Will breasts sag if I decide to explant?

Often when removing implants the breasts will return back to their initial shape. They may look more droopy  depending on how long you have had them and whether or not you have lost weight or had children. They may look a little wrinkled for a couple months but then they slowly will regain their natural shape.

Whether or not the breasts will sag after surgery depends on the size of the implant in place, how long it has been there, the amount of skin stretching that has occurred, the type of operation used to remove the implants, and the amount of skin retraction.

The likelihood of sagging after breast implant removal (explantation) depends on several factors:
Implant Size and Duration: Larger implants and long-term use tend to cause more stretching of the skin, which can lead to sagging once the implants are removed.


Skin Elasticity, Age, and Genetics: If your skin is elastic, it may retract more after implant removal, helping your breasts return to their natural shape. In contrast, less elastic skin can result in more sagging. As you age, skin and breast tissue naturally lose elasticity, increasing the chance of sagging.
Breast Tissue and Volume: If you have a smaller amount of natural breast tissue or if the implants replaced a lot of your natural tissue, the loss of volume after explantation may cause the breasts to appear deflated or sag.


Other Factors: Previous pregnancies, breastfeeding, weight fluctuations, and the position of your nipples before implantation can all influence the outcome.


Some women may opt for a breast lift (mastopexy) during explant surgery to reshape and tighten the skin for a firmer, more youthful appearance. Others may use fat transfer or simply let time pass to see how the skin naturally contracts. Each individual response to explantation can vary significantly. It is important to consult with an experienced plastic surgeon who can customize your surgical plan and determine the best technique for you based on your individual anatomy and goals.


Dr. Krishna Vyas, MD, PhD, MHS
Harvard, Johns Hopkins, & Mayo Clinic Educated
Double Fellowship Trained
Aesthetic Plastic Surgeon
New York, New York

Thank you for your question. Implant removal can lead to sagging which is expected by patients depending on various factors. I would advise you to schedule a consultation with a board certified plastic surgeon for a detailed examination to discuss all possible treatment options and what your expectations are. 

There are several factors that influence how the breasts will appear when implants are removed.  Some include the length of time the implants have been in, the volume of the implants, skin elasticity, and amount of native breast tissue.  I encourage you to see a board certified plastic surgeon near you for a consultation.  After an examination your surgeon should be able to give you more information about what you could expect after implant removal based on your individual situation.

Implant removal can lead to breast sagging. The severity depends on a number of factors, including original breast volume, ptosis, implant size, how long you've had the implants in, skin quality, etc. The breast tissue will rebound somewhat and the skin can contract. If you have saline implants you can preoperatively deflate the implants to see how the tissue is going to respond and then make a decision about proceeding with a breast lift at the time of implant removal. If you have silicone implants, then you need to have them removed first before you can assess the soft tissue volume changes. See a board certified plastic surgeon who can give you all of your options.