After explant, can the empty pocket underneath the breast be left alone so that breast tissue may fill it in?

Hello! Thank you for your question! It is a matter of surgeon preference as well as what is seen during your procedure that will determine whether or not a complete capsulectomy is performed. If significant capsule formation is seen intraoperatively, a full capsule removal may be warranted with a drain in order to completely remove all of the tissue and allow better adherence of your breast back to its normal anatomic position down on your chest wall. If minimal contracture is seen, it may be possible to leave the capsule, or place cuts within the capsule to allow better adherence. It truly is dependent on what is seen with your capsule and the issues that may be causing you to have such a procedure (e.g., contracture from rutptured implant vs pain vs simple pocket adjustment, etc). Without knowing your issues and without an examination, it is difficult to tell you what may be the best thing for you. I tend to favor performing capsulectomies in order to create a fresh pocket, reshape the pocket, allow better shape and adherence of the overlying breast. I would discuss your issues with your plastic surgeon who will assist you in determining the right modality for you. Hope that this helps! Best wishes!

You may not find much meaningful advice on this forum for this question.  The answers to these questions absolutely require an in person exam as there are just too many factors that will contribute to your shape after explantation.  Discuss these issues specifically with your chosen board certified plastic surgeon to find your answers. 

The pocket left after explantation tends to disappear as scar tissue forms. there is no breast tissue filling anything in.