health
February 4, 2026
Goodbye, breast implants: why I went back to having a flat chest
At 56, I want to age naturally. Having breast implants ran counter to that, so I got explant surgery, which has surged in demand recently
TL;DR
- The author had breast implants for 22 years, feeling shame and a disconnect with her outdoor, athletic identity.
- The desire for implants was often rooted in societal beauty standards and personal insecurities.
- Explant surgery, the removal of breast implants without replacement, is experiencing a surge in popularity.
- Women cite reasons for explant surgery including capsular contracture, fear of breast implant illness (BII), discomfort, and a desire to embrace natural aging.
- The trend reflects a shift in perceptions of breast implants and a greater acceptance of diverse female forms.
- Some women who undergo mastectomy also choose to stay flat rather than opt for reconstruction.
- The cost of explant surgery can be less than replacement surgery.
- Psychological factors, such as feeling that implants were not a personal choice but influenced by others, are significant drivers for explant.
- The article suggests a broader cultural shift away from a singular ideal of femininity towards greater acceptance of individuality.
Continue reading the original article