05/27/2026
Breast implant re-implantation after explant surgery can be one of the more technically challenging revision breast procedures.
For many reasons, women may choose to remove their breast implants. In some cases, after a period of time, they may decide they want implants placed again. However, explant surgery can leave behind telltale deformities, especially when the original implants were placed under the muscle.
Common issues after explantation may include:
• Lower pole adhesions
• Loss of soft tissue support in the lower breast
• Animation deformity from an unrepaired pectoralis muscle
• A visible line of demarcation between the muscle and lower pole tissue
• Double bubble deformity or tethering along the inframammary fold
In my experience, the key to correcting these problems is restoring the breast anatomy before placing a new implant.
In this case, the free edge of the pectoralis muscle was carefully dissected and repaired back to its natural origin along the inframammary fold and medial sternum. This helps eliminate animation deformity and restores a more natural relationship between the chest muscle and the breast.
Once the muscle was repaired, a new subfascial pocket was created above the muscle to accommodate the desired implant size. This approach allows the implant to sit naturally within the breast, helps re-expand the lower pole, softens adhesions, and improves the overall breast shape.
For this patient, we used a new-generation Motiva implant with SilkSurface technology. Motiva implants are a popular choice for many explant and revision patients because of their soft, natural feel, advanced biocompatibility, and lower inflammatory response, which may help reduce the risk of capsular contracture. Dr. John L. Burns Jr. is a board-certified plastic surgeon in Dallas, Texas, specializing in breast augmentation, breast implant revision, explant-to-reimplant surgery, and advanced aesthetic breast surgery.
To schedule a consultation:
📞 214-515-0002
🌐 www.drjohnburns.com
