While breast augmentation with implants can offer stunning results for decades, it’s natural for patients to reassess their options years after their initial surgery. Changes in lifestyle, health, or aesthetic preferences may lead women to consider either replacing/exchanging their implants through a breast revision procedure or removing them altogether. Understanding the differences between breast implant removal and breast revision — and knowing which procedure aligns best with your goals — is essential to making an informed decision about your health and confidence. Dr. Neal Goldberg, a highly experienced and board-certified NYC plastic surgeon, breaks down key factors to consider when determining the right breast surgery for each patient.
Reasons for Breast Implant Removal
Breast implant removal, also known as explant surgery, involves the removal of one or both breast implants — often along with the surrounding scar tissue (capsule). Many women pursue this option when they feel they no longer have a need for their implants, or if they are experiencing complications such as rippling, hardness, or pain.
Some patients choose breast implant removal as part of a broader return to a more natural aesthetic, while others may do so for medical reasons, including suspected immune reactions or discomfort from implant rupture. Depending on your anatomy and goals, a breast lift (mastopexy) can also be performed at the same time to restore your natural shape once implants are removed. While the breasts may appear relatively smaller and softer after explantation, many women find a renewed sense of comfort and authenticity in their natural contours.
Motivations Behind Breast Revision/Replacement
For those who still enjoy the benefits of enhanced volume but who are unhappy with the current state of their implants, breast revision surgery can provide a solution. This involves removing older implants and replacing/updating them with new ones, often of a different size, shape, or material.
Implant replacement is also an opportunity to take advantage of advancements in implant technology, such as more natural-feeling silicone or improved safety profiles. Many patients use this as a chance to correct issues like asymmetry, to reposition sagging implants, or to update their implants to match current preferences. Breast revision may be ideal for women who want to maintain their augmentation, but who want results that better suit their current lifestyle or aesthetic goals.
Key Factors to Consider
Making a decision about breast surgery is deeply personal and many women who opt for implant removal describe a sense of relief and reconnection with their natural selves, while others who replace their implants express renewed confidence and satisfaction with their refined results. There is no “right” answer — only the choice that best supports one’s health, comfort, and confidence. Several factors generally influence a patient’s decision:
- Aesthetic goals: Do you wish to maintain a fuller appearance, or are you ready to return to a natural breast contour?
- Health and comfort: Are you experiencing physical discomfort, or have you developed symptoms that might be related to your implants?
- Implant age and condition: Implants that are over a decade old may warrant replacement, even in the absence of issues and complications.
- Lifestyle changes: Fitness routines, weight changes, and aging may alter how implants complement your body over time.
Choosing between breast implant removal and replacement can be a meaningful step in a patient’s journey towards body confidence and a more positive well-being. By understanding the benefits, risks, and outcomes of each option, Dr. Goldberg encourages patients to make a decision that aligns with their unique values and preferences.
Whether your goals align more closely with revision techniques or outright implant removal, Dr. Goldberg is passionate about helping individuals gain a comprehensive understanding of their treatment options before making a thoughtful, well-informed decision. Don’t hesitate to contact Dr. Goldberg at our NYC-area office today if you have any questions or if you’d like to discuss your concerns with Dr. Goldberg personally.