Whether you’re ready to part ways with your implants or simply want to restore a more natural shape, Dr. Michael Cohen at the Plastic Surgery Center of Hampton Roads offers a deeply personalized approach to breast implant removal with mastopexy. With a focus on proportion and balance, this procedure helps you achieve your desired silhouette without implants.
Remove Implants and Lift Your Breasts
Breast implant removal with lift is a surgical procedure that removes your implants and reshapes your natural tissue to restore a lifted, proportional look. Also called explant with mastopexy, it’s a great option if you’re ready to move on from implants but still want a youthful contour. Dr. Cohen uses your existing tissue, sometimes with a little help from fat transfer, to restore shape, position, and proportion without relying on new implants.
Possible Reasons for Breast Implant Removal & Lift:
- Changes in lifestyle or personal preference
- Desire for a more natural breast appearance
- Discomfort or heaviness from implants
- Capsular contracture or implant complications
- Concern about breast implant illness (BII)
- Sagging or volume loss over time
- Implants no longer fitting your aesthetic goals
- Interest in avoiding future implant maintenance or replacement
Mastopexy With or Without Explant Surgery
Mastopexy, or breast lift surgery, can be performed with or without implant removal depending on your goals. If you love your implants but want a perkier shape, a breast lift alone may be all you need. If you’re ready to remove your implants, Dr. Cohen can combine a lift with explant surgery to elevate your natural tissue.
Some patients also choose to add fat transfer for subtle volume without going back to implants. Whatever your vision, Dr. Cohen customizes your procedure for the most natural-looking, balanced results.
Advantages of Breast Implant Removal & Lift:
- Restores a natural, youthful breast shape
- Removes implants you no longer want or need
- Addresses sagging or stretched skin
- Reduces discomfort or heaviness from implants
- Improves body proportion without relying on implants
- Eliminates concerns about future implant maintenance
- Offers the option to enhance volume with fat transfer
- Provides results that feel authentic to your body and lifestyle
Breast Implant Removal & Lift
Before & After
*Each patient is unique, and individual results may vary.
Breast Implant Removal & Lift in Hampton Roads
Dr. Cohen begins your surgery by carefully removing your implants through existing or discreet incisions. If you have scar tissue or capsular contracture, he’ll remove or release the capsule as needed to ensure a smooth outcome. This part of the procedure is called explant surgery, and it’s fully customized to your unique anatomy and the type of implants you previously had.
Once the implants are removed, Dr. Cohen performs a breast lift to reshape and reposition your tissue. He removes excess skin, lifts the breast mound, and repositions your nipples to a more youthful position. This helps restore a rounder, perkier contour using only your tissue. Fat transfer from another area of your body can also be used to subtly enhance fullness.
The procedure is performed under general anesthesia and takes a few hours. Dr. Cohen’s technique helps minimize visible scarring and maximize natural-looking results. After surgery, you’ll be placed in a supportive surgical bra and receive detailed aftercare instructions.
Breast Implant Removal & Lift FAQs
Can I have a breast lift without removing my implants?
Yes. A breast lift can be performed with or without implant removal. Some patients choose to keep their implants and simply want improved positioning, while others opt for a full explant. Dr. Cohen helps patients evaluate what’s best for their anatomy, goals, and long-term comfort.
What if I’m removing my implants—will I still have volume?
It depends on your natural breast tissue and skin quality. For many patients, a lift alone provides a satisfying, natural look. If you’d like additional fullness without using implants, Dr. Cohen may recommend fat transfer to add subtle volume using your own tissue. This is discussed during your consultation and is always customized to your goals.
What happens to the nipples during a lift?
The nipples are preserved and repositioned higher on the breast to match your new shape. Dr. Cohen takes special care to maintain a natural look and protect nipple sensitivity whenever possible. You won’t lose your nipples—they are simply moved to a more youthful, centered location.
Where are the scars placed?
Scarring depends on the degree of lift needed. Most often, patients have a “lollipop” scar (around the nipple and down the center of the breast). In some cases, an anchor-shaped scar may also be used, which includes a line along the crease beneath the breast. Dr. Cohen uses refined techniques to help scars fade and heal as discreetly as possible.
What is recovery like?
Most patients return to light activity within a few days and resume normal routines within 2–3 weeks. You’ll wear a supportive surgical bra and follow detailed aftercare instructions from our team. Full healing and scar maturation take several months, but discomfort is generally mild and manageable.
What’s the difference between a lift alone and a lift with explant?
- Lift alone: Restores breast position and shape, often for patients with sagging or deflated breasts who still have implants or natural volume.
- Lift with explant: Combines implant removal with reshaping using your natural tissue. This is ideal for patients who no longer want implants and want to maintain a proportional, lifted appearance.
Dr. Cohen will guide you through the pros and cons of each based on your goals, breast anatomy, and tissue quality.
Am I a good candidate for a lift with or without explant?
You may be a candidate if you:
- Have sagging, asymmetry, or loss of volume in your breasts
- Are experiencing physical discomfort, capsular contracture, or other implant-related issues
- Are considering removing your implants and want to restore a natural look
- Prefer not to replace implants with new ones
A consultation with Dr. Cohen is the best way to determine what approach is right for you.
Recent Blogs
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…
Request Your Appointment Today
Plastic Surgery Center of Hampton Roads is your trusted destination for personalized, natural-looking breast enhancement without the need for implants. Dr. Cohen offers expert care for breast implant removal with lift, helping you feel confident in a shape that feels authentically you. We recommend scheduling a consultation with Dr. Cohen to discuss your goals and determine if a breast implant removal with lift is the right option for you.
