Orange County Breast Implant Removal

Breast implants don’t always last a lifetime. Whether due to changes in personal preference, medical concerns, or implant complications, breast implant removal—also called explant surgery—can help restore comfort, health, and confidence.

Fresh Start: Expert Breast Implant Removal

At Cara Plastic Surgery, Dr. David Kahng offers expert breast implant removal in Orange County tailored to your needs and goals.

Why Women Choose Breast Explant Surgery

Breast implant removal is performed for a variety of reasons, both cosmetic and medical. Common motivations include:

Aesthetic changes or a shift in personal preference
Implant complications, such as rupture or capsular contracture
Desire to downsize, switch implant types, or go implant-free
Pain, discomfort, or hardness in the breasts
Health concerns such as infection or tissue damage

In some cases, patients may opt for fat transfer or a breast lift to maintain volume or shape after implant removal.

Common Reasons for Implant Removal

Implant Rupture or Deflation

Saline implants may deflate due to rupture, resulting in an asymmetrical appearance. Silicone implant ruptures are less noticeable but can still lead to firmness, discomfort, and changes in shape.

Capsular Contracture

This condition occurs when the scar tissue around an implant tightens, causing the breast to feel hard and look distorted. Removal of both the implant and the surrounding capsule may be necessary.

Shifting or Asymmetry

Over time—or due to pregnancy, weight fluctuations, or aging—implants can shift on the chest wall, leading to a misaligned or uneven appearance.

Infection or Tissue Damage

In rare cases, implants can lead to infections or necrosis (tissue death), requiring prompt removal to protect overall health.

Breast Explant Options with Dr. Kahng

Dr. Kahng performs several types of explant procedures at our Orange County facility, each tailored to the patient’s anatomy, implant history, and goals.

Implant Removal Only

For patients who wish to simply remove their implants with no replacement or lift, a straightforward explant procedure is performed through the original incision sites.

Explant with Fat Transfer

For those who want to retain volume without returning to implants, fat is harvested from another area of the body, purified, and injected into the breasts for subtle, natural enhancement.

Explant with Capsulectomy

When capsular contracture is present, Dr. Kahng removes both the implant and the surrounding capsule. This may be a partial or full capsulectomy, depending on the condition of the tissue.

Explant with Breast Lift

Implant removal may result in sagging or excess skin. In these cases, Dr. Kahng performs a breast lift to reshape and elevate the breasts, restoring a more youthful, supported contour.

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Who Is a Candidate for Breast Implant Removal?

You may be a candidate for breast explant surgery in Orange County if you:

Are in good overall health
Do not smoke or are willing to stop before surgery
Have experienced complications with implants
Feel your breasts are too heavy, firm, or asymmetrical
No longer feel aligned with your implants aesthetically
Have realistic expectations about surgical outcomes

woman with makeup and low cut dress holding up a blanket

Recovery After Breast Explant Surgery

Recovery varies depending on whether additional procedures (such as a lift or fat transfer) are performed. Most patients experience swelling, tenderness, and fatigue for the first several days. A compression garment may be recommended to support healing and reduce swelling.

Patients typically return to non-strenuous work within one to two weeks, though full healing may take several weeks. Dr. Kahng will provide detailed aftercare instructions, including activity restrictions and incision care guidelines.

Risks and Considerations

As with any surgery, breast implant removal carries potential risks. These may include:

Temporary or permanent changes in breast or nipple sensation
Irregular breast contour or shape
Visible scarring
Fluid buildup (seroma)
Breast asymmetry
Infection or poor wound healing
Possibility of revision surgery

Dr. Kahng takes every precaution to minimize risks and ensure a smooth, safe recovery.

Why Choose Dr. Kahng for Breast Implant Removal in Orange County?

Dr. David Kahng is a trusted plastic surgeon with extensive experience in both breast augmentation and explant procedures. Known for his surgical precision and patient-focused approach, he carefully evaluates every case to deliver results that are natural, balanced, and aligned with your vision.

At Cara Plastic Surgery in Orange County, patients receive care in a fully accredited, state-of-the-art facility where safety, discretion, and aesthetic excellence are the top priorities.