Accredited Surgical Care
Surgery is performed in an accredited facility, with anesthesia administered by a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA).
Austin and Central Texas
Explant Surgery in Austin, TX
Robert Whitfield, MD, is an Austin-based, board-certified plastic surgeon who has performed more than 2,000 explant procedures and authored the largest PCR analysis of breast implant capsules in the medical literature.
Every explant includes total capsulectomy, removing the implant and the complete capsule where published research has identified bacterial biofilm as a potential driver of chronic symptoms.
2,000+
Explant Procedures
694
Capsules PCR-Tested
29%
Contamination Identified
Austin
Local Practice
Local Explant Expertise
Why Austin Women Choose Dr. Whitfield
Explant surgery is a procedure in which experience with the capsule directly affects the surgical plan. Dr. Whitfield's Austin practice is built around explant care, complete capsule evaluation, and natural restoration rather than treating removal as an occasional service.
His published PCR analysis evaluated 694 capsule specimens and identified bacterial contamination in 29 percent of the dataset across 103 species. Those findings inform a careful, individualized discussion of capsule removal for each patient.
Dr. Whitfield testified before the U.S. Food and Drug Administration General and Plastic Surgery Devices Panel on breast implant safety, bringing a research-backed perspective that is unique among Austin-area practices.
The national guide explains the procedure, capsule indications, and restoration options. Review the complete guide to explant surgery.
Local Access
Serving Austin and Central Texas
Dr. Whitfield's main office is located at 2530 Walsh Tarlton Ln, Suite 100, Austin, TX 78746, with convenient access for patients across the Austin metro and Central Texas.
Austin
Lakeway and Bee Cave
Round Rock and Cedar Park
Georgetown
San Marcos and New Braunfels
Greater Central Texas
Natural Restoration
Fat transfer can be incorporated at the time of explant to restore natural volume without another implant.
Implant-Free Options
Restoration After Explant
Explant surgery can be planned as both a health-focused and an aesthetic operation. Patients who want shape or volume without another implant can be evaluated for fat transfer, a breast lift, or skin tightening selected for their tissue and goals.
Fat transfer uses the patient's own tissue to restore breast volume while contouring the donor area. This can be performed in the same surgical session as the explant.
Austin Patient Education
Explant Surgery in Austin — FAQ
Where is Dr. Whitfield's Austin office?
The main office is located at 2530 Walsh Tarlton Ln, Suite 100, Austin, TX 78746, in the West Austin and Westlake area. The practice serves Austin and the wider Central Texas region.
What makes explant surgery different from just removing the implant?
Explant surgery includes total capsulectomy, which removes the fibrous capsule that forms around the implant. Dr. Whitfield's published PCR research (PMID 39338504) identified bacterial contamination in 29 percent of 694 capsule specimens, detectable only by molecular analysis, not standard culture. Leaving the capsule in place may leave the source of immune activation behind.
Can volume be restored at the same time as explant in Austin?
Yes. Explant with fat transfer removes the implants and capsule while restoring natural volume using the patient's own tissue in a single stage. This is a popular option for Austin-area patients who do not want another device placed.
Which communities around Austin does the practice serve?
The practice serves Austin, Lakeway, Bee Cave, Round Rock, Cedar Park, Georgetown, San Marcos, New Braunfels, and the wider Central Texas region, in addition to patients traveling from elsewhere.
Does insurance cover explant surgery?
Coverage varies by plan and clinical circumstances. Some plans cover explant for documented rupture or capsular contracture. Coverage related to breast implant illness symptoms is less consistent. The practice can help assess whether a specific situation may qualify, and the majority of patients self-pay with financing available.
Your Next Step
You Deserve a Surgeon Who Prepares You, Not Just Operates on You.
Dr. Robert Whitfield has guided thousands of patients through surgical decisions with clarity, data, and a personalized plan. Your consultation is where that plan begins.
Not ready to book? Download the free Inflammation Support Guide to start your journey.