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Implant Removal
Charlotte's Most Trusted Plastic Surgeon
— delivering confidence through precision and care.
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A Fresh Start for Your Body
Your relationship with your body changes over time, and so can your feelings about breast implants. What felt right a decade ago may no longer align with who you are today. At May Plastic Surgery, Dr. Brian May helps patients move forward with breast implant removal, addressing both the physical and emotional aspects of this decision with the care and expertise they deserve.
General or IV sedation
1-2 hours
1-2 weeks
What is
Implant Removal
?
Breast implant removal, also called explant surgery, is a procedure that removes breast implants that were placed during a previous augmentation. The surgery may also involve removing some or all of the scar tissue capsule that naturally forms around implants over time.
For many women, the decision to remove implants comes after years of satisfaction followed by a shift in priorities, lifestyle or aesthetic preferences. Others seek removal due to complications or physical discomfort. Whatever your reason, breast implant removal can help you feel comfortable and confident in your body again.
- Dr. Brian May
What Can Breast Implant Removal Address?
If you'd like to return to your natural breasts, implant removal can help you achieve your goals. Dr. May's expert techniques can address:
- A desire to return to your natural breast appearance
- Changes in aesthetic preferences over time
- Implant-related complications, such as capsular contracture
- Concerns about implant rupture or integrity
- Physical discomfort or heaviness from implants
- Lifestyle changes that make implants feel less appropriate
- Symptoms associated with breast implant illness
For patients who prefer to remove their implants without exchanging them, explant surgery can be combined with a breast lift or fat grafting to retain some shape and volume. Dr. May will discuss all your options during your consultation, including whether additional procedures might help you achieve your ideal outcome.
The Art & Science of Breast Surgery With Dr. May
Dr. May recognizes the real experiences that bring patients to his consultation room. Pregnancy, breastfeeding, weight fluctuations and the natural aging process all leave their mark on the breasts, affecting how you feel in your clothes, at the beach or in intimate moments. His approach to breast surgery helps you regain your confidence with beautiful results that enhance your natural contours, with an emphasis on restoring proportion and balance.
Dr. May's breast surgery experience spans the full range of procedures, from breast lifts and reductions to augmentations and revisions. He performs each with the same level of detail and precision his patients have come to expect, delivering results that look and feel natural. His thoughtful approach gives you the time, space and guidance to make decisions that are right for your body, helping you feel confident in your choices throughout the entire process.
- Dr. Brian May
Breast Implant Removal
Procedure Details
At May Plastic Surgery, breast implant removal is performed as an outpatient procedure under general anesthesia or IV sedation. Dr. May typically accesses the implant through your existing incision whenever possible, minimizing additional scarring.
Once the incision is made, Dr. May carefully removes the implant from its pocket. Depending on the condition of the surrounding capsule, he may perform a capsulectomy to remove some or all of the scar tissue. If the capsule appears normal and you're not experiencing symptoms of capsular contracture, there's no medical requirement to remove it.
For patients who want to maintain breast volume, Dr. May can discuss options like exchanging implants for a different size or using fat transfer to add natural fullness. If you're concerned about excess skin after implant removal, he may recommend combining explant surgery with a breast lift to restore a firm, youthful shape.
Recovery & Results
Recovery from breast implant removal is often easier than patients expect. You'll experience some swelling, bruising and mild discomfort during the first week, but many women report feeling lighter and more comfortable almost immediately. You'll wear a surgical bra during your recovery, and most patients return to desk work within seven to 10 days.
Your breasts will look different right away, though final results continue to develop as swelling subsides and tissues settle into their new shape. If you've had implants for many years, your natural breast tissue may take several months to fully adjust. Some patients find their breasts retain more natural volume than they anticipated, while others may benefit from a follow-up procedure to address loose skin once healing is complete.
Inside the Consultation Room With
Dr. Brian May
Adjunct Procedures:
To take your
Implant Removal
results to the next level, consider these options for a more complete transformation:
Request Your Consultation
Choosing to remove your breast implants is a highly personal decision, and you deserve a surgeon who listens and understands your goals. Dr. May takes time to discuss your options in detail so you can feel confident about your path forward. Call May Plastic Surgery at 704-200-2493 to schedule your consultation and learn more about breast implant removal.
Let's Connect
We are here to help. Whether you’re exploring your options or ready to schedule, our team is here to answer your questions about procedures, recovery, and next steps — and to personally guide you every step of the way.