Are new implants placed?
Not in a straightforward explant with lift.
Implant exchange is a different procedure. A lift reshapes your own tissue but does not replace the volume removed with the implants.
Breast & Chest
Explant with Breast Lift
Explant with breast lift removes breast implants and reshapes the remaining breast tissue and skin to address sagging and nipple position.
Can both procedures happen together?
Sometimes, depending on your tissue and surgical needs.
Your surgeon may recommend one operation or separate stages when healing, blood supply, or the expected breast shape is a concern.
Is the capsule always removed?
No. Capsule treatment is a separate decision.
The scar tissue surrounding an implant may be left in place, partly removed, or fully removed depending on the findings and medical reason.
01 · Overview
Removing implants while reshaping your breasts
Explant surgery removes breast implants. A breast lift, also called mastopexy, removes excess skin and reshapes the breast, often raising the nipple and areola. Combining them addresses both the implants and the skin left behind. [1]
Your breasts will usually have less volume after implant removal. How they look afterward depends on your natural tissue, skin stretch, implant size, and previous surgery. A lift can improve the breast position, but it cannot guarantee upper-breast fullness or symmetry. [2]
The plan also includes deciding what to do with the capsule around each implant. Implant removal, capsule removal, and breast lifting are distinct parts of care. Your surgeon should explain why each part is or is not recommended for you. [1]
- Procedure
- Implant removal plus breast reshaping
- Anesthesia
- Often general anesthesia
- Scars
- Depend on the lift pattern and removal approach
- Healing
- Early recovery takes weeks; shape and scars settle over months
How is this different from a breast reduction?
A lift mainly removes extra skin and rearranges breast tissue. A reduction deliberately removes breast tissue to reduce size. Implant removal itself reduces volume; additional tissue removal may be discussed if you also want a reduction.
What does “en bloc” removal mean?
En bloc removal is an oncologic operation that removes the implant and capsule with a margin of surrounding tissue when indicated for suspected or confirmed implant-associated cancer. It is not routinely necessary for elective implant removal and is not the same as simply removing an intact capsule.
02 · Concerns & Goals
What you may want to address
You may want to stop having implants, feel more comfortable with your breast size, or address stretched skin. Your remaining tissue helps determine what a lift can achieve.
No longer wanting implants
Your preferences may have changed, or you may want to avoid future implant-related procedures. Removal does not guarantee that you will never need another breast operation.
Loose or stretched skin
Skin may not fully tighten after the implant is removed. A lift addresses extra skin, with permanent scars as a tradeoff.
Sagging or low nipples
A lift can reposition the nipple and reshape the breast mound. Safe movement depends on the tissue's blood supply and previous incisions.
Discomfort or implant changes
Firmness, pain, a change in shape, or concern about rupture deserves evaluation. New swelling or a lump should be assessed before routine cosmetic planning.
03 · Options
How the approaches differ
Your surgeon may discuss these approaches after examining your breasts and reviewing your implant history. Not every option is suitable for every patient.
One-stage explant and lift
Remove the implants and lift the breasts during one operation.
How it worksThe surgeon removes the implants, manages the capsules as needed, and reshapes the skin and breast tissue.
May suitMay suit patients whose tissue and blood supply allow a combined operation.
Main tradeoffCombining procedures can make shape planning more complex, and revision may still be needed.
Staged removal and lift
Remove the implants first and consider a lift after healing.
How it worksThe breast tissue is allowed to settle before the amount of lifting and skin removal is finalized.
May suitMay suit patients with uncertain tissue behavior, complex capsule surgery, or concerns about healing.
Main tradeoffThere is an interval with an unfinished shape and potentially a second operation and recovery.
Limited-scar lift with explant
Use a smaller lift pattern when only modest correction is needed.
How it worksAn incision around the areola may address limited excess skin and nipple-position changes.
May suitMay suit selected patients with mild sagging and relatively little stretched skin.
Main tradeoffCorrection is limited; areolar widening or a flatter contour can occur.
Vertical or anchor-pattern lift with explant
Use a more extensive lift pattern for greater skin excess.
How it worksIncisions go around the areola and down the breast, sometimes extending along the breast crease.
May suitMay suit patients needing more substantial reshaping after implant removal.
Main tradeoffLonger permanent scars are needed, and healing problems can occur where incisions meet.
The lift pattern and timing are separate decisions from capsule treatment. Ask how existing scars, implant position, and remaining breast tissue affect your plan. [1] [2].
Can my own tissue provide fullness?
A surgeon may rearrange existing breast tissue to support the shape. This redistributes tissue rather than adding volume, so it cannot recreate every implant-related contour.
Can fat transfer be added?
Fat transfer may be an option for selected patients who want some additional volume without another implant. It requires liposuction, some transferred fat will not survive, and further sessions or evaluation of new breast lumps may be needed.
04 · Results
What may improve and what may remain
Size and fullness
Expect less implant-related volume.
- Your natural breast tissue determines much of the remaining size.
- A lift changes position and shape rather than replacing implant volume.
- A particular cup size or amount of upper-breast fullness cannot be promised.
Shape and symmetry
Reshaping can address sagging, but differences may remain.
- Existing differences between breasts may remain noticeable.
- Early swelling can temporarily distort the shape.
- Some patients consider revision after healing.
Scars and lasting changes
Scars are permanent, and breasts continue to change.
- Scars often soften and fade over time but do not disappear.
- Pregnancy, weight changes, and aging can alter the result.
- Nipple sensation and breastfeeding ability may change.
Final shape takes time to emerge as swelling decreases and the tissues settle. Your surgeon can explain the limits of reshaping based on your examination. [2]
05 · Recovery
Planning your recovery
Recovery at a glance
- Stay after surgery
- Determined by Your Surgeon
- Initial recovery at home
- Varies by Individual
- Return to desk work
- Varies by Procedure and Work Activity
- Light daily activities
- Based on Individual Recovery
- Strenuous exercise
- Based on Surgeon Clearance
Returning to work does not mean fully healed. Follow your surgeon’s instructions; strenuous activity requires clearance.
Recovery depends on the lift, capsule work, and your health. Use your surgical team's personalized instructions; an early return to work does not mean complete healing.
Step 1 · Day of surgery
Treatment day
After anesthesia, the team monitors your comfort and recovery. You may have dressings, a support garment, or drains. If you go home that day, arrange a responsible adult to drive you and stay as directed.
Step 2 · First several days
Early recovery
Soreness, swelling, bruising, and tightness are common. Follow the team's plan for medication, movement, incision care, and any drains.
Step 3 · Following weeks
Gradual return to routine
Your team will review healing and guide your return to work, lifting, and exercise. Open areas or more extensive surgery may extend restrictions.
Step 4 · Following months
Settling and scar care
The breast shape continues to settle and scars mature. Ask when scar treatments are appropriate and when the result can be meaningfully assessed.
Planning everyday activities
ActivityGeneral planning contextWhat affects the plan
Desk workPlanning context: Some patients can return within about one to two weeks.What affects it: Pain, fatigue, drains, commuting, and the extent of surgery can require more time.
DrivingPlanning context: Resume only when cleared and able to control the vehicle safely.What affects it: Sedating medicines, limited arm movement, and discomfort with a seat belt can make driving unsafe.
Lifting and exercisePlanning context: Restrictions commonly continue for several weeks. [2]What affects it: Chest strain can affect incisions and healing; your team should set activity-specific limits.
Showering and swimmingPlanning context: Showering and soaking have different clearance requirements.What affects it: Dressings, drains, and incision closure determine when each is appropriate.
These are planning guides, not personal clearance. Ask your team about your job duties, childcare, exercise, and travel.
Before your procedure
- Bring implant records and details of previous breast surgery if available.
- Discuss any pain, swelling, lumps, or recent changes in breast shape.
- Review medicines, supplements, allergies, and prior anesthesia problems; change medicines only as instructed.
- Discuss smoking, vaping, and nicotine use and the team's requirements for stopping.
- Complete any recommended breast imaging, testing, or specialist evaluation.
- Arrange transportation, help at home, and time away from demanding work or caregiving.
Will I need drains or a special bra?
Possibly. Capsule surgery and the space left after removal can influence drain use. Your team will explain any garment requirements, drain care, and removal timing.
What should I use for swelling?
Follow your team's swelling-management plan rather than applying treatments on your own. Ask your surgical team whether compresses are appropriate and exactly how to use them.
06 · Safety
Risks and what your clinician assesses
Temporary soreness, swelling, bruising, tightness, and altered nipple or skin sensation can occur. Symptoms should generally improve; worsening or one-sided changes deserve prompt advice.
Bleeding or fluid collection
Blood or fluid can collect in the breast and may require drainage or another operation.
Infection or delayed healing
Infection, wound separation, or slow healing may need additional care and can affect scars.
Reduced tissue blood supply
Skin, fat, or nipple tissue can be damaged or lost. Previous surgery and nicotine use can increase healing concerns.
Sensation and breastfeeding changes
Nipple or breast sensation may change temporarily or permanently. Breastfeeding may be more difficult or not possible.
Scars or unwanted shape
Visible scars, contour irregularities, remaining sagging, or asymmetry may occur. Further surgery may be considered.
Anesthesia and deeper surgical complications
Anesthesia reactions, blood clots, and heart or lung complications are possible. Extensive capsule removal can also risk injury to nearby chest structures.
Discuss these risks and your individual health history with your surgeon. [3]
What your clinician assesses
- Your goals, expected remaining volume, skin quality, and nipple position
- Implant type, placement, possible rupture, capsule changes, and prior incisions
- Breast symptoms, imaging needs, and personal or family breast health history
- General health, nicotine use, medications, clotting risks, and ability to manage recovery
07 · Costs
What makes up the Total Procedure & Care Cost
Compare written estimates for the same planned scope: implant removal, capsule treatment, lift technique, and whether care is combined or staged.
Surgeon
Surgical care
Surgeon fees for the planned removal, capsule work, and lift.
Ask your surgeonAsk whether tissue testing, additional procedures, or later revision would be separate.
Facility
Anesthesia and facility
Anesthesia services and use of the operating and recovery facilities.
Ask your surgeonAsk who bills these services and how a staged plan or longer procedure affects charges.
Supplies
Supplies and follow-up
Items such as garments, dressings, medications, and postoperative visits.
Ask your surgeonConfirm what is included and how unexpected visits or treatment of complications are handled.
TRC
Patient Services
Any separately billed scheduling or care-coordination services.
Ask TRCAsk whether these services carry a charge and what that charge includes.
Your written estimate should explain the services included, any separate charges, and payment terms.
08 · Questions
Common questions
Will removal improve symptoms I associate with my implants?
Some people report improvement after removal, but improvement is not guaranteed. Symptoms such as fatigue or joint pain can have other causes, so evaluation should not stop with the implants.
Will insurance cover the lift?
Coverage depends on your policy and the medical reason for care. Implant removal or related treatment may be considered separately from a cosmetic lift. Ask your insurer about prior authorization and exclusions.
Can I still have breast screening?
Yes. Continue screening based on your age and individual risk. Tell the imaging team about implant removal, lifting, and any fat transfer, and ask whether updated imaging is recommended.
Should I wait until after pregnancy?
Pregnancy and breastfeeding can change breast volume and stretch the skin again. If pregnancy is planned soon, discuss timing and breastfeeding goals with your surgeon.
0 consultation questions in your plan
View in My TRC workspaceMy Aesthetic Plan
Prepare for your consultation
Bring these to help your consultation:
- Confirm the implant, capsule, and lift plan in writing.
- Arrange recovery support and obtain personalized care instructions.
- Review the written estimate and know whom to contact with concerns.
View My Aesthetic Plan
Choices stay in this visit until saving to your account completes. Nothing is sent to a clinician.
Sources
- [1]American Society of Plastic Surgeons: Breast Implant RemovalImplant removal, possible capsule treatment, variable breast appearance after removal, and consideration of a breast lift.
- [2]Mayo Clinic: Breast liftLift techniques and incisions, limits on changing breast volume, recovery restrictions, lasting scars, and effects of pregnancy and aging.
- [3]American Society of Plastic Surgeons: Breast Implant Removal Risks and SafetyBleeding, infection, fluid collection, healing and sensation changes, tissue loss, asymmetry, anesthesia and cardiopulmonary risks, and urgent evaluation of chest pain or shortness of breath.
Photographs are illustrative scenes, not patients, staff, facilities or outcomes. This information does not replace a personal assessment by your treating clinician.