Breast implant removal—also known as breast explant surgery—is becoming increasingly common as women choose smaller breasts, prefer a natural look, or experience implant-related concerns. If you’re planning breast implant removal in Mulund or Mumbai, it’s important to understand how your breasts may look afterward and what options are available to restore shape and firmness.
This guide explains what happens to the breasts after explant surgery, what changes to expect, and how a skilled plastic surgeon in Mumbai can help with post-explant restoration.
Why Do Women Choose Breast Implant Removal?
Women may opt for breast explant surgery due to:
Aging and natural breast changes
Desire for a smaller or more natural breast size
Capsular contracture
Implant rupture or leakage
Discomfort or heaviness
Lifestyle changes
Cosmetic preference
Understanding your goals helps the surgeon plan the right post-explant approach.
What Happens to the Breasts After Implant Removal?
1. Loss of Implant Volume
Once implants are removed, the breasts naturally lose the volume added by the implant. The extent depends on:
Size of the implant
Skin elasticity
Age
Breast tissue quality
Women with larger implants may see a more noticeable reduction.
2. Possible Sagging or Drooping
Sagging after implant removal is common, especially if:
Skin is stretched
Implants were large
Breasts had pre-existing ptosis (drooping)
This is why many patients choose a breast lift during the same surgery.
3. Deflated or Empty-Looking Upper Pole
The upper part of the breast may appear:
Flatter
Less round
Less projected
This is due to the absence of the implant’s volume.
4. Skin Redundancy or Loose Skin
Stretched skin may not retract fully once implants are removed, depending on:
Age
Genetics
Skin quality
Younger women tend to have better natural rebound.
5. Change in Breast Shape
Breasts may look:
Softer
More natural
Slightly different from their pre-implant shape
Over the next months, tissue typically settles into a more stable contour.
Explant Surgery Options to Improve Appearance
1. Breast Lift (Mastopexy)
Many women choose a breast lift after implant removal to:
Tighten loose skin
Lift the nipple-areola complex
Improve shape and firmness
A lift creates a youthful contour without implants.
2. Auto-Augmentation Lift
This advanced technique uses your own lower breast tissue to create natural fullness in the upper pole.
Benefits include:
No implants
Better projection
Improved cleavage
Natural look and feel
Ideal for women wanting volume without synthetic implants.
3. Fat Grafting / Fat Transfer
Fat from the abdomen or thighs is purified and injected into the breasts to restore:
Mild to moderate fullness
Better contour
Soft, natural shape
Fat grafting can be done alone or combined with a lift.
4. Full Explant With En Bloc or Total Capsulectomy
Recommended when implants or capsules need complete removal due to:
Rupture
Capsular contracture
Implant-related symptoms
A breast explant specialist in Mumbai can guide you based on your condition.
Recovery After Breast Implant Removal
Recovery is usually smooth, with:
Mild swelling for 2–3 weeks
Final shape visible in 3–6 months
Supportive bra recommended
Light activities after 1 week
Complete healing in 4–6 weeks
Will my breasts sag after implant removal?
Sagging depends on implant size, skin quality, and natural breast tissue. Many women experience some degree of drooping, which can be corrected with a breast lift if desired.
Can I have a lift after removing implants?
Yes. A breast lift can be performed during the same explant surgery or as a separate procedure. It tightens skin, lifts the breast, and improves contour for a more youthful appearance.