By Dr. Michael Cohen, Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon at PSCHR
Breast implant removal has become an increasingly common request in my practice—and for good reason. Whether due to physical discomfort, lifestyle changes, or personal preference, many women are re-evaluating their goals and deciding they’re ready to part ways with their implants. In many of these cases, a breast lift (mastopexy) performed at the same time can help restore shape, position, and proportion in a way that still feels feminine and natural.
Let’s talk about why women consider implant removal and how a lift can help reshape—not just the breasts, but the way a person feels in their body.
Why Women Choose to Remove Their Breast Implants
1. Physical Discomfort or Breast Size Changes Over Time
It’s not uncommon for the body to change long after the initial augmentation. I often meet women who feel their breasts have become much larger than they ever intended—sometimes several cup sizes bigger—due to weight changes, hormonal shifts, or natural aging. Larger breasts can lead to neck, shoulder, and back discomfort, or even tightness and heaviness in the chest. In these cases, implant removal paired with a lift can ease those symptoms and restore a more balanced shape and size.
2. Capsular Contracture
One of the most common complications after breast augmentation is something called capsular contracture. It happens when the body forms a tight, rubbery capsule around the implant, which can lead to breast firmness, distortion, and discomfort. Although not dangerous, it can be frustrating. Some women choose to remove their implants entirely to avoid future recurrence. It’s the only surefire way to eliminate the risk of this happening again.
3. Lifestyle Shifts
Life evolves—and so do our priorities. I’ve cared for patients who developed a love for running or high-intensity workouts and found that their implants just didn’t fit their lifestyle anymore. When your body goals shift, it’s okay to want your aesthetic to align with your daily life.
4. Aesthetic Preferences
Sometimes, patients no longer love how their implants look. Rather than replacing them, they want to return to a more natural shape or size. In these cases, a breast lift can beautifully reshape the breast after implant removal—lifting and tightening for a youthful contour that doesn’t rely on implants.
5. Concerns About Breast Implant Illness (BII)
Though the science is still catching up, some women report systemic symptoms—like brain fog, fatigue, or joint pain—they believe are linked to their implants. Breast implant illness (BII) is still an area of active research, and there’s no conclusive evidence yet connecting implants to these symptoms. However, if someone feels strongly that removing their implants may help, it’s a valid choice that we approach thoughtfully.
6. Peace of Mind
Over the years, there have been a few major headlines about certain types of implants. Most recently, some textured implants were associated with a rare cancer called ALCL, prompting their removal from the market. Even though the vast majority of implants are safe, some patients simply prefer not to carry that uncertainty. For them, implant removal offers peace of mind.
Why a Breast Lift Often Makes Sense
When implants are removed, it’s common for the breast to lose volume or appear deflated—especially if the skin has stretched over time. That’s where a mastopexy comes in.
A breast lift helps by:
- Raising the nipples to a more youthful, proportionate position
- Removing excess skin that can sag once the implant is gone
- Repositioning your natural tissue to fill in and reshape the breast mound
In some cases, we also add fat transfer—a technique where fat is gently liposuctioned from another part of the body and placed into the upper or central breast area. This adds volume where it’s wanted most, without the need for another implant.
Here’s the best part: combining a lift or fat transfer with implant removal doesn’t add to your recovery time compared to removal alone. When done by an experienced surgeon, it’s a safe and reliable way to reclaim your shape with results that feel like you.
Final Thoughts
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer when it comes to implant removal, and that’s exactly why these conversations are so important. Whether you’re experiencing symptoms, thinking about aesthetics, or simply reassessing what you want from your body, I’m here to help guide you through it with honesty, experience, and a deep respect for your goals.
If you’re considering breast implant removal—or just exploring your options—I invite you to schedule a consultation. Together, we’ll talk through what feels right for you and design a plan that restores not just your silhouette, but your sense of self.
