Start with our original Breast Reduction Overview Series
Introduction: When “Bigger” No Longer Feels Better
Tastes, bodies, and lifestyles change — and many women who once loved their breast implants now find them too heavy, painful, or unnatural. Some experience implant-related problems like capsular contracture, rippling, or asymmetry. Others simply want to downsize for a more natural, comfortable look.
At Jandali Plastic Surgery in Trumbull, CT, Dr. Shareef Jandali, a board-certified plastic surgeon with over 15 years of experience, specializes in helping women safely transition from implants to smaller, natural breasts through a combination of implant removal, breast reduction, and lift surgery.
He performs over 100 breast reductions each year, and his expertise in complex revision surgery makes him one of the most trusted names in Connecticut for patients seeking freedom from old or problematic implants.
Visit our Before and After Breast Reduction Gallery
Common Reasons Women Choose Breast Reduction After Implants
1. Implants That Feel Too Large or Heavy
Over time, weight gain, hormonal changes, or aging tissue can make previously ideal implants feel oversized. Many women feel physically uncomfortable — especially during exercise or daily activity.
2. Breast Pain or Capsular Contracture
Hard, painful breasts are often caused by capsular contracture, where scar tissue around the implant tightens. A reduction can include implant removal and scar release for relief and softness.
3. Rippling, Wrinkling, or Visible Edges
Thin tissue over older implants can make them visible or palpable. Removing them and performing a reduction with your own natural tissue restores smooth, soft contours.
4. Asymmetry or Poor Results After Prior Surgery
Uneven breasts or stretched skin after previous augmentation can be corrected with tailored breast reduction and lift techniques.
5. Lifestyle or Aesthetic Change
Many women who had large implants in their 20s or 30s now prefer a smaller, natural look that fits their current lifestyle or body frame.
Implant Problems That May Require Reduction or Revision
| Issue | How Breast Reduction Helps |
| Capsular Contracture | Removes the hardened capsule and lifts natural tissue |
| Implant Malposition (bottoming out or lateral shift) | Corrects position and re-centers breast mound |
| Recalled or Ruptured Implants (e.g., Allergan textured) | Allows safe explantation and reshaping |
| Excessive Size or Weight | Removes redundant skin and tissue for a lighter feel |
| Implant Rippling or Palpability | Replaces volume with natural tissue and fat |
“I had implants for 15 years, but they became hard and uncomfortable. Dr. Jandali removed them and performed a reduction and lift — they look completely natural and pain-free now.” — J.N., Norwalk, CT
The Surgical Approach
Every revision is custom-tailored. The exact plan depends on your implant type, breast tissue quality, and goals.
Step 1: Implant Removal (Explant)
Old implants — whether saline or silicone — are carefully removed, often with the capsule if necessary.
Step 2: Breast Reduction and Lift
Dr. Jandali reshapes the remaining tissue to achieve a natural, lifted contour.
- Skin tightening restores firmness
- Tissue reshaping recreates volume without implants
- Areola resizing improves proportion
Step 3: Fat Grafting (Optional)
For additional shaping, fat transfer from the abdomen or thighs can be used to enhance upper pole fullness.
Step 4: Internal Support
Dr. Jandali reinforces shape using internal sutures for a youthful, durable lift.
Benefits of Switching from Implants to Natural Reduction
- Relief from heaviness and chronic pain
- No more implant maintenance or risk of rupture
- Natural, warm breast feel and movement
- Balanced, youthful appearance without artificial projection
- Long-lasting results that age naturally with your body
Insurance Coverage — When Breast Reduction After Implants Is Medically Necessary
While implant removal alone is typically cosmetic, breast reduction for physical symptoms may qualify for insurance coverage.
Insurance companies often approve surgery when:
- Breasts cause back, neck, or shoulder pain
- There are skin rashes or chronic irritation
- Shoulder grooves and posture problems exist
- A medical provider documents functional limitations
Our office assists with:
- Photo documentation
- Letters of medical necessity
- Preauthorization and appeals
Recovery Timeline
| Timeframe | What to Expect |
| Days 1–3 | Mild soreness; rest at home; gentle walking |
| Week 1–2 | Return to desk work or light daily activities |
| Week 3–4 | Begin silicone scar therapy and light exercise |
| Week 6+ | Resume full activity and workouts |
You’ll wear a support bra for six weeks, and most swelling resolves by three months.
“My recovery was so much easier than I expected. Within a week I could move comfortably, and by a month the results already looked amazing.” — K.C., Fairfield, CT
Addressing Scars and Skin Quality
Because revision surgery involves removing stretched skin, scars are often located around the areola and vertically down to the breast crease (the lollipop pattern).
At Jandali Plastic Surgery, we minimize scars through:
- Layered closure with fine absorbable sutures
- Silicone therapy and scar massage
- Laser treatments for faster fading if needed
Most patients’ scars fade to thin, barely visible lines within a year.
Fat Grafting and Renuva — Natural Volume Enhancement
For women who want a modest, natural fullness after implant removal, Dr. Jandali may use:
- Fat grafting: transferring your own purified fat
- Renuva adipose matrix: an injectable tissue-regeneration option for patients without enough donor fat
These techniques soften the upper breast and restore gentle contour without implants.
Emotional and Physical Transformation
Women describe feeling liberated — both physically and emotionally — after reduction and implant removal.
“I felt weighed down for years. Now my chest feels natural again. It’s the first time I’ve been pain-free in over a decade.” — B.T., Milford, CT
Why Choose Dr. Shareef Jandali
- Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon with over 15 years of experience
- Performs over 100 breast reductions per year
- Hundreds of 5-star Google reviews
- Operates at Bridgeport Hospital and Park Avenue Medical Center (Yale-affiliated ASC)
- Expert in revision surgery and implant removal
- Offers insurance-covered breast reductions when symptoms are documented
- Provides scar therapy and fat-grafting enhancement options
“Dr. Jandali’s skill and compassion were unmatched. My results are soft, symmetrical, and natural. I wish I had done this years ago.” — E.L., Westport, CT
Serving Patients Across Fairfield County and Southern Connecticut
We help patients from Trumbull, Fairfield, Bridgeport, Stratford, Milford, Shelton, Norwalk, Westport, Weston, Wilton, Easton, Monroe, Derby, Ansonia, Seymour, Oxford, Newtown, Bethel, and Southbury.
Many travel from Stamford, Greenwich, and New Haven County for advanced revision and breast reduction procedures.
Call to Action
If your implants feel heavy, hard, or no longer fit your lifestyle, you don’t have to live with discomfort. Schedule a consultation with Dr. Shareef Jandali to explore breast reduction and implant removal options, often covered by insurance when medically necessary.
Jandali Plastic Surgery
5520 Park Ave, Suite WP-2-300, Trumbull, CT 06611
203-374-0310
Related Articles in the Advanced Breast Reduction Series
- Scars After Breast Reduction — How We Minimize, Heal, and Refine Them
- Teen Breast Reduction: Safety, Confidence, and Insurance Coverage
- Recovery Timeline After Breast Reduction Surgery
- Post-Pregnancy & Post-Weight-Loss Breast Reduction (Ozempic, Wegovy, Mounjaro)
- Breast Reduction vs. Breast Lift — Which Is Right for You?
- Breast Reduction After Prior Augmentation
- Breast Reduction for Older Women — Comfort, Posture, and Confidence
- Combining Breast Reduction with Liposuction — Enhanced Contour & Shape
- Breast Reduction and Asymmetry Correction
- Insurance-Covered Breast Reduction in Connecticut — What to Know
- Breast Reduction for Athletes
- Breast Reduction and Mental Health
- Breast Reduction and Back, Neck, and Shoulder Pain
- The Jandali Advantage — Why Experience and Volume Matter
- Breast Reduction and Bra Fitting After Surgery
- Revision Breast Reduction Surgery
- Nipple & Areola Shaping, Reduction, and Free Nipple Grafts
- Myths and Misconceptions About Breast Reduction Surgery
- Choosing the Right Size After Breast Reduction
