After explant, what happens to the "pocket?"

Question

Once implants have been removed, what happens to the pocket? Does it fill back in? Also, how much of your regular breast tissue is sacrificed with the explant surgery? I've had Cohesive Silicone Gel implants for 5 years 350 CC, sub-muscular. I'm 50 years old. What are the chances I'll go back to pre-BA size?

Nelson Castillo, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question.  After removal of the implant, the pocket that contained the implant will start to slowly shrink.  Removal of the capsule will depend on the capsule's thickness and whether any hardening has taken place, but little breast tissue is sacrificed during this portion of the procedure.  Due to the stretching of your breast skin with implant placement, and the natural reduction in breast tissue that occurs with time, you will probably not go back to your pre-BA size, but it is difficult to know without assessing your specific tissue. Hope this helps.

Joyce C. Chen, MD, MPH, FACS · Answer

Thanks for your question.  Without a capsulectomy, no breast tissue is usually removed with the breast implant. With a capsulectomy, a small amount of breast tissue adjacent to the capsule may be removed.  The pocket usually collapses down in size but depending on the original breast size, size of implant, duration with implant, tissue and skin quality, and age, the degree of contraction may vary.  Hope this helps.  Best of luck!

David J. Wages, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question.  The body begins to close up the space that once had the implants.  There is shrinking of the tissues to a degree and contraction of the muscle as well.  The quality of one's tissues, size of implants removed, age, and duration of implants all affect the degree that the tissues will collapse.  An older patient with larger implants for a longer time is less likely to go back to a preaugmented size than a younger patient with smaller implants for a shorter duration.

James Knoetgen, III, MD · Answer

After explantation, which is the surgical removal of a breast implant, the body typically starts a process called capsular contracture. This occurs as the body's natural response to the presence of a foreign object, such as a breast implant. The tissue surrounding the implant, known as the capsule, may gradually shrink and tighten.
In some cases, the capsule may partially or completely dissolve over time. However, in other instances, especially if the implants were in place for a long time or if there were complications such as infection, the capsule may persist. If the capsule remains and causes discomfort or distortion of the breast shape, additional surgical intervention may be necessary to remove it.
In cases where the capsule remains intact and does not cause any issues, it may just become a part of the body's natural tissue and remain in place without causing any further problems. However, it's essential for individuals who have undergone explantation to follow up with their healthcare provider regularly to monitor their breast health and address any concerns that may arise.

Gary L. Ross, MBChB, FRCS · Answer

If the capsules are removed the pocket will scar down and will naturally close.The idea of explant surgery is not to remove any breast tissue. IN terms of size everything depends on the amount of breast tissue now rather than 5 years ago. Best to have a consult with someone that can show you examples of patients who have had implant removal

After explant, what happens to the "pocket?"

Answers (8)

Answer: After explant, what happens to the "pocket?"

Answer: After explant, what happens to the "pocket?"

Answer: Capsule

Answer: Capsule

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Everything you need to know about Breast Implant Removal

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After explant, what happens to the "pocket?"

Answers (8)

Answer: After explant, what happens to the "pocket?"

Answer: After explant, what happens to the "pocket?"

Answer: Capsule

Answer: Capsule

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Breast Implant Removal

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.