Explant with Lift Newport Beach and Beverly Hills, Michael Yoo

An explantation with lift is a cosmetic procedure performed to remove breast implants and lift the breast tissue and nipple-areola complex to improve the overall breast contour. When breast implants are removed and not replaced, the skin that has stretched over time can make the chest look deflated. When combined with a breast lift, surgeons remove excess skin and reposition the nipple to restore a natural and youthful breast shape.

Experienced board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Michael J. Yoo specializes in plastic and reconstructive surgery of the breasts. Dr. Yoo understands that each patient’s needs are different, and he will develop a customized treatment plan tailored specifically to you. For more information about combining removing your unwanted breast implants with a breast lift, contact the location nearest you:

(424) 209-9925 – Beverly Hills, CA

(949) 861-3340 – Newport Beach, CA

 Schedule your private consultation today to talk to Dr. Yoo about your surgical options.

Before and After Photos

Breast Explant with Lift Before & After Patient #2919
Breast Explant with Lift Before & After Patient #2919
Breast Explant with Lift Before & After Patient #3813
Breast Explant with Lift Before & After Patient #3813
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Why Do Patients Receive Explantation with Lift Surgery?

Explant surgery with lift, also known as implant removal with a breast lift or mastopexy, is a specialized procedure performed to address concerns related to breast implants. Over time, individuals may experience changes in their preferences or physical circumstances that lead them to consider removing their implants. Around 20% of breast implant patients develop complications or problems related to breast augmentation surgery, leading to explantation procedures. As the number of breast augmentation procedures increases each year, so does the potential for explantation. (1) 

Reasons for Implant Removal

There are many different reasons a patient may wish to remove their implants without replacement. A study of 522 explantation patients found that the longer a patient has implants, the likelihood of there being objective reasons for removal dramatically increases. (2)  Removing your implants without replacement is a personal choice that can be influenced by many factors.

  • Capsular contracture: A complication that occurs when the body develops excess scar tissue around the implant, causing aesthetic problems and pain for the patient.
  • Rippling: When the skin surrounding the breast implant noticeably wrinkles due to incorrect weight distribution in the implant.
  • Implant displacement: Shifting of the implant within the pocket, often causing asymmetry or breast shape concerns.
  • Hematoma: Pool of liquid or clotted blood in the breast mound.

Why Do Surgeons Recommend Combined Explantation and Breast Lift Procedures?

After an implant is removed, the patient is often left with an empty space near the upper pole of the breast that leads to deflation, excess skin, and less projection. To remedy this, Dr. Yoo performs a breast lift to address the skin, reshape and reposition the nipple-areola complex, and restore the breast shape after explantation. (1)

Benefits of Explantation with Lift Surgery

Explantation with lift procedures offer a range of benefits to patients who are considering removing their breast implants. Dr. Yoo’s approach focuses on:

  • Enhancing a natural appearance
  • Restoring breast shape and symmetry
  • Restoring a natural nipple position
  • Improving comfort and mobility
  • Removing potential health risks associated with implants

Aesthetic preferences change over time. If your opinion and breast size preference have changed in the time since you received breast implants, this two-in-one procedure protects you from future complications and improves your breast shape restoring your chest contour. Dr. Yoo takes into consideration every patient’s specific goals to provide a customized procedure plan catered to you. 

Follow our blog to learn more about breast surgery and other cosmetic procedures.

Ideal Candidates for Explantation with Lift Surgery

Good candidates are those with breast implants who are in overall good health with no underlying medical conditions that could affect the success of their treatment. You must have reasonable expectations and understand what the procedure can accomplish. If you smoke, we require that you refrain from tobacco and nicotine use before your surgery date, and during your recovery. 

Patients with good skin elasticity and smaller implants may be candidates for breast implant removal only.

Personal Consultation with Dr. Yoo

During your private consultation, Dr. Yoo, will ask you questions about your current implants, any related symptoms, and your medical history. Please be completely candid about your implant experience during this appointment so Dr. Yoo can provide the best care. He will provide expert advice on breast implant removal, taking into consideration factors such as the type and size of your implants, any complications or issues you may be experiencing, and your desired aesthetic outcome. He will perform a physical examination and discuss the various surgical techniques available, including explantation with lift, to help you understandyour options.

Preparation

Prior to you surgery, you will receive detailed preparatory instructions. It is crucial that you follow these diligently, as they are designed to optimize your safety and enhance your recovery. They may include guidelines for fasting, hygiene practices, and medication management.

We require that you ask a trusted friend or family member to transport you to and from your procedure, as you will not be able to drive yourself. Wear your most comfortable clothes to our surgery center, and pick up your prescriptions beforehand. 

Explant with Lift Procedure

Dr. Yoo will start the procedure process by carefully marking your breasts to determine his surgery plan. Once you are comfortably anesthetized, he will begin. During explanation, he makes his incisions near your previous scars when possible. After opening the breast and maneuvering to the pocket, Dr. Yoo gently removes the implant. He then begins the breast lift phase of the procedure. 

Depending on your circumstances, Dr. Yoo performs one of three breast lift techniques:

  • Periareolar (Donut Mastopexy): Incisions around the areola only, meant for minimal lifting purposes.
  • Lollipop (Vertical Mastopexy): Both areolar and vertical incisions that stretch toward the breast fold to allow for greater lift and skin resection.
  • Inverted T (Anchor Mastopexy): With the third incision along the breast fold, this incision pattern allows for maximum lift and skin removal for severe ptosis.

When the breast tissue is open, Dr. Yoo may perform a capsulectomy to remove the scar tissue capsule if one is present. After repairing any internal injury, he reshapes the breasts by removing excess skin and repositioning the nipple. The incisions are closed in layers starting in the deep fascia of the breast, ending with skin sutures with little tension for optimal healing. An explant and lift procedure typically takes 1 to 3 hours to complete. (1)

Recovery & Results

Dr. Yoo places a compression garment over your bandages. Keep this on at all times until instructed otherwise. Patients typically feel the most uncomfortable during the first 2 postoperative days, so make sure to take prescribed pain medication as directed. 

Following their surgery, patients should avoid strenuous activities for 4 to 6 weeks, but take regular short walks to encourage good circulation. Patients should take at least 1 to 2 weeks off of work, especially if their profession requires heavy or over-head lifting. Drinking plenty of liquids and maintaining a healthy diet will support a successful recovery.

After the procedure, your breasts will be firmer, smaller, and more lifted. It may take some time for them to settle into a more natural position. The healing process can last up to 6 weeks or longer, and you will start to notice your new breast shape as the swelling dissipates.

Corresponding Procedure: Fat Transfer 

Fat Transfer Breast Augmentation

Often referred to as a natural breast augmentation, Dr. Yoo performs many breast augmentations using fat transfer instead of implants. This surgery utilizes liposuction to extract fat from other areas of the body. The soft tissue is then cleaned and reinjected into the breasts to increase their size. Fat transfer is a viable option for those receiving explantation and lifts to fill out some of the space after removing breast implants. It also works twofold, allowing Dr. Yoo to contour and shape other areas of the body safely all within one surgery.

Cost of Explant with Lift in Beverly Hills

Dr. Yoo provides a price estimate during your initial consultation after assessing your unique situation. Schedule yours today by filling out our contact form or calling your local office at:

(424) 209-9925 – Beverly Hills, CA

(949) 861-3340 – Newport Beach, CA

FAQ

Can I undergo breast implant removal without a replacement?

Yes, breast implant removal can be performed without replacing the implants. This is known as breast explantation, and it is a common choice for patients who no longer wish to have breast implants or who are experiencing complications related to their implants. During the surgery, the implants are carefully removed, and the pocket where the implants were placed is closed. The breasts will naturally adjust in size and shape after the removal, and some patients may choose to undergo additional procedures, such as a breast lift or fat transfer, to enhance their natural breast appearance.

Does breast implant removal leave saggy breasts?

In some cases, the removal of breast implants may result in sagging or drooping breasts. This can occur when the skin and tissues have stretched or become thin due to the presence of implants. However, every patient is unique, and the degree of sagging will vary depending on factors such as age, skin elasticity, and the size and placement of the implants. In cases where significant sagging occurs, a breast lift procedure may be recommended to restore a more youthful and lifted appearance to the breasts.

References

  1. Townsend AN, Shah S, Bouz A, Nichols N, Lampert JA. Safely Shaping the Breast After Implant Removal and Total Intact Capsulectomy Using the Mammary Imbrication Lift and Fixation Technique. Aesthetic Surgery Journal Open Forum. 2023;5. doi:https://doi.org/10.1093/asjof/ojad037
  2. Zhang Z, Qi J, Zhang X, Wang J, Li Z, Xin M. What Can We Learn from Breast Implant Explantation: a 28-Year, Multicenter Retrospective Study of 1004 Explantation Cases. Aesthetic Plastic Surgery. 2023;47(5):1743-1750. doi:https://doi.org/10.1007/s00266-023-03365-4