Alyssa Milano’s Implant Removal: Empowerment & What This Means for Breast Surgery Trends

In a powerful statement about authenticity and self-acceptance, actress and activist Alyssa Milano recently shared her decision to undergo breast implant removal surgery, sparking important conversations about body autonomy and the evolving landscape of cosmetic surgery. The 52-year-old posted a photo in a hospital gown ahead of removing her implants, marking not just a personal milestone but potentially signaling a broader shift in how women approach body modification and beauty standards.

A Personal Journey to Authentic Self

Milano’s announcement was far more than a simple medical update. “I’m letting go of the body that was sexualized, that was abused, that I believed was necessary for me to be attractive; to be loved; to be successful; to be happy”, she wrote in her deeply personal Instagram post. This raw honesty resonated with thousands of women who have grappled with similar feelings about their bodies and the pressures they’ve faced. The actress’s decision wasn’t made lightly. “Today I am loved, I am feminine, I am attractive, and I am successful. None of that is because of my implants. I will still be all of those things when I wake up and they are gone”, Milano shared, emphasizing that her worth and success were never tied to her physical modifications. Perhaps most poignantly, she hoped her decision would be “releasing my daughter Bella from ever feeling those same unhealthy demands” about her own body. This intergenerational perspective highlights how our choices about our bodies can impact not just ourselves but the young women watching and learning from us.

The Rising Trend of Explant Surgery

Milano’s decision comes at a time when breast implant removal, or explant surgery, is experiencing unprecedented growth. A global survey by the International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ISAPS) found a sharp increase between 2020 and 2024 as surgeons performed nearly two-thirds more procedures. This dramatic increase suggests that Milano’s experience reflects a broader cultural movement rather than an isolated choice. BIRS cases increased by 653%—a growth rate significantly faster than that of other breast procedures such as mastectomies (219%) and the overall ACS-NSQIP caseload (363%), according to recent medical data. These statistics reveal a significant shift in patient preferences and priorities when it comes to breast aesthetics. Several factors contribute to this trend: Health Concerns: The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has warned patients in recent years about the potential risks of breast implants, including capsular contracture – scar tissue that compresses an implant – possible rupture of the implant, cancer of the immune system and breast implant disease. These warnings have prompted many women to reconsider the long-term implications of their implants. Changing Beauty Ideals: The perception of beauty is a fluid concept heavily influenced by culture, media, and personal values. Over the last few years, the idea of beauty has shifted from extreme enhancements to more natural, body-positive norms. With this, many women who previously sought breast augmentation are now opting for removal. This isn’t just about preference; it reflects evolving societal standards and a movement toward authenticity and self-acceptance. Celebrity Influence: Milano joins a growing list of public figures who have openly discussed their explant journeys. Hollywood A-listers celebrities like Chrissy Teigen, Yolanda Hadid, and Tori Spelling, among many others, have also not been left behind in this new pursuit of freedom. Social media influencers and celebrities play a substantial role in shaping beauty ideals. As more public figures opt for a natural look or speak openly about their breast implant removal experiences, they contribute to the normalization of these choices.

The Medical Perspective

The medical community has noted that breast implants don’t last a lifetime. The American Society of Plastic Surgeons recommends that people with breast implants have them removed or replaced every 10 to 15 years. However, your plastic surgeon may not recommend that you have them removed if you haven’t had any complications. Breast implant-associated anaplastic large cell lymphoma (BIA-ALCL), breast implant-associated squamous cell carcinoma (BIA-SCC) and breast implant illness (BII) have become significant concerns for women who have undergone breast augmentation. However, Horton noted that vague symptoms such as fatigue, weight gain, brain fog and worries about BII are rare. This sentiment is echoed by Hadeed as well. “There are many reasons why women wish to have their breast implants removed,” said Hadeed. “In some instances, they just don’t wish to be that large-chested anymore. In other cases, they may have experienced either discomfort from implant migration or rupture of the implant and don’t wish to have them replaced”.

Challenges and Support

The journey to explant surgery isn’t always straightforward. “A number of patients have come to me and they’ve said: ‘I went back to my original surgeon, and he refused to do the explant.’ It’s your body. If you don’t want them anymore, isn’t it your choice to take them out?” said Dr. Nina Naidu, highlighting the challenges some women face when seeking removal. Milano herself acknowledged that different women make different choices for their own reasons. While the post was personal, Milano made it clear that her choice isn’t a condemnation of others who’ve made different decisions. “Many women will find freedom and beauty in choosing their implants,” she wrote. “What is a false narrative for me may be the exact right thing for them, and I am so happy that we can all find our femininity and peace on our own terms”.

The Cultural Shift

Cultural shifts toward more natural aesthetics and a move away from the “overdone” look may also be influencing patient choices, reflecting a blend of health concerns, personal preferences, and societal influences behind the growing demand for BIRS. This movement represents more than just a medical trend; it’s a reflection of evolving attitudes toward beauty, authenticity, and self-acceptance. Breast implant removal represents more than just a shift in personal preferences; it is a transformative choice for many women seeking a harmonious balance between their physical and emotional selves. As the trend continues, it signals a cultural shift towards embracing natural beauty and prioritizing health over appearance. This journey, for both individuals and the larger society, is one of growth, acceptance, and redefining the very essence of beauty.

Looking Forward

Milano’s brave decision to share her explant journey publicly has opened important dialogues about body autonomy, the pressure women face to conform to certain beauty standards, and the evolving nature of cosmetic surgery. Her emphasis on finding freedom in “letting go of what was never me in the first place” resonates with a growing movement of women reclaiming their bodies on their own terms. As cosmetic surgery practices continue to evolve at Cosmetic Surgery For You and beyond, the increasing availability of explant procedures and the destigmatization of implant removal represent positive steps toward supporting women’s choices, whatever they may be. Whether choosing augmentation, removal, or embracing their natural bodies, women deserve support, respect, and quality medical care that prioritizes their health and happiness above all else. The trend toward explant surgery isn’t just about removing implants—it’s about removing expectations, challenging norms, and empowering women to define beauty and success on their own terms. Milano’s journey, along with countless others, reminds us that true empowerment comes not from conforming to external standards but from making choices that align with our authentic selves.