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Breast implants, no matter how well chosen, eventually require replacement or removal. If you're experiencing pain, signs of Breast Implant Illness (BII), rupture, or simply desire a more natural contour, combining explant surgery with a breast lift (mastopexy) offers a balanced, youthful shape in a single procedure. Dr. Javad Sajan, a top Seattle plastic surgeon at Allure Esthetic, specializes in this efficient technique, giving the best results while protecting your health.
What Is Breast Implant Removal With Lift?
Breast implant removal (or explant surgery) involves taking out saline or silicone implants, along with the surrounding scar tissue (capsulectomy) if needed. A breast lift (mastopexy) then reshapes your natural breast tissue and repositions the nipple-areola complex for a lifted appearance. It helps:
- prevent the flattened or deflated look that can follow explant
- create a perky, youthful contour without new implants
- condense two recovery periods into one.
Why Combine the Two Procedures?
Many patients opt to combine implant removal (explant) with a breast lift (mastopexy) for both medical and personal reasons. Whether driven by health, lifestyle changes, or aesthetic goals, this dual procedure delivers natural, long-lasting results.
Common Reasons for Explant + Lift
- Health & Safety: Addressing ruptured implants, capsular contracture (hardened scar tissue), or concerns about Breast Implant Illness (BII).
- Body Changes – Pregnancy, weight fluctuations, menopause, or a desire for a more active lifestyle.
- Aesthetic Shifts – Preferring a softer, more natural look over augmented volume.
- Implant Longevity – Most implants need replacement after 10–15 years, prompting many to switch to an implant-free solution.
- Reduced Maintenance – Avoiding future surgeries, MRIs, and ongoing implant-related costs.
Benefits of an Explant With Lift
One can achieve the following benefits with the combined surgery:
- Restores a natural breast shape – Uses your own tissue for balanced, age-appropriate contours.
- Relieves discomfort – Reduces neck, back, or shoulder strain from heavy implants.
- Eliminates scar tissue – Removes hardened capsules that can distort breast appearance.
- Enhances daily comfort – Improves posture, bra fit, and overall ease of movement.
- Long-term satisfaction – Results evolve naturally with your body, no future implant upkeep needed.
Is It Safe to Remove Implants and Lift at the Same Time?
Yes, it is safe to remove breast implants and perform a lift during the same procedure. In fact, many patients find that combining both surgeries minimizes risks and enhances results. Dr. Sajan takes great care to ensure that the procedure is performed with precision, reducing complications and ensuring a smoother recovery. In fact, the FDA now recommends that patients with silicone breast implants undergo an MRI or high‑resolution ultrasound 5–6 years after surgery and every 2–3 years thereafter to detect silent ruptures. So, if your scan reveals a leak or you simply want to avoid lifelong imaging, opting to remove your implants and undergo a breast lift at the same time can be the most effective solution. This combined procedure allows Dr. Sajan to restore a firm, natural breast shape while safely removing the compromised implants.
Are You a Candidate?
Now, if you’re considering breast implant removal with a lift, it’s important to ensure that you meet certain health criteria to achieve the best results. Here are the key factors that determine candidacy for this procedure:
- Good overall health and stable weight: Being in generally good health and maintaining a stable weight will help ensure a smoother recovery.
- No uncontrolled autoimmune diseases or bleeding disorders: These conditions can interfere with healing and increase surgical risks.
- Realistic expectations: Understanding that the procedure will change your breast shape but may not achieve the same volume as implants is key for satisfaction.
- Adequate native tissue for reshaping: Sufficient breast tissue is necessary for proper reshaping and lifting after implant removal.
- Willingness to follow postoperative care: Adhering to garment use and activity restrictions will ensure the best possible recovery and long-term results.
Your Personal Consultation With Dr. Sajan
Your consultation with Dr. Sajan is a comprehensive, personalized experience where he will review your medical history, discuss your goals, and assess your anatomy. Using advanced 3D imaging, he will simulate your post-surgery results and guide you through the implant removal and breast lift process. Dr. Sajan will also explain the best surgical approach tailored to your needs, including incision options and recovery expectations, ensuring you feel informed and confident in your decision.
How the Procedure Is Performed
The procedure is performed under general anesthesia, with nerve-blocking injections for a quicker recovery. Dr. Sajan makes precise incisions based on your breast tissue and lift needs, then removes the implants and any surrounding capsule. The native tissue is reshaped and repositioned to achieve a natural, youthful appearance, and any necessary internal support is provided using specialized sutures. The surgery concludes with careful closure and dressings, ensuring a smooth recovery.
Recovery & Aftercare Timeline
Your recovery will progress in stages, with most patients returning to light activities within a week. Here’s what you can expect:
- Days 1–3: Rest and mild discomfort, managed with prescribed pain medications. You’ll need to wear a surgical bra and avoid lifting your arms.
- Week 1: Follow-up visit to monitor healing, with most swelling and bruising starting to subside.
- Weeks 2–3: Gradual return to light cardio, but avoid heavy lifting or strenuous activity.
- Weeks 4–6: Swelling continues to reduce, and you’ll begin to see more defined results.
- 3–6 months: Final results take shape, with scars continuing to fade and tissue settling.
Follow Dr. Sajan’s aftercare instructions, including scar care and garment use, for best results.
Results: What to Expect Long‑Term
Your lifted, implant‑free breasts will settle into their final position by month 6–9, with scars lightening over 12–18 months. Results can last for many years; however, factors such as gravity, pregnancy, and weight fluctuations can impact longevity. Annual check‑ins with Dr. Sajan help monitor tissues and address any future concerns.
Schedule Your Breast Explant + Lift Consultation
Feel lighter, healthier, and more confident. Call (206) 209‑0988 or request a virtual consult today. Dr. Sajan’s concierge team will guide you from first call to final follow‑up.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will my breasts look flat after removal?
No, your own tissue is reshaped into a new mound, and nipple position is elevated, restoring roundness without implants.
How visible are the scars?
Anchor scars typically fade to thin, pale lines; Dr. Sajan positions them within the breast crease and offers laser scar revision.
How soon can I exercise again?
Start with light walking initially, and unrestricted workouts can be resumed after two months.
