Considering breast implant removal? Whether your implants feel too big, too heavy, or simply no longer fit your lifestyle, Dr. Jack Peterson in Topeka offers personalized options to help you look and feel your best. From simple removal to a lift for a youthful contour, your treatment plan is tailored to your needs and goals.
Breast Implant Removal with Dr. Jack Peterson in Topeka, Kansas
Considering Breast Implant Removal? You’re Not Alone.
Breast implants are not lifetime devices. While many women enjoy their results for decades, there often comes a time when they are ready for a change. Whether it’s because your implants feel too big, too heavy, you’re ready for a new chapter in your life, or they’ve simply reached the end of their lifespan, breast implant removal—also called explant surgery—can help you feel comfortable and confident again.
Dr. Jack Peterson, a board-certified plastic surgeon in Topeka, Kansas, has more than two decades of experience helping women with both breast augmentation and breast implant removal. He understands that the decision to remove implants is highly personal and will walk you through your options, your goals, and your desired outcome.
Why Women Choose to Remove Their Breast Implants
Breast implant removal is a common procedure for women in a variety of circumstances. Some of the most frequent reasons include:
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Size concerns: Implants may feel too large or no longer fit your lifestyle.
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Physical discomfort: Heaviness, back or neck pain, or difficulty with exercise can be caused by larger implants.
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Aesthetic changes: Over time, breast tissue and skin can change, affecting how implants look and feel.
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Implant age: Most implants last about 20–25 years. Beyond that, they may need replacement or removal.
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Capsular contracture: The natural scar tissue capsule around the implant can harden, distort shape, or cause discomfort.
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Rupture or leak: Both saline and silicone implants can break down over time, requiring removal.
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Lifestyle or personal preference: Some women simply feel ready for a new look—smaller, lighter, or more natural.
No matter your reason, Dr. Peterson will listen to your concerns and help you decide which surgical option best meets your needs.
Your Options After Implant Removal
One of the first questions patients ask is: What will my breasts look like after removal? The answer depends on several factors, including how long you’ve had implants, the size of the implants, the amount of natural breast tissue you have, and the quality of your skin.
Here are the most common options Dr. Peterson offers:
1. Breast Implant Removal Only
If your skin has good elasticity and you have a reasonable amount of natural tissue, you may choose to simply remove your implants without additional procedures. This can work well for smaller implants or if you are comfortable with a more relaxed, natural breast shape.
2. Breast Implant Removal with Breast Lift (Mastopexy)
For many women, especially those who have had implants for 20+ years or have larger implants, the skin may have stretched, and breast tissue may have settled lower. A breast lift after implant removal helps restore a youthful, perky shape by tightening skin, lifting tissue, and repositioning the nipple for a natural look.
Dr. Peterson notes: “The majority of my patients choose a lift after implant removal because it allows them to maintain a nice shape and contour.”
3. Breast Implant Replacement
If you still like the look and feel of implants but want to change size or type, replacement is an option. You can choose smaller implants, a different material (silicone or saline), or newer implant technology for a refreshed look.
What About the Capsule?
Every breast implant naturally develops a scar tissue layer around it, called a capsule. In some cases, this capsule is soft and harmless. In others, it can harden (capsular contracture) or become thick and distorted.
Dr. Peterson’s approach:
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If the capsule is healthy and thin, it is often left in place to avoid unnecessary trauma to surrounding tissue.
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If the capsule is hardened, thickened, or causing symptoms, he may remove part or all of it—a procedure called a capsulectomy.
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This decision is always made in conversation with you after reviewing your medical history, symptoms, and surgical goals.
The Breast Implant Removal Process
Consultation
Your journey begins with a private, one-on-one consultation with Dr. Peterson. During this visit:
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You’ll discuss your reasons for implant removal and desired outcome.
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Dr. Peterson will evaluate your breast tissue, skin quality, and implant history.
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You’ll review your surgical options, incision possibilities, and recovery expectations.
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Together, you’ll decide whether to combine removal with a lift or other procedures.
Surgical Technique
Implant removal is usually performed under general anesthesia in a hospital setting for safety and comfort. Incisions may be:
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Through your original augmentation incision (often under the breast fold)
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Around the areola if combined with a lift
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Vertical or anchor-shaped if a more significant lift is needed
“It’s not always the same incision for every patient,” says Dr. Peterson. “I customize each surgery based on the patient’s goals and anatomy.”
Recovery
Most patients experience minimal discomfort and can resume light activity within a few days. Dr. Peterson’s patients often report feeling lighter and more comfortable almost immediately—especially those removing heavy implants.
Life After Implant Removal
Many women find that implant removal is a freeing experience—both physically and emotionally. You may notice:
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Better posture and ease with exercise
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Relief from back, neck, or shoulder discomfort
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More natural clothing fit
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Renewed confidence in your appearance
Some patients describe it as “closing a chapter” and starting fresh—whether that’s returning to a natural look or enjoying the results of a lift.
Breast Lift After Implant Removal: Why It’s Popular
For women who have had implants for 15–25 years, skin stretching is common. A lift helps:
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Reshape the breast mound
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Remove excess skin
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Reposition the nipple to a youthful height
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Improve symmetry and contour
Dr. Peterson’s breast lifts are tailored to minimize scarring while providing long-lasting results.
FAQ: Breast Implant Removal with Dr. Peterson
How long do implants last?
While some last longer, most breast implants have a lifespan of 15–25 years. Over time, the risk of rupture or changes in breast appearance increases.
Will I need a lift?
Not always—but if your implants are large or you’ve had them for decades, a lift is often the best way to maintain a youthful shape after removal.
What if I have capsular contracture?
If the capsule is causing issues, Dr. Peterson will discuss removing part or all of it during your procedure.
Can I replace my implants instead?
Yes—if you want a different size or newer implants, replacement can be done at the same time.
Why Choose Dr. Jack Peterson for Breast Implant Removal
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Board-certified plastic surgeon with decades of experience
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Performs surgery in a hospital-based setting for safety
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Offers both removal-only and removal-with-lift options
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Customizes every procedure to your needs
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Transparent about whether capsule removal is necessary
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Known for compassionate, patient-centered care
Schedule Your Breast Implant Removal Consultation
If you’re ready to downsize, remove, or refresh your breast implants, Dr. Jack Peterson can help you explore your options. Whether your implants are too big, too heavy, 20 years old, or you simply want a change, you deserve expert guidance and beautiful results.
📞 Call us today at (785) 234-9000 or request a consultation online to start the conversation.
