Premier Breast Explant Surgery Destination
Find answers to common questions and see before-and-after photos of actual en bloc implant removal patients.
Newport Beach
400 Newport Center Drive, Suite 100
Newport Beach, CA 92660
(949) 760-0600
Mon–Fri: 8 a.m.–5 p.m.
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Temecula
31150 Temecula Pkwy, Suite 103
Temecula, CA 92592
(951) 414-3530
Mon–Fri: 8 a.m.–5 p.m. | Closed 12 p.m.–1 p.m.
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At United Plastic Surgery, Dr. John Larson and Dr. Phuong Pham perform breast implant removal (explant surgery) for Newport Beach and Temecula women who have decided to move on from their implants. Our board-certified plastic surgeons are breast enhancement specialists who provide extensive experience with this procedure, as well as attentive, highly personalized care.
Breast explant surgery is the surgical removal of breast implants and possibly the scar tissue around the implants. This procedure differs from revision breast surgery in that the surgeon does not replace the implants.
Breast implants are not meant to last a lifetime; they will need to be removed at some point. Many women choose to replace their implants in a procedure called elective implant exchange or revision breast surgery at some point after breast augmentation. Others prefer to continue life without implants for a variety of personal reasons, including:
Dr. Larson and Dr. Pham are experienced, highly trained board-certified plastic surgeons united in their dedication to superior patient care and surgical outcomes. They are committed to each patient from the initial consult to surgery to a personal phone call after surgery and beyond.
Our surgeons perform explant surgery using local anesthetic with sedation or general anesthetic, depending on the complexity of the surgery. Whenever possible, the surgeon places the incisions in the same place as the original breast augmentation procedure to avoid creating another scar.
Our surgeons perform explant surgery using any of the following techniques:
While the en bloc technique is desirable, there are times when the capsule is too hard or securely attached to the chest wall, and the surgeon may use another technique (for one or both breasts). After removing the implant and capsule, the surgeon irrigates the pocket thoroughly with an antibiotic solution. If the patient desires, the surgeon can reshape the breasts with a breast lift. The surgeon may place surgical drains to prevent fluid buildup within the breast and promote optimal healing.
Here are some photos of actual implants and capsules removed by our surgeons.
Dr. Pham removed the implant and capsule as one piece to contain implant materials from contaminating the breast tissue.
These photos show an en bloc implant removal for severe capsular contracture.
These photos show an en bloc implant removal with capsulectomy, with one side having severe contracture.
These photos show an en bloc implant removal for capsular contracture and BII.
If breast implants are not replaced, the breasts will initially look deflated and settle into their final shape within about 2 to 3 weeks. Because implants and gravity stretch the breast skin and tissues over time, the breasts typically do not look like they did before breast augmentation. A breast lift can help create more aesthetically pleasing results.
Experiences vary widely between patients because of the specifics and complexity of their explant surgery and whether they underwent breast lift. Some patients may have more scar tissue than others. For most explant procedures, recovery involves just a few days to a week of downtime. En bloc implant removal is typically more complex and often requires a longer recovery period. Patients may need to wear a surgical compression bra during their recovery.
Request a complimentary consultation using our online form or call to meet with Dr. John Larson in Newport Beach or call to meet with Dr. Phuong Pham in Temecula.