Your Breast Journey: The Implant and Explant Decision
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Your relationship with your body can change over time, and so can the way you feel about breast implants. You may be considering breast augmentation for the first time, wondering what to do with implants you have had for years, or thinking about breast implant removal.
In this episode of The Doc Dudes, board-certified plastic surgeons Dr. Garrett Harper and Dr. Evon Zoog of Graper Harper Cosmetic Surgery in Charlotte, NC, discuss the full breast implant journey and why your anatomy, lifestyle, and goals should guide your decisions—not social media trends.
Why You Might Choose Breast Implants
Breast augmentation isn’t always about dramatically increasing breast size. Dr. Harper and Dr. Zoog are seeing greater interest in smaller implants and more natural-looking results. An implant can sometimes be used primarily to improve breast shape, projection, or fullness rather than create a significant size change.
Your lifestyle also matters. During a consultation, your surgeon may consider your activity level, anatomy, desired cleavage and projection, and reference photos to better understand the look you want.
Do Breast Implants Need to Be Replaced Every 10 Years?
One persistent breast implant myth is that implants automatically need replacement after 10 years. However, no rule requires removing an otherwise problem-free implant simply because it reaches a certain age.
Instead, you may consider revision because your breasts have changed with aging, pregnancy, weight fluctuations, or lifestyle changes. An implant-related problem or a change in your aesthetic preferences may also lead you to consider replacement or removal.
What Happens If You Want Your Implants Removed?
Choosing explant surgery can be just as personal as choosing augmentation. After years with implants, your natural breast tissue, skin, and overall body may look different than they did before your original surgery.
Simply removing the implants may be appropriate for some women. Others may benefit from a breast lift to reshape existing tissue or fat grafting to restore some volume. The Doc Dudes emphasize that the right approach depends on what your breasts look like now and what you want them to look like afterward.
The surgeons also address breast implant illness, acknowledging that some women report feeling better after implant removal while emphasizing that its causes remain incompletely understood. Their message is to avoid making medical decisions based solely on frightening claims or individual experiences shared online.
Making the Decision That’s Right for You
There is no universal breast journey. You may love your implants for decades, decide you want a different size, or eventually prefer to live without them. A thoughtful consultation can help you understand what is medically appropriate and what each option could realistically achieve.
If you’re considering breast augmentation, implant revision, or explant surgery in Charlotte, NC, schedule a consultation with the celebrated team at Graper Harper Cosmetic Surgery. Call 704-375-7111 to discuss your options and create a plan based on your body and goals.