Can the numbness in my breasts be resolved by explantation?

Change in sensation can occur with breast augmentation, but it typically returns to normal within a year. As you have had your implants for almost 5 years it may be that the change is unfortunately permanent. There is no way to guarantee that removal of the implants will restore normal sensation, or even improve your current sensation.

Thank you for sharing your question and I am sorry to hear of your persistent pain and patches of numbness. Unfortunately any breast surgery can cause temporary or permanent alterations in sensation and removal of your implants will not guarantee resolution. There are certainly some patients who regain sensation, and avoid discomfort with removal, however.

Dear Phenomenal604002,
it is hard to predict will your numbness resolve once you remove implants. If the nerves are stretched by implants, then there is a chance that numbness will improve. However, if there was a nerve injury it is unlikely that it will improve 4-5 years after surgery.
Daniel Barrett, MD
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Loss of sensation is one of the risks to implant surgery, but is not due to your surgeon's error. Removing the implants may not improve your sensation since the damage to the sensory nerves has ben done.