Explant surgery near me: Your 2025 Relief
Why More Women Are Choosing Explant Surgery
Finding the right explant surgery near me provider is a deeply personal decision. Whether you’re facing complications like capsular contracture, dealing with breast implant illness, or simply want your natural body back, choosing an experienced surgeon is crucial.
Top considerations when searching for explant surgery providers:
- Board certification by the American Board of Plastic Surgery
- Specialized experience in breast implant removal
- Hospital privileges and accredited surgical facilities
- Positive patient reviews and before/after galleries
- A consultation that addresses your specific concerns
- Transparent pricing and insurance information
The decision to remove breast implants is increasingly common, with around 219,000 women undergoing this surgery in 2021. As one patient shared: “I feel 100 times better almost 5 weeks post explant… This surgery truly saved my life.”
Common reasons women choose explant surgery include:
- Breast Implant Illness (BII) symptoms
- Capsular contracture (pain and distortion)
- Implant rupture or leaking
- Desire for a more natural look
- Lifestyle changes or aging
I’m Dr. Mark Anton, and with over 33 years in breast surgery, I’ve guided countless women in Newport Beach, CA, through their explant journeys. My specialization in breast revision surgery means I understand the unique challenges of finding explant surgery near me and can help you achieve the best possible outcome.
Key terms for explant surgery near me:
Understanding Explant Surgery: The What and Why
Explant surgery, or explantation, is the surgical removal of breast implants. For many women, it’s a journey back to feeling comfortable in their own skin. While breast augmentation is popular, more women are choosing removal for medical reasons or simply to return to their natural appearance. Your reasons are valid, and you are not alone.
Medical reasons often drive this decision. Breast Implant Illness Symptoms like chronic fatigue, brain fog, and joint pain affect thousands of women, with many finding relief after explant surgery, especially when the surrounding capsule is also removed.
Capsular Contracture, the most common reason for removal, occurs when scar tissue around the implant hardens, causing pain and distortion. Removal often brings instant pain relief.
Implant complications can also develop. Implants aren’t permanent; silicone implants can rupture silently, while saline implants deflate noticeably. Implants can also shift from their original position, creating an unnatural look. A rare but serious concern is BIA-ALCL (Breast Implant-Associated Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma), a lymphoma linked to certain textured implants that requires complete implant and capsule removal.
Personal choice is an equally valid reason. Aesthetic goals change with age, pregnancy, or evolving preferences. It’s perfectly normal to want to return to your natural breast size and shape.
Who is a Good Candidate for Explant Surgery?
You are likely a good candidate for explant surgery if you are in good physical health, at a stable weight, and have realistic expectations. We’ll discuss what to expect during your consultation so you can make an informed decision. It’s also best if you are a non-smoker (or can quit before and after surgery) to ensure proper healing. Whether you’re experiencing complications or are simply dissatisfied with your current appearance, this is a deeply personal decision. We are here to support you in choosing what feels right for your body and well-being.
The Explant Procedure: Techniques and Combined Options
When searching for explant surgery near me, it’s key to know that your surgeon will tailor the technique to your specific needs and goals. The procedure typically takes 1.5 to 3 hours under general anesthesia, though this can be longer if combined with other procedures like a breast lift.
The primary goal is to safely remove your implants, but a key decision involves the scar tissue capsule your body forms around them.
- Explantation alone removes just the implant. This may be suitable if your capsule is thin and you have no symptoms of BII or capsular contracture.
- A total capsulectomy removes the entire capsule, but in pieces after the implant is out. This is often done when the capsule is stuck to the chest wall.
- En bloc removal is the “gold standard,” where the implant and its entire capsule are removed as one intact unit. This is crucial for patients with BII symptoms or a suspected silicone rupture, as it prevents leakage.
Image: This illustration visually differentiates between en bloc capsulectomy, where the implant and capsule are removed as one intact unit, and total capsulectomy, where the implant is removed first, followed by the capsule. Explantation alone simply shows the implant being removed.
We always aim for en bloc removal, but safety is paramount. Sometimes the capsule is too attached to surrounding tissue to be removed in one piece. In these cases, we carefully remove as much of the capsule as possible. For patients with painful capsular contracture, removing the constricting capsule is essential for relief. We specialize in Breast Revision Surgery: Capsular Contracture and will tailor our approach to you.
Can Explant Surgery Be Combined with Other Procedures?
Yes, many women combine their explant with other procedures. This is efficient, as it addresses multiple concerns in one surgery and recovery period.
A breast lift (mastopexy) is the most common addition. Implants can stretch the skin, and a lift reshapes and lifts the breasts by removing excess skin for a more youthful contour. See examples in our Gallery: Breast Revision Implant Exchange with Lift.
Fat grafting is another excellent option for restoring natural volume. We use liposuction to take fat from another area of your body and carefully inject it into your breasts. This provides natural fullness and can be done alone or with a breast lift. Some women also choose Implant Replacement with new implants. We’ll discuss all these options to create a plan that matches your goals.
How to Choose a Qualified Surgeon for Explant Surgery Near Me
Finding the right surgeon for your explant surgery near me journey is a critical decision. You are trusting someone with your body and peace of mind, so knowing what to look for is essential.
First, verify board certification by the American Board of Plastic Surgery. This is your assurance that the surgeon has met the highest standards for safety and expertise. You can easily verify a surgeon’s credentials online.
Specialization in breast revision surgery is also crucial. A surgeon who regularly performs explants understands the unique challenges, from capsular contracture to BII symptoms. Ask how many explant procedures they perform annually. Decades of experience with techniques like en bloc capsulectomy lead to refined skills and better outcomes.
Review before-and-after photos to see the surgeon’s aesthetic style and consistency. Also, read patient reviews and testimonials for insight into the entire patient experience, from communication to care.
At OC Breast Surgery in Newport Beach, Dr. Mark Anton has over 33 years of experience focused on breast surgery. Our practice specializes in correcting complications from previous surgeries, giving us a deep understanding of explant procedures. We’ve helped countless women find relief and return to their natural bodies.
What to Expect During Your Consultation
Your consultation should be a comfortable, pressure-free conversation. It’s your chance to share your story and get all your questions answered.
We will begin by reviewing your medical history, including details about your implants and any symptoms. We’ll then discuss your goals and concerns in detail, whether they are medical or aesthetic. A physical examination will help us assess your breast tissue, skin quality, and implant condition, which is essential for planning the best surgical approach.
We will explain all your options, from simple explantation to en bloc capsulectomy, and discuss if combined procedures like a breast lift or fat grafting could help you achieve your ideal outcome. We encourage you to ask every question you have. Finally, we’ll create a personalized surgical plan that outlines our recommendations and what to expect. We want you to feel completely informed and confident in your decision.
For those seeking Newport Beach Breast Implant Removal, our consultations are thorough, compassionate, and focused on your individual needs.
Recovery, Results, and Reality: What to Expect Post-Surgery
The journey after your explant surgery near me is often more straightforward than expected. Recovery is generally easier than the initial augmentation because we are not typically working with chest muscles, meaning less discomfort.
Image: This image shows typical post-explant scarring at different stages of healing, emphasizing how scars fade over time and their common placement within the breast crease.
Your recovery unfolds in stages. You’ll go home the same day with a trusted driver. Expect some swelling, bruising, and manageable discomfort for the first few days. Most patients return to light work within a week. You may have temporary surgical drains to help you heal faster. We ask you to avoid heavy lifting (over 10 pounds) and intense exercise for about four weeks, during which a supportive surgical bra is essential. By six to eight weeks, you are typically cleared for all activities. You can learn more on our Breast Revision Surgery Recovery Time page.
All surgery has potential risks, though they are low with explant procedures. These include unfavorable scarring, bleeding, infection, changes in nipple sensation, or asymmetry. The side effects are well-documented, and we take every precaution to minimize them.
Scarring is inevitable but manageable. We typically use your original incision sites to avoid new scars. They will fade significantly over the first year with proper scar care.
Your post-explant breast appearance deserves an honest conversation. Your breasts will be smaller. If large implants stretched your skin, you might notice sagging, a “deflated” look, volume loss, and shape changes. This reality is why we often recommend combining explant with a breast lift or fat grafting to address loose skin and restore natural volume, helping you achieve a result you feel confident about.
Understanding the Cost of Explant Surgery Near Me
Understanding the costs of explant surgery near me helps you plan. The investment typically ranges from $13,900 to $21,900, varying with your specific surgical plan.
Several factors influence the final cost: the surgeon’s fee, anesthesia, facility fees, and whether you combine procedures like a breast lift or fat grafting. We believe in transparent pricing and will provide a clear quote after your consultation.
Insurance coverage is sometimes possible. While most insurers consider explant surgery cosmetic, they may help cover costs if it’s medically necessary due to ruptured implants, severe capsular contracture, infection, or a BIA-ALCL diagnosis. We provide all necessary documentation for you to submit a claim for reimbursement. For more details, visit our Average Cost of Breast Revision Surgery page.
Frequently Asked Questions about Explant Surgery
When considering explant surgery near me, it’s natural to have questions. With over 33 years of experience, we’ve compiled answers to the most common ones we hear.
How painful is breast implant removal?
You won’t feel anything during surgery thanks to general anesthesia. Afterward, most patients describe the discomfort as a manageable dull ache, not sharp pain. We provide prescription medication to keep you comfortable. Encouragingly, many women find explant recovery less painful than their original augmentation because the chest muscle is often not involved.
What will my breasts look like after implant removal?
This is an important and honest conversation. Your breasts will return to their natural, pre-implant size, but their final appearance depends on several factors: your original breast tissue, the size of your implants, and your skin’s elasticity. Larger implants in place for years can stretch the skin, and age or pregnancies can reduce skin recoil. Many women initially see their breasts as “deflated” or “saggy.”
While some natural skin contraction occurs over months, it may not be enough to create the firm look you desire. This is why we often recommend a breast lift to remove excess skin and reshape the breasts, or fat grafting to restore some natural volume. We encourage you to browse our Gallery: Breast Implant Removal Patient Gallery to see real patient outcomes and understand what’s possible.
Image: This image visually represents the changes in breast appearance after explant surgery, showing various outcomes from natural recoil to the need for a lift, emphasizing the importance of realistic expectations and potential combined procedures.
How do I prepare for my surgery?
Proper preparation is key to a smooth experience. We provide detailed instructions, but general steps include:
- Obtaining medical clearance from your primary physician.
- Quitting smoking at least two weeks before and after surgery to ensure proper healing.
- Avoiding certain medications and supplements like aspirin or ibuprofen that can increase bleeding risk.
- Arranging for help at home, including a driver for surgery day and support for the first few days.
- Setting up a comfortable recovery space with essentials like medication, water, and entertainment within easy reach.
- Fasting as instructed the night before surgery.
Following these steps helps ensure your safety and sets you up for a successful recovery.
Conclusion: Taking the Next Step in Your Explant Journey
The decision to remove your breast implants is an empowering choice that aligns with your current health needs and aesthetic goals. Whether you’re dealing with complications, BII symptoms, or are simply ready to accept your natural body, this journey is yours.
Throughout this guide, we’ve covered the key aspects of finding explant surgery near me. You’re not alone in this decision—over 219,000 women chose this path in 2021 alone.
Choosing a qualified surgeon is the most important step. It’s not just about removing implants; it’s about expert capsule removal and achieving the best possible aesthetic outcome. Dr. Mark Anton’s 33+ years of specialized experience in breast revision surgery ensures you receive the highest level of care.
Your consultation with us will be thorough and unhurried. We will listen to your concerns and create a surgical plan that reflects your individual needs. This is about your body and your choice.
If you’re ready to explore your options with a team that truly understands explant surgery, we’re here to help. Our Newport Beach practice has guided countless women through this transformative journey.
Schedule your consultation for breast implant removal today, and let’s discuss how we can help you feel comfortable and confident in your body again.