Will I Have Scars After Breast Explant Surgery?
Many women considering breast explant surgery worry about one important question: Will I have scars afterward?
According to Dr. Robert Whitfield, scarring after explant surgery depends largely on how the implant is removed and whether the breast needs reshaping afterward. Every patient’s anatomy is different, so the surgical approach is carefully tailored to breast size, shape, and skin characteristics.
Dr. Whitfield emphasizes that the goal is always to optimize breast shape, preserve sensation, and minimize unnecessary scarring while safely removing the implant and capsule.
Why Scarring Happens After Explant Surgery
When implants are removed, the breast must adapt to the new shape and volume. In some cases, the breast tissue drapes naturally and only a small incision is needed. In other cases, a lift or skin adjustment may be necessary to avoid flattening or boxy breast shape after the implant is removed.
Dr. Robert Whitfield evaluates several factors before choosing the incision:
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Breast width and shape
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Nipple position
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Skin elasticity
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Whether excess skin needs to be removed
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How the implant was originally placed
These factors determine which scar pattern, if any, will give the best result after explant surgery.
What Incision Options Are Used During Explant Surgery?
Dr. Robert Whitfield commonly performs explant surgery using three main incision approaches, depending on the patient’s anatomy and goals.
When Is a Vertical or “Lollipop” Scar Used?
If the breast is wide or needs lifting after implant removal, Dr. Whitfield may recommend a vertical technique, often called a lollipop scar.
This approach allows him to:
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Narrow a wide breast shape
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Lift the breast tissue
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Improve nipple position
During this technique, tissue below the nipple complex is advanced and lifted during closure. Importantly, Dr. Whitfield explains that the nipple itself is not removed.
Instead, skin adjustments allow the breast to be reshaped while preserving the nipple and maintaining sensation whenever possible.
This technique is especially helpful when removing implants would otherwise leave the breast looking flattened or boxy at the bottom.
What Is a Periareolar Incision?
Another option is the periareolar incision, which is placed around the outer edge of the areola.
Dr. Robert Whitfield may combine this with a periareolar lift if the areola has stretched over time and needs to be reduced to match the smaller breast size after implant removal.
This approach typically leaves one scar around the outside of the areola, which can blend naturally with the pigment change between areola and skin.
What Is the Fold Incision Used For?
If a lift is not needed, the most straightforward approach may be an incision in the fold beneath the breast, called the inframammary fold.
Dr. Whitfield explains that removing the implant and capsule together often requires a slightly larger incision, usually around six to seven centimeters.
This is because once the implant has been in place for years, the surrounding capsule and tissue make it harder to remove through a very small opening.
Importantly, this incision remains hidden in the natural fold under the breast.
How Does Dr. Robert Whitfield Minimize Scarring?
Dr. Whitfield’s surgical approach focuses on three priorities:
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Preserving sensation whenever possible
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Maintaining natural breast tissue
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Minimizing unnecessary skin removal
For example, when adjusting the skin around the areola, Dr. Whitfield uses a tangential excision technique, which removes thin layers of skin while protecting the structures responsible for sensation.
The goal is always to balance shape improvement with the smallest necessary scar pattern.
Can Fat Transfer Improve Breast Shape After Explant Surgery?
For some patients, Dr. Robert Whitfield may add fat transfer during explant surgery to help restore natural breast contour.
Fat is placed carefully in the fatty layer between the skin and the breast, where it can survive and support the overall shape.
Dr. Whitfield emphasizes that fat should not be placed inside the breast itself or in the pocket where the implant and capsule were removed, because it will not survive there.
When used appropriately, fat transfer can help revolumize the breast and improve the final contour after explant surgery.
Why Surgical Planning Matters for Explant Results
Choosing the right incision is not just about scar placement. It is about ensuring the breast looks balanced and natural after the implant is removed.
Dr. Robert Whitfield carefully evaluates:
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Whether a lift is necessary
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What scar pattern will support the best shape
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How to preserve breast tissue and sensation
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Whether fat transfer may improve contour
By understanding these factors before surgery, patients can make more informed decisions about their explant procedure and expected results.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Will I always have scars after breast explant surgery?
Some scarring is expected because an incision is required to remove the implant and capsule. The exact scar pattern depends on the surgical approach used.
What is a lollipop scar in explant surgery?
A lollipop scar refers to the vertical scar pattern used during a breast lift technique that helps narrow and elevate the breast after implant removal.
Does the nipple get removed during a breast lift with explant surgery?
No. Dr. Robert Whitfield explains that the nipple is preserved. Tissue below the nipple complex is adjusted to lift and reshape the breast.
When is a periareolar incision used?
A periareolar incision may be used when the implant was originally placed through that area or when a small lift and areola reduction are helpful.
Why can’t implants be removed through the armpit?
Dr. Whitfield explains that he cannot remove the implant and capsule together through the armpit because it does not provide enough access for intact removal.
How large is the fold incision during explant surgery?
It is typically about six to seven centimeters so the implant and capsule can be removed together.
Does a breast lift remove breast tissue?
Dr. Whitfield aims to preserve breast tissue. Lift techniques primarily remove excess skin and small amounts of fatty tissue to improve breast shape.
Can fat transfer be done during explant surgery?
Yes. Fat transfer can be used to help restore natural breast contour after implants are removed.
Where is fat placed during fat transfer?
Fat is placed in the fatty layer between the skin and the breast. It is not placed inside the breast or in the implant pocket.
Medical Disclaimer
This article is for educational purposes only and reflects general information shared by Dr. Robert Whitfield. It is not intended as medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Individual surgical plans and outcomes vary and should be discussed directly with a qualified healthcare provider.