as capsular contracture or implant malposition. Removing the implants and scar tissue can alleviate chronic discomfort and restore a sense of well-being. Activities such as running, yoga, or sleeping may be more comfortable after explantation.
  2. Improved Peace of Mind: Some women feel anxious about the long-term safety of their implants, especially if they’ve had them for many years. Removal offers peace of mind by eliminating concerns about implant rupture, leakage, or future maintenance.
  3. A More Natural Look and Feel: As beauty standards evolve and many women embrace a more natural aesthetic, explantation allows the breasts to return to a softer, more organic shape. Additional procedures like fat transfer or a breast lift can help restore youthful contours without implants.
  4. Freedom from Maintenance: Implants are not lifetime devices and eventually require replacement or revision. By removing them, you avoid future surgeries, imaging (such as MRI or US monitoring for silicone implants), and potential complications down the line.
  5. Alignment with Personal Identity: As life changes—whether due to aging, motherhood, or evolving values—some women feel their implants no longer reflect who they are. Breast implant removal can be an empowering way to reconnect with your body and redefine your self-image on your own terms.

Candidates & Consultation

Reasons for considering breast implant removal are diverse. Your treatment plan will depend on the condition of your breasts, the type of implants you have, and your aesthetic desires. During your consultation, Dr. Min will discuss your goals and examine your breasts to create a personalized treatment plan. She will need to ask about your medical history, lifestyle, and current medications to determine the most effective approach. Please come prepared with any questions you have.

Schedule your consultation today to begin planning your breast implant removal procedure. If you have any further questions or would prefer to schedule over the phone, please call or text us at (626) 737-9001.

How to Prepare for Breast Implant Removal

Proper preparation is key to ensuring a safe and smooth breast implant removal process. Here are some important steps to take before surgery:

1. Locate Your Implant Records

If possible, try to obtain your original breast implant records, including the type, size, manufacturer, and date of placement. This information is especially helpful for surgical planning. We understand this can be difficult if your surgery was done many years ago, but do your best to locate any documentation or contact the original surgeon’s office if still available.

2. Avoid Blood-Thinning Medications and Supplements

Stop taking any medications or supplements that may thin your blood—such as aspirin, ibuprofen, fish oil, vitamin E, or certain herbal remedies—at least 7-10 days before surgery, unless otherwise directed by your doctor.

3. Discontinue Nicotine Use

Nicotine greatly increases the risk of complications and poor healing. All nicotine products (including vaping and nicotine patches) should be stopped at least 4 to 6 weeks before and after surgery. This is essential for proper wound healing and minimizing the risk of infection.

4. Be in Good Overall Health

You should be in stable physical and emotional health before undergoing explant surgery. Any chronic medical conditions should be well-managed. If you’re feeling unwell or have active infections, your procedure may need to be delayed.

5. Get Updated Breast Imaging if Needed

If you are 40 years or older, you should have a current screening mammogram before surgery. If you have a strong family history of breast cancer, your primary physician may recommend earlier or more frequent imaging. Always share your medical and family history during your consultation so we can help coordinate appropriate pre-op evaluations.

Procedure

Breast implant removal is typically performed under general anesthesia in an accredited surgery center. The procedure takes approximately 1 to 3 1/2 hours, depending on the complexity and whether additional procedures are performed. You will return home on the same day as surgery. You’ll need a trusted adult to drive you and stay with you for the first 24 hours.

  • Discomfort: Mild to moderate discomfort, tightness, and swelling are normal in the first few days and can be well managed with prescribed pain medication and rest.
  • Dressings and Bra: You may have light dressings, surgical tape, and a supportive surgical bra. Drains are sometimes placed temporarily if a capsulectomy is performed.
  • Bruising and Swelling: These are expected and will gradually improve over the first few weeks.

Cost of Breast Implant Removal in Pasadena and Los Angeles

Breast Implant Removal Dr. Caroline Min

The cost of breast implant removal will depend on your personalized treatment plan and whether you undergo additional procedures. During your consultation, Dr. Min will provide you with an all-inclusive price quote.

Contact our office using our online form or call/text (626) 737-9001 to learn more about your breast implant removal options.

FAQ

How do I know if I need my breast implants removed?

You may consider breast implant removal if you are experiencing symptoms from your implants, or simply no longer want implants. Deciding to remove your implants is a very personal choice and you should have a thorough discussion with Dr. Min to determine what’s best for you. Many factors will be discussed during your consultation so you can make an informed decision. What will my breasts look like after explant surgery? This is a very common concern when considering explantation surgery. The appearance of your breasts after explantation surgery depends on many factors like skin elasticity, implant size, how much breast tissue there is, and how long you’ve had implants. Some women experience volume loss, sagging, or loose skin. Options like a breast lift (mastopexy) or fat transfer can help restore a natural, youthful shape.

Will I have noticeable scars after breast implant removal?

The incisions you receive will depend on your personalized treatment plan. Incisions for breast implant removal are usually made at the site of your previous scars. If you have incisions at the inferior areola, Dr. Min may sometimes recommend a different location for optimal healing. Dr. Min will make small incisions in inconspicuous locations to hide any potential scarring.

Will insurance cover my breast implant removal?

In most cases, breast implant removal is considered a cosmetic procedure and is not covered by insurance. However, if you have ruptured silicone implants or severe capsular contracture, some coverage may apply.

How long is recovery after explant surgery?

Most patients return to light activity within 1–2 weeks, with full recovery over 4–6 weeks. Swelling and breast shape changes are normal during this time. Dr. Min and her team provide detailed aftercare and ongoing support to guide you through every stage of healing.

Can I get a breast lift or fat transfer at the same time?

Yes. Many women choose to combine breast explantation with a breast lift and/or fat grafting to improve shape, symmetry, and volume. These procedures can be done safely during the same surgery and are customized to fit your body and aesthetic preferences.

Will breast implant removal help with breast implant illness?

Breast implant illness (BII) is a term used by some women who experience a variety of unexplained symptoms—such as fatigue, joint pain, anxiety, brain fog, and skin rashes—after getting breast implants. Some women report improvement in symptoms after explant surgery but others may experience no change. Dr. Min takes your concerns seriously and will discuss your symptoms and treatment options with care and compassion.

What is en bloc capsulectomy, and do I need it?

En bloc capsulectomy involves removing the breast implant and surrounding scar capsule in one piece. This is often requested by patients experiencing BII. There is no evidence to suggest that en bloc capsulectomy is necessary or beneficial in the vast majority of patients.

References

  1. American Society of Plastic Surgeons ® Endorsed Partner. https://www.plasticsurgery.org/documents/news/statistics/2023/plastic-surgery-statistics-report-2023.pdf
  2. Wan D, Rohrich RJ. Making Sense of Implant “Profile” in Breast Augmentation. Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery – Global Open. 2017;5(5):e1343. doi:https://doi.org/10.1097/gox.0000000000001343
  3. Pelc Z, Skórzewska M, Kurylcio A, et al. Current Challenges in Breast Implantation. Medicina. 2021;57(11):1214. doi:https://doi.org/10.3390/medicina57111214