For many women experiencing symptoms of Breast Implant Illness (BII), explant surgery provides significant relief—and in many cases, a dramatic improvement in day-to-day quality of life. At Dr. Paul McCluskey’s practice, women from across the country seek out his expertise in breast implant removal, capsulectomy, and aesthetic restoration after explant.

What Is Explant Surgery?

Explant surgery is the removal of breast implants. In most BII cases, it is performed with a total capsulectomy, meaning the surrounding capsule (scar tissue) is also removed. Some patients request “en bloc” capsulectomy, where the implant and capsule are removed together when medically feasible.

How Explant Surgery Helps With BII

Many patients report noticeable improvement in symptoms shortly after explant surgery. Potential benefits include:

• Increased energy and reduced fatigue

• Sharper mental clarity and improved concentration

• Relief from joint and muscle pain

• Reduced inflammation

• Improved sleep

• Less anxiety or mood instability

• Better breathing and reduced chest tightness

• Clearer skin and fewer rashes

While every patient’s experience is different, the overall trend is clear: removing the implants and capsule often reduces systemic inflammatory stress.

The Explant Procedure With Dr. McCluskey

Dr. McCluskey prioritizes patient safety and complete removal of the implant and capsule when appropriate. During your consultation, he will discuss:

• Your implant history

• Symptoms and health concerns

• Whether a total capsulectomy or en bloc approach is recommended

• Options for aesthetic reshaping, such as a breast lift or fat transfer

• What to expect before, during, and after surgery

His goal is to help you feel better—both physically and emotionally—while still maintaining a natural breast appearance.

Recovery and Results

Recovery after explant surgery typically involves:

• 1–2 weeks of downtime

• Compression garments

• Activity restrictions for 4–6 weeks

• Gradual improvements in symptoms over the first several months

Many patients feel relief almost immediately, while others see steady improvement as inflammation decreases and the body resets.

Feeling Like Yourself Again

Patients often describe explant surgery as a “turning point” in their healing journey. Whether your priority is symptom relief, breast aesthetics, or both, Dr. McCluskey provides tailored care to help you move forward with confidence.

If you’re considering explant surgery to address Breast Implant Illness symptoms, contact Dr. Paul McCluskey to schedule a consultation and discuss your health concerns.

For more information on procedures and treatments offered by Plastic Surgeon, Dr. Paul McCluskey and the Plastic Surgery Institute of Atlanta, visit:

• • psiatlanta.com
  • sexualaesthetics.com
  • lipedemaspecialist.com

Serving patients in and around Marietta, Atlanta, Roswell, Sandy Springs, Alpharetta, Buckhead, Morningside/Lenox Park, Virginia-Highland, Candler Park, Midtown, Inman Park, Poncey-Highland, Ormewood Park, Georgia and other surrounding areas.

Breast Implant Illness (BII) has become a growing topic of discussion among women with breast implants. Although not an official medical diagnosis, thousands of women report experiencing symptoms they believe are connected to their implants. At Dr. Paul McCluskey’s practice, many patients seek guidance, evaluation, and support when they begin noticing unexplained health changes. Recognizing the signs early can help you make informed decisions about your health and your breast implants.

What Is Breast Implant Illness?

Breast Implant Illness refers to a wide range of systemic symptoms that some women experience after breast augmentation or reconstruction. These symptoms may appear months or years after surgery, making them difficult to connect to implants without professional guidance. While research continues, the most important factor is how women feel—and many report significant symptom improvement after implant removal.

Common Symptoms of BII

Women experiencing BII often report multiple symptoms affecting different systems of the body. These may include:

• Chronic fatigue or low energy

• Brain fog, memory problems, or difficulty concentrating

• Joint or muscle pain

• Unexplained anxiety or depression

• Hair thinning or shedding

• Chest tightness or difficulty breathing

• Skin rashes or allergy-like reactions

• Hormonal imbalance

• Sleep disturbances

• Headaches or migraines

• Gastrointestinal issues

The variety and intensity of symptoms can vary widely, which is why individualized evaluation is essential.

Why Do These Symptoms Occur?

Although there is no single confirmed cause, proposed contributors include:

• Inflammatory response to the implant or capsule

• Immune system sensitivity

• Biofilm or bacterial contamination

• Silicone “bleed” or gel breakdown in certain implants

• Heavy metal exposure from implant materials

Not every patient with implants will develop symptoms, but for those who do, identifying them early is key.

When to Seek a Consultation

If you have implants and begin experiencing persistent, unexplained symptoms that affect your daily life, it may be time to seek guidance. Dr. McCluskey evaluates each patient carefully, reviewing symptoms, health history, implant type, and imaging when necessary. Patients never have to justify how they feel—your symptoms and concerns are real and deserve attention.

Supporting Your Health Moving Forward

Whether you just want clarity, want your implants removed, or want options for reconstruction after explant, Dr. McCluskey provides honest, compassionate recommendations.

If you suspect you may be experiencing Breast Implant Illness, schedule a consultation with Dr. Paul McCluskey to explore your symptoms and treatment options.

For more information on procedures and treatments offered by Plastic Surgeon, Dr. Paul McCluskey and the Plastic Surgery Institute of Atlanta, visit:

• • psiatlanta.com
  • sexualaesthetics.com
  • lipedemaspecialist.com

Serving patients in and around Marietta, Atlanta, Roswell, Sandy Springs, Alpharetta, Buckhead, Morningside/Lenox Park, Virginia-Highland, Candler Park, Midtown, Inman Park, Poncey-Highland, Ormewood Park, Georgia and other surrounding areas.

Breast augmentation is one of the most common plastic surgery procedures, but not every result lasts forever. Over time, implants may shift, complications may occur, or preferences may change. That’s where revision breast surgery comes in. This procedure corrects issues from prior surgeries, restores aesthetics, and improves comfort. Plastic surgeon Dr. Paul McCluskey provides breast revision to patients in Atlanta, Marietta, Georgia, and surrounding locations.

Reasons for Revision Surgery

Revision breast surgery may be needed for several reasons, including capsular contracture, implant rupture or deflation, size or style changes, implant malposition (such as bottoming out or lateral displacement), rippling, asymmetry, or aging-related changes in breast tissue. Some patients also choose revision for aesthetic updates—switching from saline to silicone implants, or opting for a more natural size and shape.

What the Procedure Involves

Because revision breast surgery must account for scar tissue, stretched skin, and prior incisions, it’s often more complex than the initial augmentation. The surgical plan is customized for each patient. It may involve replacing implants with new ones, removing implants completely, performing a capsulectomy, adding a breast lift, or combining fat transfer for a softer, natural look.

Recovery Expectations

Recovery after revision surgery varies depending on the extent of the procedure. Generally, patients can expect one to two weeks of downtime before resuming light activities, with full healing taking several weeks to months. As with any breast surgery, swelling and bruising are common in the early phase.

Tips for Patients Considering Revision

• Choose a surgeon with extensive experience in breast revision cases.

• Be clear about your aesthetic goals during consultation.

• Understand that revision may be more complex than the original surgery.

• Consider combining revision with a lift if skin laxity is a concern.

Why It Matters

Revision breast surgery restores comfort, confidence, and satisfaction. Whether you’re correcting complications or updating your look, working with a skilled surgeon ensures the best possible outcome.

For more information on procedures and treatments offered by Plastic Surgeon, Dr. Paul McCluskey and the Plastic Surgery Institute of Atlanta, visit:

• • psiatlanta.com
  • sexualaesthetics.com
  • lipedemaspecialist.com

Serving patients in and around Marietta, Atlanta, Roswell, Sandy Springs, Alpharetta, Buckhead, Morningside/Lenox Park, Virginia-Highland, Candler Park, Midtown, Inman Park, Poncey-Highland, Ormewood Park, Georgia and other surrounding areas.

Choosing to have breast implants removed is a deeply personal decision, and one that more women are making each year. Whether due to changes in preference, complications, or concerns about breast implant illness, understanding the process of breast implant removal can help you feel more prepared and confident. This article explores what to expect before, during, and after surgery, along with recovery tips to support your healing. Plastic surgeon Dr. Paul McCluskey provides breast implant removal to patients in Atlanta, Marietta, Georgia, and surrounding locations.

Reasons for Breast Implant Removal

There are many reasons a woman may decide to have her implants removed. Some of the most common include capsular contracture (tightening of scar tissue around the implant), implant rupture or leakage, changes in breast size preference, discomfort, shifting of the implants over time, or health concerns such as breast implant illness or BIA-ALCL (a rare type of lymphoma associated with textured implants). Others simply decide their implants no longer fit their lifestyle or aesthetic preferences.

The Procedure: What Happens During Surgery

Breast implant removal is performed under general anesthesia. Depending on your goals and medical situation, your surgeon may recommend one of several approaches. A straightforward removal involves taking out the implants but leaving the capsule (scar tissue) behind. A capsulectomy removes both the implant and some or all of the surrounding capsule. An en bloc capsulectomy removes the implant and the capsule as one unit, often preferred if there are concerns about leakage. Sometimes, a breast lift (mastopexy) or fat transfer is recommended at the same time to restore shape after removal.

What to Expect Immediately After Surgery

After implant removal, you can expect some swelling, bruising, and discomfort. Most patients wear a compression garment or surgical bra to minimize swelling and support the healing breasts. You’ll likely feel sore for several days, but pain is manageable with prescribed or over-the-counter medication.

Recovery Timeline

Recovery varies by patient, but most follow a general timeline. In the first week, rest is critical, with limited arm movement and no heavy lifting. Weeks two and three bring gradual improvement in comfort and mobility, though strenuous activity is still off-limits. By four to six weeks, many patients resume normal routines, though final results continue to evolve over several months as swelling subsides.

Tips for a Smooth Recovery

• Follow all post-operative instructions closely.

• Wear compression garments as directed.

• Sleep on your back to avoid pressure on healing tissue.

• Avoid strenuous activity and lifting until cleared by your surgeon.

• Attend all follow-up appointments to ensure proper healing.

Emotional Considerations

Beyond the physical healing, many patients experience emotional shifts after implant removal. Some feel empowered by returning to their natural body, while others need time to adjust to changes in breast shape or size. Support from friends, family, or counseling can be helpful.

Breast implant removal is a safe and effective procedure when performed by a board-certified plastic surgeon. By knowing what to expect and following recovery guidelines, you can set yourself up for the best possible outcome—both physically and emotionally.

For more information on procedures and treatments offered by Plastic Surgeon, Dr. Paul McCluskey and the Plastic Surgery Institute of Atlanta, visit:

• • psiatlanta.com
  • sexualaesthetics.com
  • lipedemaspecialist.com

Serving patients in and around Marietta, Atlanta, Roswell, Sandy Springs, Alpharetta, Buckhead, Morningside/Lenox Park, Virginia-Highland, Candler Park, Midtown, Inman Park, Poncey-Highland, Ormewood Park, Georgia and other surrounding areas.