Breast implant removal—also known as explant surgery—is a highly individualized procedure designed for women who are ready to return to their natural breast shape or revise previous augmentation results. Whether your goals are aesthetic, lifestyle-driven, or related to long-term implant concerns, our surgeons take a thoughtful, patient-first approach to ensure your outcome aligns with how you want to look and feel.
Every patient’s reason is personal. During your consultation, we focus on understanding your goals and building a surgical plan that prioritizes both safety and natural-looking results.
Breast implant removal is a surgical procedure that removes previously placed breast implants. Depending on your anatomy and goals, the procedure may also include reshaping the breast tissue or removing surrounding scar tissue (a capsulectomy, or “en bloc” capsulectomy)..
Some patients choose to simply remove their implants, while others combine removal with a breast lift (mastopexy) to restore a more youthful contour. The approach is fully customized based on skin elasticity, breast volume, and desired outcome.
For many women, removing implants alone may result in loose or deflated skin—especially if implants have been in place for several years. In these cases, combining implant removal with a breast lift can help reshape and reposition the natural breast tissue for a more balanced, natural appearance.
Your surgeon will guide you through whether a lift is recommended based on your anatomy and aesthetic goals. The goal is always to create a result that feels proportionate, natural, and aligned with your body.
Breast implant removal can significantly change the size, shape, and position of your breasts. Final results depend on several factors, including your skin quality, original breast tissue, implant size, and how long implants have been in place.
While many patients are happy returning to a more natural look, it’s important to understand that the breasts may not look exactly as they did prior to augmentation. Our team will walk you through expected outcomes so you can make a confident, informed decision.
WHEN SHOULD I CONSIDER IMPLANT REMOVAL?
Patients choose breast implant removal for a wide range of personal reasons, including:
Your procedure is tailored specifically to your anatomy and surgical goals. Depending on your needs, your surgeon may recommend:
Surgery is typically performed on an outpatient basis. Our team prioritizes meticulous technique and individualized care to ensure optimal healing and results.
Recovery is generally well-tolerated, with most patients returning to light activity within a few days. Swelling, soreness, and tightness are expected initially and will gradually improve over the following weeks.
Final results continue to evolve as your body heals and the breast tissue settles into its new shape. If a lift is performed, results will continue to refine over several months.
Our team provides detailed post-operative instructions and ongoing support to ensure a smooth recovery process.
At North Beach Plastic Surgery, we understand that choosing to remove your implants is a deeply personal decision. Our surgeons are known for their thoughtful, individualized approach and commitment to natural-looking outcomes.
During your consultation, we’ll take the time to understand your goals, answer your questions, and guide you through your options with clarity and care.
If you’re considering breast implant removal in Virginia Beach, we’re here to help you move forward with confidence.
After the breast implant removal procedure, patients will typically see results immediately, but the final results may take several weeks or even months to fully develop. The recovery time can vary depending on the extent of the procedure and the individual’s overall health, but patients can typically return to work and normal activities within a week.
North Beach Plastic Surgery proudly serves Virginia Beach and Chesapeake with advanced surgical care in a supportive, patient-first environment. Whether you’re exploring implant removal, revision, or other breast procedures, our team is here to guide you every step of the way.
This depends on your skin elasticity, implant size, and how long you’ve had implants. Some patients benefit from adding a breast lift to improve shape and positioning.
Breast implants are not lifetime devices, but they don’t require automatic replacement. Many patients choose removal or exchange based on personal preference or changes over time.
A capsulectomy involves removing the scar tissue (capsule) that naturally forms around an implant. Your surgeon will determine if this is necessary based on your individual case.
The amount of scarring that occurs after Breast Implant Removal can vary depending on several factors, including the size of the implant, the technique used to remove it, if a breast lift is desired, and the individual’s healing process.
Most patients resume normal daily activities within a few days, with full healing progressing over several weeks. Your exact recovery timeline will depend on your surgical plan.
Breast implant removal is generally not recommended while pregnant or breastfeeding, as the procedure could potentially affect the health of the mother and baby. It is typically recommended that women wait until after they have finished breastfeeding and their breasts have stopped changing before undergoing Breast Implant Removal surgery.
Breast surgery, including breast implant removal, has the potential to affect nipple sensitivity depending on where the incision will be placed and if a breast lift will be done. Some women may experience an increase in nipple sensitivity, while others may experience a decrease or complete loss of sensation. However, these changes are generally temporary and usually improve over time as the body heals.
The cost of breast implant removal surgery can vary depending on the complexity of the procedure and other factors.