A growing number of women in Arizona and across the United States are opting to have their breast implants removed, citing both personal and health-related reasons.
Carissa Schultz, a woman from Arizona, is among those choosing explantation surgery. She underwent breast augmentation in her 20s to boost her self-confidence but eventually realized she no longer loved her post-surgery appearance. Around the 10-year mark, Schultz began considering having the implants removed.
“Life unfolds,” Schultz said. “I became a mother. The thought of going under was daunting, but by 2024, I was dealing with a lot of sickness. While I don’t believe my implants caused it, I thought maybe now is the time. Let’s just remove them and see if it improves my wellbeing.”
Schultz had her breast implants surgically removed about a year ago by Dr. Ricky Brown, a board-certified plastic surgeon at Brown Plastic Surgery in Scottsdale. After 17 years in practice, Dr. Brown has noticed a significant increase in women requesting explant surgeries.
“Over the last three to four years, we’ve seen a huge surge in explantation,” Brown said. “Some women feel they no longer need them, others are focusing on athleticism or prefer a more natural look. Social media and discussions about breast implant illness have also played a role.”
While breast implant illness is not formally recognized as a medical diagnosis, some women report symptoms such as brain fog, joint pain, swelling, rashes, thyroid problems, and gut issues. Brown emphasizes that scientific evidence linking implants to these symptoms is limited, but he takes patient concerns seriously.
“There’s no test to predict who will experience these symptoms,” Brown said. “Some women feel better after explantation, while others do not. My approach is informed consent: patients should know the risks and make the decision that’s right for them.”
Results of explantation can vary. Some women regain a shape similar to their natural body, while others may require additional procedures, such as a breast lift, to achieve their desired look. Costs are typically comparable to the original augmentation.
For Schultz, the surgery was transformative. “I feel lighter, more like myself, and more confident than I expected,” she said. “My implants made me feel more self-conscious than self-confident. It’s been wonderful to feel like myself again.”
She hopes her experience encourages other women to prioritize their wellbeing and self-confidence over societal pressures. “True beauty comes from within,” Schultz said. “At 40-something, my focus is on health, fitness, and feeling confident in my body rather than seeking external validation. We can be beautiful at every stage of life.”
