Breast Implant Removal with Dr. John Larson
Newport Beach, CA
Restore Comfort. Regain Confidence.
Whether you’ve experienced a change in aesthetic goals, lifestyle, or everyday comfort, breast implant removal surgery—also known as explant surgery—can help you return to a natural, balanced look that reflects how you feel today.
At Larson Aesthetics in Newport Beach, CA, board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. John Larson brings extensive experience in breast surgery to every explant procedure. Breast augmentation, breast lift, breast reduction, and implant removal surgeries have been a major focus of his practice for many years. This depth of experience gives him a strong understanding of how implant removal can affect both breast shape and volume.
Dr. Larson approaches breast implant removal with careful attention to both safety and aesthetics. He addresses the implant, surrounding capsule, and any scar tissue, while thoughtfully reshaping the breast to achieve the most natural and pleasing result possible. For many patients, this may include combining explant surgery with a breast lift or advanced techniques such as auto-augmentation to restore balance, contour, and confidence.
To learn more about breast implant removal, contact Larson Aesthetics at (949) 688-7733 or contact us online today. We proudly serve patients in Newport Beach, Orange County, and throughout the U.S.
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What Is Breast Implant Removal Surgery?
Breast implant removal (explant surgery) is a procedure designed to remove one or both breast implants after breast augmentation. Some patients choose this surgery because their aesthetic preferences have changed, while others wish to address issues such as capsular contracture, discomfort, or implant rupture.
Depending on your goals and anatomy, Dr. Larson may combine implant removal with a breast lift (mastopexy) or fat transfer to help reshape and restore natural contours after the implants are removed. Dr. Larson approaches every case with honesty, transparency, and artistry to create a surgical plan that prioritizes both safety and results that feel authentic to you.
Common reasons women consider breast implant removal include:
- Desire for a more natural breast appearance
- Implant rupture or leakage
- Capsular contracture (tight scar tissue around the implant)
- Changes in breast position or size with age
- Asymmetry or aesthetic dissatisfaction
- Health or lifestyle changes
- Preference for implant-free breasts
Who Is a Good Candidate for Breast Implant Removal?
You may be a good candidate for implant removal surgery if you:
- No longer wish to have implants
- Have implant-related issues such as rupture, rippling, or hardness
- Experience discomfort, asymmetry, or capsular contracture
- Are considering smaller implants, a breast lift, or fat transfer
- Are in good overall health and maintain a stable weight
- Do not smoke or are willing to stop prior to surgery
- Have realistic expectations about your results
During your private consultation, Dr. Larson will review your medical history, discuss your goals, and recommend a surgical plan that ensures the safest, most aesthetic outcome.
Dr. Larson’s Unique Approach to Explant Surgery
Breast implant removal requires more than simply taking out an implant. Dr. Larson brings years of focused experience in breast surgery (including breast augmentation, breast lifts (mastopexy), breast reduction, and explant surgery) to every procedure. Breast surgery has represented a significant portion of Dr. Larson’s practice for years, and thus he has developed a deep understanding of how implant removal affects breast shape, volume, and overall aesthetics.
Dr. Larson approaches explant surgery with a customized, patient-specific plan, using advanced techniques tailored to your anatomy and goals. In addition to safely removing the implant, he carefully evaluates and addresses the surrounding capsule, scar tissue, and any residual implant material when necessary. Just as importantly, he focuses on restoring a breast shape that looks natural, balanced, and aesthetically pleasing after volume has been reduced.
For many patients, implant removal alone can leave the breasts deflated or misshapen. To address this, Dr. Larson frequently combines explant surgery with a breast lift or advanced techniques such as auto-augmentation breast reduction, using your own tissue to restore contour and support. This comprehensive approach allows him to achieve results that feel healthier, more comfortable, and aligned with how patients want their bodies to look today. The goal of Dr. Larson’s approach is natural, balanced, and beautifully restored breasts that reflect your current needs, comfort, and vision for your body.
Patients benefit from:
Thoughtful surgical planning
Each explant procedure is fully customized based on your anatomy, breast health, and aesthetic goals.
Comprehensive implant removal
Careful attention is given to the implant, capsule, and surrounding tissues to promote breast health and safety.
Aesthetic restoration
When appropriate, breast lifting or auto-augmentation techniques are used to improve shape, symmetry, and proportion.
Concierge-level support
Patients receive attentive guidance, clear communication, and ongoing support throughout recovery.
Safe surgical settings
All procedures are performed in accredited surgical facilities with board-certified anesthesia providers.
Compassionate Care.
Transformative Results.
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What Happens During Breast Implant Removal Surgery?
Explant surgery is typically performed under general anesthesia in an accredited surgical facility. Dr. Larson begins by carefully reopening the original incision (most often beneath the breast fold or around the areola) to minimize additional scarring.
Depending on your needs, your procedure may include:
- Implant removal only: For patients satisfied with their natural breast tissue and minimal stretching.
- Implant removal with capsulectomy: Removal of the implant and surrounding scar capsule, often performed if the capsule is thickened, calcified, or contracted.
- Implant removal with lift: Combines explant surgery with a breast lift (mastopexy) to tighten the skin and reposition the nipple for a youthful contour.
- Implant removal with fat transfer: Uses your own purified fat to restore volume naturally while maintaining a soft, smooth shape.
The entire procedure typically takes 1.5 to 4 hours, depending on the complexity of the case. Patients return home the same day with detailed post-operative instructions and direct contact access for any questions during recovery.
The Benefits of Explant Surgery
Breast implant removal offers both physical and emotional benefits. Patients often describe feeling “lighter,” freer, and more like themselves after surgery.
Key benefits include:
- Restored comfort and natural softness
- Improved symmetry and proportion
- Relief from tightness or implant-related discomfort
- Enhanced body harmony and confidence
- Elimination of maintenance or future implant exchange concerns
- Option to lift or reshape the breasts for natural aesthetics
Dr. Larson tailors each procedure to your needs, whether you want to remove implants and restore your natural shape, lift the breast for renewed youthfulness, or add subtle fullness with breast fat transfer for balance and contour.
Recovery After Breast Implant Removal in Orange County
Most patients find recovery from implant removal to be straightforward and well-tolerated. Swelling, mild tightness, and tenderness are normal for the first few days and gradually subside over the next several weeks.
Typical Recovery Timeline:
- Days 1–3: Rest and light walking; mild soreness and tightness.
- Week 1: Most patients return to desk work or light activity.
- Weeks 2–3: Bruising resolves; incisions continue to heal.
- Weeks 4–6: Resume most normal exercise and routines.
- 3–6 Months: Final shape refines as tissues settle naturally.
Dr. Larson and his team provide detailed aftercare guidance and schedule follow-up visits to ensure your recovery progresses safely and comfortably.
Breast Implant Removal Results
Your results will begin to take shape as swelling subsides and tissue adjusts. If your surgery includes a lift or fat transfer, you’ll enjoy a natural, youthful contour with improved firmness and proportion.
Over time, incisions fade, and the breasts soften into their final form, typically within three to six months. Many patients describe feeling “free” and at ease (both physically and emotionally) once the implants are removed.
Dr. Larson’s goal is to help you achieve results that look elegant, natural, and completely in harmony with your figure.
How Much Does Breast Implant Removal Cost in Newport Beach, CA?
The cost of breast implant removal in Orange County varies based on several factors, including the complexity of the procedure, whether the capsule is removed, and whether additional contouring, such as a lift or fat transfer is performed. Anesthesia and facility fees also influence the total cost.
During your consultation, Dr. Larson will provide a transparent, personalized estimate based on your surgical plan and discuss financing options to make your treatment accessible and stress-free.
Schedule Your Breast Implant Removal Consultation
If you’re considering removing your implants for any reason, Dr. John Larson can help you make an informed, confident decision and formulate a plan. Call (949) 688-7733 or complete our online consultation form to schedule your private consultation today.
Larson Aesthetics proudly serves patients from Newport Beach, Orange County, and across the U.S. seeking expert breast implant removal and natural restoration.
Breast Implant Removal in Newport Beach, CA – Frequently Asked Questions
Will my breasts look natural after implant removal?
After breast implant removal, many women are able to achieve a natural-looking breast shape, though results can vary from person to person. Changes, such as some loss of volume, mild sagging, or skin wrinkling, may occur as the skin gradually adjusts, depending on factors like your natural breast tissue, skin elasticity, implant size, and how long the implants were in place. Over the weeks and months following surgery, the breasts often go through a natural “settling” or “fluffing” process. In some cases, a breast lift or fat grafting may be recommended to restore fullness, improve shape, and create a more lifted appearance. Dr. Larson will help you determine which approach will give you the best chance of realizing a natural look.
Can I combine implant removal with a lift?
Yes. Many patients choose to combine implant removal with a breast lift to restore shape, balance, and position after the implant is removed. Because explant surgery reduces breast volume and can change the breast’s natural contour, a lift is often performed at the same time to reshape the breast and create a more youthful, aesthetically pleasing result. Dr. Larson carefully evaluates each patient’s anatomy and goals to determine whether a lift, or other techniques, such as tissue reshaping, will help achieve the most natural and satisfying outcome.
Will I have visible scars after implant removal?
In most cases, Dr. Larson is able to reuse existing incision lines from prior breast surgery, which helps keep scars discreet. Incisions are carefully placed and closed to support optimal healing, and with proper scar care, most scars fade significantly over time and become far less noticeable.
Is breast implant removal painful?
Most patients describe recovery after breast implant removal as very manageable. Discomfort is typically mild to moderate and more commonly felt as tightness, pressure, heaviness, or generalized soreness rather than sharp pain. This sensation comes from normal tissue healing and muscle adjustment after the implant is removed. Pain is usually well controlled with prescribed medication during the first few days, after which many patients transition to over-the-counter pain relief. Swelling and soreness tend to improve steadily over the first week, with continued improvement each day. Our team will help you prepare for discomfort and help ensure you have the appropriate pain medication to manage your symptoms.
Can I replace my implants later if I change my mind?
Yes. Some patients choose explant surgery as a step toward comfort or health and later decide to replace their implants or opt for a smaller size. When planning implant removal, Dr. Larson is mindful of preserving breast tissue, skin quality, and surgical flexibility so future options remain available. If re-implantation is something you may consider down the road, this can be discussed during your consultation and factored into your surgical plan.
How long is the recovery after explant surgery?
Recovery timelines vary depending on whether implant removal is performed alone or combined with additional procedures. Most patients are able to return to light daily activities, desk work, and gentle movement within about one week. Swelling and fatigue gradually improve during this time. More strenuous activity, lifting, and upper-body exercise are typically resumed around 4 to 6 weeks, especially if a breast lift or fat transfer is performed. Dr. Larson provides personalized recovery guidance and gradually clears activity based on healing progress.
Will my breasts sag after implant removal?
Breast appearance after implant removal varies from patient to patient and depends on several factors, including skin elasticity, the size of the implants, how long they were in place, and the amount of natural breast tissue you have. Some patients maintain good breast shape after explant surgery, especially if their skin has retained elasticity. Others may notice sagging, flattening, or loss of upper pole fullness as the skin adjusts to the absence of the implant. When these changes are significant, Dr. Larson may recommend combining implant removal with a breast lift (sometimes with auto augmentation) to reshape the breast and restore a more youthful, balanced contour.
Can fat transfer help replace lost volume after implant removal?
Yes. Fat transfer can be a very effective option for restoring subtle volume and improving breast shape using your own natural tissue. Fat is gently harvested from another area of the body, processed, and then carefully placed into the breast to enhance softness and contour. While fat transfer cannot replace the volume of an implant, it can improve symmetry, smooth transitions, and create a more natural appearance, without introducing foreign material.
What is a capsulectomy, and do I need one?
A capsulectomy involves removing the capsule of scar tissue that naturally forms around a breast implant. Not every patient requires a capsulectomy. Dr. Larson evaluates factors such as capsular contracture, implant rupture, thickening or calcification of the capsule, inflammation, and patient symptoms when determining whether removal is beneficial. His approach is individualized and measured, recommending capsulectomy only when it improves safety, comfort, or surgical outcomes.
What is an en bloc implant removal, and is it necessary?
An en bloc capsulectomy involves removing the breast implant and its surrounding scar capsule as one intact unit. This technique can be appropriate in certain cases, such as when the capsule is thickened, calcified, or if there is concern about implant rupture. However, it is not required or ideal for every patient. Dr. Larson evaluates each case individually and will recommend the safest and most effective technique for your situation.
Do you treat out-of-town patients?
Yes. Larson Aesthetics proudly welcomes patients from across the country. We frequently assist with travel planning, aftercare services, and even local recommendations so your stay in Newport Beach is comfortable and stress-free. To make the process even easier, we also offer telemedicine consultations and virtual follow-ups, so you can stay connected with Dr. Larson and our team without unnecessary travel. From your first call to your final results, we’re here to provide concierge-level support tailored to your needs.