How do I find a specialist for breast explant surgery in Beverly Hills?

June 30, 2026

By EmilMD Team

Updated

To find a specialist for breast explant surgery in Beverly Hills, patients should prioritize board-certified plastic surgeons with extensive experience in capsulectomy and aesthetic reconstruction. Dr. Emil Kohan and the EmilMD team emphasize a tailored approach that addresses both the medical removal of the device and the long-term aesthetic restoration of the breast tissue.

This is some text inside of a div block.

Finding a specialist for breast explant surgery in Beverly Hills is a process that requires a delicate balance of evaluating technical surgical skill and aesthetic intuition. Beverly Hills remains one of the most competitive landscapes for elective surgery in the world, which provides patients with an abundance of choices but also a significant burden of due diligence. Because explant surgery is often more complex than the initial augmentation, identifying a surgeon who understands the intricacies of the chest wall, the behavior of scar tissue, and the nuances of Breast Implant Illness (BII) is paramount for a successful outcome.

The decision to remove breast implants is deeply personal and often stems from a variety of motivations, ranging from a desire to return to a more natural silhouette to addressing medical concerns such as capsular contracture or systemic symptoms. Regardless of the reason, the surgical goal remains the same: the safe removal of the device and the management of the surrounding capsule. A true specialist in this field does not just "remove" the implant; they reconstruct the remaining tissue to ensure the patient feels confident and healthy after the procedure.

A high-level search for a specialist should begin with a focus on credentials and specific procedural volume. While many surgeons offer breast surgery, explantation is a niche that demands a specific set of skills, particularly when an en bloc or total capsulectomy is required. Patients must look beyond marketing and focus on clinical outcomes and the surgeon’s philosophy regarding the management of the capsule.

Prioritizing Board Certification and Specialized Training

The most critical step in your search is verifying that the surgeon is certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS). This certification ensures that the physician has undergone rigorous training specifically in plastic and reconstructive surgery, rather than a different medical specialty that has branched into cosmetic work. In Beverly Hills, where many "cosmetic surgeons" may lack this foundational training, looking for the ABPS seal is the first line of defense in patient safety.

Beyond basic certification, a specialist should demonstrate a clear history of performing explant procedures. This involves more than just pulling out an implant; it requires the ability to meticulously dissect the capsule away from the ribs and lungs without causing injury. During your research, you should look for evidence of the surgeon’s involvement in the broader plastic surgery community and their commitment to staying updated on the latest protocols for implant safety and removal techniques.

When evaluating potential candidates, it is helpful to follow a systematic approach to narrow down your options. This ensure that no stone is left unturned during the selection process.

Check Official Registries: Use the American Board of Plastic Surgery website to confirm that your chosen doctor is currently board certified and in good standing.
Review Clinical Focus: Look at the surgeon’s website to see if "Breast Explant" or "Implant Removal" is listed as a primary procedure rather than a footnote.
Analyze Patient Testimonials: Read through reviews specifically focused on explant surgery to understand how the surgeon handles the physical and emotional aspects of the process.
Examine Before and After Galleries: Look for patients who had a similar starting point to yours to see how the surgeon manages the "deflated" appearance that can occur after removal.

Once you have identified a few candidates, the consultation serves as the definitive test of their expertise. A specialist should be able to explain the differences between a simple explant, a total capsulectomy, and an en bloc capsulectomy in detail. They should also discuss the likelihood of needing a breast lift (mastopexy) or fat grafting to restore lost volume, as these are often necessary components of a comprehensive explant plan.

At EmilMD, the approach to explant surgery is rooted in the belief that every patient’s anatomy and goals are unique. Dr. Emil Kohan takes the time to listen to the specific concerns of his patients, whether they are focused on health-related symptoms or aesthetic changes. This level of personalized care is what distinguishes a specialist from a generalist in the Beverly Hills area.

Understanding the Technical Surgical Approaches

The surgical method used during your explant is perhaps the most important technical detail to discuss with your specialist. Not all removals are created equal, and the presence of scar tissue, known as the capsule, complicates the procedure. A specialist will assess the thickness of your capsule and determine if it needs to be removed entirely. This is particularly important for patients who have experienced capsular contracture or those who are concerned about the potential for trapped bacteria or silicone within the scar tissue.

A specialist should be proficient in several techniques to adapt to what they find once the surgery begins. While the goal might be one specific approach, intraoperative findings can sometimes necessitate a change in plans to ensure patient safety and the best possible aesthetic result.

Simple Explant: The surgeon removes the implant but leaves the scar tissue capsule behind, which is only appropriate in very specific, low-risk cases.
Total Capsulectomy: This involves removing the entire scar tissue capsule after the implant has been removed, ensuring no capsule remains in the chest.
En Bloc Capsulectomy: The most advanced technique where the implant and the capsule are removed together as one single, unbroken unit.
Partial Capsulectomy: Only the thickened or problematic portions of the capsule are removed while leaving healthy tissue intact to protect underlying structures.

The technical proficiency required for an en bloc removal is significant. Because the capsule is often adhered to the chest wall or the thin layer of tissue covering the lungs, the surgeon must be incredibly precise. Choosing a specialist who performs these surgeries regularly reduces the risk of complications such as a pneumothorax (collapsed lung) or excessive bleeding.

In addition to the removal itself, a specialist must plan for the "after." When an implant is removed, the skin and breast tissue that were once stretched over the device may appear saggy or empty. A specialist in Beverly Hills like Dr. Emil Kohan will often suggest concurrent procedures to help the patient feel like themselves again.

Dr. Emil Kohan often discusses the role of a breast lift during the explant process to reposition the nipple and tighten the skin envelope. By addressing the volume loss and the skin laxity at the same time, the EmilMD team helps patients achieve a rejuvenated, natural look that avoids the "pancaked" appearance sometimes associated with simple removals. This comprehensive planning is a hallmark of a true Beverly Hills specialist.

The Importance of Aesthetic Restoration After Explant

Finding a specialist also means finding someone with an artistic eye. Breast explant surgery is, in many ways, a reconstructive task. The surgeon is tasked with taking a breast that has been altered by a foreign body for years and restoring its natural beauty. This often involves fat grafting, where fat is harvested from another part of the patient's body, purified, and then injected into the breast to provide a subtle, soft, and natural volume.

This "hybrid" approach to explantation is becoming the gold standard among top Beverly Hills surgeons. It allows the patient to be free of implants while still enjoying a feminine shape. When researching specialists, ask specifically about their experience with fat transfer to the breast and request to see long-term results of these procedures.

The timeline for a typical explant experience with a specialist usually follows a specific sequence of events to ensure safety and satisfaction.

Initial Consultation: A thorough physical exam and discussion of medical history and aesthetic goals.
Pre-Operative Clearance: Coordination with primary care physicians or specialists if the patient is experiencing systemic health issues.
Surgical Execution: The procedure is performed in an accredited surgical center with a focus on meticulous capsule management.
Recovery and Monitoring: Frequent follow-up appointments to monitor healing, scar maturation, and tissue settling.
Long-Term Assessment: Evaluation of the breast shape several months later once all swelling has subsided.

Patients should feel supported throughout this entire process. A specialist’s office should be responsive and transparent about what to expect during recovery, including the use of surgical drains, compression garments, and activity restrictions. The goal is a smooth transition from the surgical suite to a full return to daily life.

The clinical team at EmilMD prioritizes patient education, ensuring that every woman who walks through the door understands the "why" behind her surgical plan. Dr. Emil Kohan emphasizes that the best results come from a partnership between the patient and the surgical team, where expectations are grounded in reality and safety is never compromised for speed.

Vetting the Surgical Facility and Support Staff

A specialist is only as good as the environment in which they operate. In Beverly Hills, you should ensure that your surgeon operates in a facility accredited by a major body such as the AAAASF or JCAHO. This accreditation guarantees that the surgical center meets the highest standards for safety, equipment, and emergency protocols. Furthermore, the anesthesia must be administered by a board-certified anesthesiologist or a highly qualified CRNA.

The support staff also plays a vital role in your experience. From the surgical coordinator who handles your scheduling to the nurses who assist in your post-operative care, every member of the team should be knowledgeable about the explant process. When you visit a specialist’s office, pay attention to the level of professionalism and the willingness of the staff to answer your questions without rushing you.

Dr. Emil Kohan has cultivated a team at EmilMD that reflects his own commitment to excellence. The staff is trained to handle the specific needs of explant patients, providing a compassionate and organized environment that minimizes stress. This holistic approach to care is essential for patients who may feel anxious about the surgery or are dealing with the physical toll of implant complications.

Your Consultation with Dr. Emil Kohan

When you are ready to take the next step, scheduling a consultation with a true specialist is the best way to gain clarity. During this meeting, you should feel comfortable discussing everything from your physical symptoms to your desired breast shape. A specialist will provide a candid assessment of what can be achieved and will help you navigate the various surgical options with confidence.

The consultation is also the time to ask about the surgeon’s specific statistics. How many explants do they perform a month? What is their rate of complications? Do they routinely send the capsule tissue to pathology for testing? A specialist will have no trouble answering these questions and will likely appreciate your proactive approach to your health.

Key takeaways from your search should include:

Verification of ABPS board certification is non-negotiable for safety.
An en bloc capsulectomy requires a high level of surgical expertise.
Aesthetic restoration through lifts or fat grafting is often necessary for the best visual result.
The surgical facility must be fully accredited and staffed by professionals.

Dr. Emil Kohan and the specialists at EmilMD are dedicated to providing the highest level of care for patients seeking breast implant removal in Beverly Hills. By combining advanced surgical techniques with a deep understanding of patient needs, the team ensures that every individual can move forward with health and confidence.

FAQS

Frequently
Asked Questions

What are the primary differences between en bloc and total capsulectomy?

An en bloc capsulectomy is a specialized technique where the breast implant and the surrounding scar tissue capsule are removed as a single, undisturbed unit. This is often preferred by the experts at EmilMD when there is a concern about implant rupture or the presence of biofilm, as it prevents any material from leaking into the chest cavity. A total capsulectomy, on the other hand, involves removing the entire capsule, but the surgeon may open the capsule to remove the implant first before excising the scar tissue. While both methods result in the complete removal of the capsule, Dr. Emil Kohan determines which approach is safest based on the patient’s anatomy and the adherence of the capsule to the chest wall.

How long does the recovery process take after breast explant surgery?

Recovery varies depending on the extent of the surgery, such as whether a breast lift or fat grafting was performed alongside the removal. Generally, patients can expect to take one to two weeks off from work to allow the initial incisions to heal and for any surgical drains to be removed. During the first few days, Dr. Emil Kohan’s expert team monitors patients closely for any signs of complications and provides detailed instructions on wound care and activity limitations. While light walking is encouraged early on, more strenuous exercise and heavy lifting are typically restricted for six weeks to ensure the internal tissues have adequate time to stabilize and heal properly within the EmilMD clinical framework.

Will my breasts look deflated or saggy after the implants are removed?

The aesthetic appearance of the breasts after explantation depends on the size of the original implants, the quality of the patient’s skin, and the amount of natural breast tissue present. In many cases, the skin has been stretched by the implants, which can lead to a deflated or sagging appearance once the volume is removed. To address this, Dr. Emil Kohan often recommends a mastopexy, or breast lift, to remove excess skin and reposition the nipple to a more youthful height. Additionally, the EmilMD team may utilize fat grafting to replace lost volume naturally, providing a softer and more contoured shape that mimics the look of a natural breast without the need for a foreign object.

Is it necessary to remove the scar tissue capsule during an explant?

While some surgeons may offer a simple explant where only the device is removed, most specialists agree that managing the capsule is a vital part of the procedure. If a thickened or calcified capsule is left behind, it can continue to cause discomfort, interfere with future mammograms, or even harbor low-grade infections. Dr. Emil Kohan typically recommends at least a partial or total capsulectomy to ensure that the breast pocket can heal cleanly and that the tissue can adhere back to the chest wall. At EmilMD, the decision to remove the capsule is discussed thoroughly during the consultation, ensuring that the patient’s health and long-term comfort are the primary focus of the surgical plan.

Can breast explant surgery help with symptoms of Breast Implant Illness?

Many patients report a significant improvement in systemic symptoms—such as chronic fatigue, joint pain, and brain fog—after undergoing a thorough explantation that includes the removal of the capsule. While the medical community continues to study the exact mechanisms of Breast Implant Illness, the clinical team at EmilMD has seen firsthand how removing the implants and associated scar tissue can provide relief for many women. Dr. Emil Kohan approaches these cases with a high degree of empathy and clinical rigor, ensuring that the surgery is performed meticulously to remove potential triggers. By choosing a specialist who acknowledges and understands these concerns, patients at EmilMD often feel more supported in their quest for better health.

What should I look for in a surgeon’s before and after gallery for explants?

When reviewing a gallery, it is important to look for consistency and a natural aesthetic in the "after" photos. Pay attention to the placement of the nipple, the quality of the surgical scars, and the overall shape of the breast without the implant. A skilled specialist like Dr. Emil Kohan will showcase results where the breasts look proportional and healthy, even if they are smaller than they were with implants. Look specifically for cases where a lift or fat grafting was used, as these results often show a more successful aesthetic restoration. Seeing these outcomes can give you confidence in the EmilMD team's ability to handle the complex reconstructive aspects of your surgery.

Are there specific risks associated with removing the capsule from the chest wall?

Because the capsule often forms a tight bond with the underlying pectoralis muscle and the ribs, removing it requires extreme precision to avoid damaging the surrounding structures. There is a small risk of bleeding, infection, or a rare complication known as a pneumothorax if the dissection occurs too close to the lung. However, an experienced surgeon like Dr. Emil Kohan uses advanced surgical tools and techniques to minimize these risks. The team at EmilMD prioritizes safety by performing these dissections carefully under high magnification and ensuring that the patient is in an optimal state of health before proceeding with the surgery, making the process as safe as possible for the individual.

How do I prepare for my initial consultation for breast implant removal?

Preparation involves gathering your previous surgical records, including the type, size, and brand of the implants you currently have. It is also helpful to make a list of any physical symptoms you are experiencing and what your primary goals are for the surgery, whether they are health-related or purely cosmetic. During your meeting at EmilMD, you should be prepared to discuss your medical history openly, including any autoimmune conditions or allergies. Dr. Emil Kohan uses this information to create a customized surgical strategy that addresses your specific needs, ensuring that you leave the consultation with a clear understanding of the procedure and the expected outcome for your body.

Bringing Artistry to Plastic Surgery