Breast implant removal has become increasingly common as aesthetic preferences, lifestyle priorities, and personal comfort evolve. Many women feel their implants no longer match their goals, while others experience heaviness or discomfort. Explant surgery can restore balance, comfort, and confidence with results tailored to your current stage of life.
Since 2010, Dr. Justin West has dedicated his practice to breast-focused cosmetic and reconstructive surgery. Breast implant removal is one of the procedures he performs most frequently, with expertise spanning simple explant, implant downsizing, fat grafting, breast lifts, partial and total capsulectomies, and complex implant-related conditions.
Dr. West is also one of the few plastic surgeons in California who has diagnosed and treated Breast Implant–Associated Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma (BIA-ALCL). This experience provides an additional layer of safety and reassurance for patients seeking implant removal.
You may be a good candidate for breast implant removal if:
• Your implants no longer match your aesthetic goals
• You experience heaviness or discomfort from aging implants
• You have capsular contracture or implant-related concerns
• Your lifestyle or activity preferences have changed
• You've experienced aesthetic changes after pregnancy or weight fluctuations
• You have implant rupture or deflation
• Your personal preferences have evolved
A consultation with Dr. West will help determine the best approach for your individual situation and goals.
During your consultation, we'll discuss your goals, concerns, and desired outcomes.
• Why you're considering removal—discomfort, heaviness, or aesthetic
• Your goals for breast shape after removal
• Options: removal alone, lift, downsizing, fat grafting, or capsulectomy
A physical exam and photographs help guide your personalized approach.
Every patient's anatomy responds differently after implant removal. Your options include:
We'll help determine which option aligns best with your anatomy and goals.
Breast implant removal is typically performed as an outpatient procedure under general anesthesia.
Dr. West uses your original incision whenever possible to avoid additional visible scarring.
The implant is removed carefully. If a capsulectomy is planned, the chosen technique—partial, total, or en bloc—will be performed.
Breast lift, downsizing, or fat grafting may be performed during the same surgery to optimize shape.
Most patients experience:
• Mild to moderate discomfort for a few days
• Return to light activity within 3–7 days
• Swelling that improves steadily over several weeks
• Full activity resumed around 4–6 weeks
Results refine as swelling decreases, with final shape typically visible within several months.
Use our Treatment Planner to explore options and estimate your personalized treatment timeline.
Start Planning →Your final appearance depends on:
✔ Natural breast tissue volume
✔ Skin elasticity
✔ Implant size and duration
✔ Whether you choose a lift or fat grafting
Patients with fuller natural breasts may achieve a soft, natural result with removal alone. Those with minimal tissue often achieve the best shape with a lift or fat transfer. We'll walk you through expected outcomes during your consultation.
View real results from Breast Implant Removal procedures performed by Dr. Justin West.
Schedule your consultation with Dr. Justin West to discuss your breast implant removal goals.
230 S Main Street, Suite 210, Orange, CA 92868
