What Is an Explant Surgery?

Who Is a Good Candidate for Explant Surgery?

Explant surgery may be right for you if:

• You experience persistent pain or tightness after implant reconstruction.
• You’re dealing with complications such as implant rupture, infection, or capsular contracture.
• You suspect symptoms related to Breast Implant Illness (BII).
• You feel emotionally or physically disconnected from your implants.
• You desire a more natural appearance or aesthetic flat closure.
• You’re looking to reclaim body autonomy after years of living with implants.

Consultation and Procedure

Comprehensive Consultation

Your journey begins with a private consultation—either in-person or via secure telehealth for out-of-town patients. Dr. Schwartz takes time to understand your:

• Medical history and current concerns
• Breast reconstruction goals
• Lifestyle needs and desired outcomes

Every treatment plan is custom-designed to your individual anatomy and health profile.

The Explant Procedure

Dr. Schwartz specializes in en-bloc capsulectomy, the gold standard for safe implant removal.

What is En-Bloc Capsulectomy?

This advanced surgical technique removes the implant and surrounding scar tissue (capsule) together, in one piece. It is especially effective for:

• Preventing silicone contamination
• Removing inflamed tissue
• Supporting women with suspected BII

Dr. Schwartz performs both subpectoral and prepectoral explants, ensuring the safest approach for each case.

Recovery and Results

Most women can return to light activity within 1–2 weeks. Full recovery usually occurs over 4–6 weeks, though it depends on whether reconstruction is performed at the same time.

Post-Explant Reconstruction Options

You have several options after implant removal:

Fat Transfer Reconstruction

• Uses your own body fat (abdomen, thighs)
• Natural look and feel
• No foreign materials
• May require multiple sessions

Goldilocks Mastectomy

• Creates a modest breast mound using remaining skin and tissue
• Ideal for women who want a natural shape without implants
• Can be enhanced with reverse tummy tuck to add volume

Mastopexy (Breast Lift)

• Lifts and reshapes remaining tissue
• Improves symmetry and aesthetics

Latissimus Dorsi Flap Reconstruction

• Uses muscle and skin from the back
• Durable, natural-feeling option for more volume

Aesthetic Flat Closure

• Smooth, symmetrical chest contour
• Ideal for those choosing not to reconstruct
• Dr. Schwartz ensures dignified, precise results

Are you considering explant surgery? Are you wondering why women choose explant surgery? Will my insurance cover explant surgery? Visit our blog on Explant Surgery we have written for a women’s advocacy group NotPuttingonaShirt.org

Why Choose Dr. Schwartz for Explant Surgery

Dr. Schwartz is a board-certified, fellowship-trained breast surgeon and one of the few experts in the country focusing exclusively on explant and reconstructive surgery for breast cancer survivors. Dr. Schwartz is dedicated exclusively to breast surgery and reconstruction, and he has devoted his life to perfecting the appearance of women diagnosed with breast cancer. As a cancer survivor himself, Dr. Schwartz is known for his genuine compassion and unsurpassed commitment to providing the best surgical care tailored to each patient’s individual needs and desires. His innovative procedures and techniques allow him to offer his patients the widest range of surgical options available anywhere.