Is a Breast Explant and Lift Painful?

Mild to moderate discomfort is expected in the early recovery period, with clients describing it as tightness or soreness across the chest. This is well managed with prescribed medication and should improve within the first week.

How Many Appointments Will I Need?

You will need a consultation at Dr Baker’s New South Wales area office, a pre-operative appointment, the surgery itself and several follow-up visits to monitor healing and recovery.

How Long Until I See Results?

Breast explant and lift clients will see an immediate change in their breast shape and position following surgery; however, early results may be affected by swelling. As the tissues settle over the following weeks, the breasts will soften and refine into a more natural contour. Most will begin to see a clearer outcome within six to twelve weeks, with final results continuing to develop over three to six months.

How Soon Can I Travel After Breast Explant and Lift?

Short-distance travel is often possible within a few days of surgery, depending on your recovery and whether you’ve had any additional procedures. For longer travel, Dr Barker recommends clients wait at least one to two weeks. This helps ensure early healing is stable and reduces the risk of complications or disruption to follow-up care.

Breast Explant + Mastopexy (Lift) Plastic Surgeon Wollongong & Sydney

Breast explant and mastopexy (lift) surgery combines the removal of breast implants with a mastopexy to restore a more natural breast shape and position. It is commonly performed for patients who no longer wish to retain implants and are also concerned about skin laxity or changes in breast position following augmentation mammoplasty.

Introduction to Breast Explant + Mastopexy (Lift)

Breast Implant Removal with Breast Lift: Options, Risks and Recovery.

Dr Anthony Barker performs breast explant and lifts for patients across Surry Hills, Sydney and one of Dr Barker consultation rooms in Sydney or Wollongong to help them restore breast balance, reposition their breast tissue and help them achieve a result following their implant removal.

Risks and Considerations

Minimalist line drawing of female torso showing breast contour for explant and lift surgery illustration - Breast and Body in New South Wales, Australia

What is a Breast Explant and Mastopexy (Lift)?

A breast explant and Mastopexy (Lift) is a combined surgical procedure involving the removal of breast implants followed by a mastopexy. The aim is to reshape the remaining breast tissue, remove excess skin as needed, and reposition the nipple-areolar complex to a more elevated position.

This procedure is often recommended when implant removal alone would result in significant breast droop or loss of shape. The technique used depends on breast anatomy, skin quality, implant size, and the degree of tissue change over time.

Combining My Breast Explant and Mastopexy (Lift) with Other Procedures

Breast explant and Mastopexy (Lift) surgery may be combined with additional procedures to refine breast shape further or address body contour concerns.

Lipomodelling may be used to address subtle volume loss, improve contour smoothness, and refine breast shape after implant removal.

Who Are the Best Candidates for a Breast Explant and Mastopexy (Lift)?

You may be a suitable candidate for a breast explant and Mastopexy (Lift) if you are in the New South Wales area and are considering implant removal and also have concerns about breast shape or sagging. You may be a good fit if:

You have breast implants and no longer wish to retain them
You have noticeable breast ptosis or skin laxity following augmentation mammoplasty
You are seeking a change in breast appearance after implant removal
You are in good general health and do not smoke

What Are the Benefits of a Breast Explant and Mastopexy (Lift)?

Breast explant and Mastopexy (Lift) surgery is designed to restore natural breast shape while addressing the effects of previous augmentation mammoplasty. Benefits include:

Removal of breast implants with simultaneous reshaping of the breast tissue
Restoration of a elevated breast position
Improvement in breast shape following implant removal
Reduction of excess skin and correction of breast ptosis (drooping)
Creation of an appearance aligned with current preferences

Dr Anthony Barker in blue scrubs consulting with patient in medical office - in New South Wales, Australia

How to Begin Your Breast Explant and Mastopexy (Lift) Journey

It all starts with a consultation with Dr Anthony Barker at his Surry Hills practice, which serves the Sydney or Wollongong area. Your breast explant and Mastopexy (Lift) will begin when you follow these next steps:

Dr Barker will conduct a consultation to understand your goals, whether that involves implant removal alone or a combined breast lift to restore shape and position.
A full clinical assessment is performed to evaluate breast tissue quality, skin elasticity, implant characteristics and the degree of breast ptosis. Dr Barker will explain the surgical approach in practical terms, including how explant surgery and mastopexy can be combined to achieve a balanced outcome.
We develop a personalised surgical plan based on your anatomy, previous surgery, and desired result, with clear guidance on what is realistically achievable.e
Once you are ready, Dr Barker’s team will help you schedule surgery, prepare for the procedure, and understand each step of the recovery process.

What to Expect on the Day of Breast Explant and Mastopexy (Lift) Surgery

For your breast explant and lift surgery, you will admitted to an accrediated hospital facility where you will meet with your anaesthetist.

Your breast explant and Mastopexy (Lift) surgery will involve the removal of your implants followed by reshaping of the breast tissue and tightening of the surrounding skin. The nipple-areolar complex is also repositioned to help clients achieve a balanced breast contour.

After your surgery, you will be monitored in recovery before being released to go home.

Dr Anthony Barker in scrubs and glasses speaking with healthcare colleague in medical setting - in New South Wales, Australia

White ethereal smoke wisps dispersing against light background creating abstract atmospheric pattern

Breast Explant and Mastopexy (Lift) Recovery

Your Guide to Post-Breast Explant and Mastopexy (Lift) Care

Swelling, bruising and tightness are expected in the early stages of healing and are well managed with prescribed pain medication and by wearing your supportive surgical garment.

Most of Dr Barker’s breast explant and lift patients can return to light daily activities within one to two weeks, but avoid anything too strenuous or heavy lifting for around four to six weeks, or until cleared by Dr Barker.

Risks and Possible Complications of Implant Removal and Lift

Risks with breast explant and lift surgery may include bleeding, infection, delayed wound healing, scarring and changes in breast shape or symmetry. Some may also experience temporary or permanent changes in nipple or breast sensation.

In some cases, asymmetry (subtle or more noticeable), contour irregularities, or the need for revision surgery may occur as the tissues continue to settle.

How Much Does a Breast Explant and Mastopexy (Lift) Cost in New South Wales, Australia?

The cost of breast explant and Mastopexy (Lift) surgery in Surry Hills, Sydney varies depending on surgical complexity, implant removal requirements, degree of breast lift required, hospital fees and anaesthetist fees.

Because every patient requires a tailored surgical plan, Dr Barker can provide an accurate cost only after a consultation. We will provide a detailed breakdown of fees before proceeding with surgery.

Why Choose Dr Barker?

Breast explant and Mastopexy (Lift) surgery requires precise surgical judgement to balance implant removal with reshaping and lifting of the breast tissue.

Dr Anthony Barker is a Specialist Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon in the New South Wales area with extensive experience in breast surgery, including augmentation mammoplasty, mastopexy, revision procedures and reconstructive breast surgery. He is a member of the Australian Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) and a Fellow of the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons (FRACS).

His approach is structured, anatomy-driven, and focused on achieving an appropriate lift, and long-term stability.

Dr Anthony Barker standing in operating room with surgical lights and medical equipment in background - in New South Wales, Australia

Breast Explant + Mastopexy (Lift) FAQs

Breast explant and lift clients will see an immediate change in their breast shape and position following surgery; however, early results may be affected by swelling.

As the tissues settle over the following weeks, the breasts will soften and refine into a more natural contour. Most will begin to see a clearer outcome within six to twelve weeks, with final results continuing to develop over three to six months.
Risks with breast explant and lift surgery may include bleeding, infection, delayed wound healing, scarring and changes in breast shape or symmetry. Some may also experience temporary or permanent changes in nipple or breast sensation.

In certain cases, minor asymmetry, contour irregularities or the need for revision surgery may occur as the tissues continue to settle.

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