SCOTTSDALE, AZ

Breast Explant

Breast explant surgery, or “breast implant removal,” is a procedure designed for women who wish to remove breast implants for aesthetic, medical, or personal reasons. Whether due to implant complications, lifestyle changes, older implants, or a preference for smaller or larger breasts, Dr. Marc Malek provides top-tier surgical skills and can guide you through this transformative journey.

Duration

30-45 min

Downtime

Minimal

What is Breast Explant Surgery?

Breast explant surgery involves the removal of saline or silicone implants. The implants may be removed in combination with the scar tissue that naturally develops around implants over time (capsulectomy). The procedure is customized and will reflect your goals and medical needs. In some cases, patients may choose to undergo a breast lift when the implants are removed. This will restore the natural breast tissues for a rounded, lifted, youthful look.

Who is a Candidate for Breast Implant Removal?

You may consider breast explant surgery if you:

  • Experience discomfort or complications such as capsular contracture, rupture, or implant shifting
  • Want to return to a natural breast size and shape
  • Are concerns about Breast Implant Illness (BII) or systemic symptoms related to implants
  • Have implants that have reached their lifespan and require replacement or removal
  • No longer feel that implants align with your aesthetic goals or lifestyle

What Is the Breast Explant Procedure?

Dr. Malek performs breast implant removal with precision and care to ensure the most positive results. Depending on the case, the surgery may be one of the following:

  • Total or Partial Capsulectomy – Removing part or all of the scar tissue surrounding the implant
  • En Bloc Capsulectomy – Removing the implant and capsule as one unit, when medically necessary
  • Breast Lift (Mastopexy) – Reshaping and lifting the natural breast tissue after implants are removed
  • Fat Transfer – Adding natural volume using the patient’s own fat for a subtle, natural enhancement

The procedure is performed under general anesthesia and typically takes one to three hours, depending on the situation, and whether an implant has ruptured, or the patient is experiencing complications of any type.

What is Recovery Like?

Patients can expect some swelling, bruising, and mild discomfort following surgery. Dr. Malek provides personalized aftercare instructions to ensure optimal healing. Most patients return to light activities within a week and resume full activity within four to six weeks. If combined with a breast lift, the recovery may be slightly longer.

Why Choose Dr. Marc Malek for Breast Implant Removal?

Dr. Marc Malek is a double board-certified plastic surgeon in Phoenix & Scottsdale with extensive expertise in both breast augmentation and explant procedures. His commitment to natural, beautiful results ensures that each patient receives a customized approach based on their individual needs. With years of experience helping patients achieve aesthetic harmony, Dr. Malek prioritizes safety, precision, and patient satisfaction.

Schedule a Consultation About Breast Explant Surgery

If you’re considering breast explant surgery, Dr. Malek and his team in Scottsdale, AZ are here to guide you through the process. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and explore your options for breast implant removal.

PATIENT EDUCATION

Frequently asked questions

Plastic Surgery: What You Need to Know About Certification.

A board-certified plastic surgeon has dedicated an average of sixteen years to advanced medical education and training – just the first step in achieving board certification as a plastic surgeon. Once the entire education and residency are completed, to become certified requires a lengthy and comprehensive two-day oral and written examination to evaluate scope of knowledge and understanding, ethical standing, and the physician’s approach to patient health and safety.

Many other medical professionals offer cosmetic procedures, including MDs – who may market their practice as a “cosmetic surgery” practice, but have not undergone the extensive specialty training of a board certified plastic surgeon. If you are planning a cosmetic procedure, qualifications matter – in a big way. You want a result that you love, not a disaster that requires revision surgery. Dr. Malek, a board-certified plastic surgeon, is often called upon to repair poorly performed cosmetic surgeries. Always check for board certification as a plastic and reconstructive surgeon if you are planning a cosmetic procedure.

During training, a plastic surgeon is working full time, and spends about 3,000 hours of hands-on practice under the training and supervision of a senior, certified plastic surgeon who is overseeing all of their work. One indicator of lack of board certification as a plastic surgeon who offers a “cut-rate” deal, but as the saying goes, you get what you pay for.Another indicator is that the medical professional offering cosmetic services who is not a board certified plastic surgeon will not have hospital privileges – almost all hospitals require plastic surgery procedures that are performed at their facility to be board certified reconstructive and plastic surgeons. Board certification is only awarded by the American Board of Plastic Surgery – no other group or entity with a similar-sounding name.

Surgeons who have completed the required residency for plastic and reconstructive surgery have the experience, knowledge, and surgical techniques to perform the most complex surgical procedures, including:FaceliftsNose jobs (rhinoplasty)Eyelid surgeryBrow liftBody liftTummy tuckArm liftBreast augmentationBreast liftBreast reductionBreast revisionBreast reconstruction

Unfortunately, there are many medical “boards,” and an MD can present themselves as a “plastic surgeon,” but have not gone through the extensive education and training of an actual board-certified plastic surgeon. You have the right to know the certification of a medical professional who offers a surgical procedure – just ask.Many other medical professionals offer cosmetic procedures, including MDs – who may market their practice as a “cosmetic surgery” practice, but have not undergone the extensive specialty training of a board certified plastic surgeon. If you are planning a cosmetic procedure, qualifications matter – in a big way. You want a result that you love, not a disaster that requires revision surgery. Dr. Malek, a board-certified plastic surgeon, is often called upon to repair poorly performed cosmetic surgeries. Always check for board certification as a plastic and reconstructive surgeon if you are planning a cosmetic procedure.

For a better understanding of the certification of a physician, the basics are as follows:A licensed MD has been educated in some surgical techniques, but not even close to the extent of the training required to achieve board certification as a plastic surgeon.A board-certified cosmetic surgeon is significantly different than a board certified plastic surgeon. Certification from the American Board of Medical Specialties does not issue certificates for “cosmetic surgery.” However, an MD is not violating the law by calling him or herself a “cosmetic surgeon.” The question is, does he or she have the experience, knowledge, and advanced techniques that will produce an excellent result?

Dr. Malek is an accomplished plastic surgeon who is known for his artistry and ability to create an aesthetic outcome in advanced cosmetic surgical procedures. He has dedicated his professional career – and years of his life in education and training – to achieving the highest quality possible in plastic surgery for face, breast, and body. You can trust Dr. Malek to focus on health and safety, and to perform your procedure correctly and with utmost attention to detail.