Explant Surgery — Houston, TX
Houston women seeking explant surgery deserve a specialist, not a generalist. Dr. Robert Whitfield is a board-certified plastic surgeon in Austin, TX whose entire practice is dedicated to explant surgery, breast implant illness, and complete capsulectomy — backed by published research and FDA testimony.
Every explant includes total capsulectomy — available for Houston-area patients through individualized evaluation and coordinated care.
Dr. Robert Whitfield, MD • 2.5 hours by car or 45 min flight from Houston • 2,000+ explant Procedures
Why Houston Patients Choose Dr. Whitfield
Houston has board-certified plastic surgeons who perform explant surgery. What Houston does not have is a surgeon with published capsule pathology research, PCR testing on every patient, FDA testimony on breast implant safety, or a named recovery protocol designed specifically for explant patients.
Dr. Whitfield’s practice in Austin is 2.5 hours by car or 45 min flight from Houston. Most patients complete their consultation remotely, then travel to Austin for surgery.
What No Local Surgeon Can Offer
Published research: Whitfield R, Tipton CD, Diaz N, Ancira J, Landry KS. Microorganisms. 2024 Sep 4;12(9):1830. View on PubMed →
What to Expect as a Houston Patient
Discovery Call (remote)
A structured call with Dr. Whitfield’s team. Review of implant history, symptoms, imaging, and goals. No travel required.
Surgical consultation (remote or in-person)
Full surgical planning can be completed by video. Pre-operative labs and imaging can be arranged locally in Houston and submitted in advance.
Surgery in Austin
Travel to Austin for surgery at a certified surgical facility. The care team provides discharge guidance based on the individual surgical plan.
Recovery with the SHARP Method
A brief post-operative period in Austin is recommended before returning to Houston. The SHARP Method recovery protocol supports patients regardless of where they live.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why should I travel to Austin for explant surgery instead of seeing a Houston surgeon?
Houston has surgeons who perform explant surgery. The clinical question is whether your Houston surgeon performs PCR pathology on every capsule specimen, uses total capsulectomy as standard, and has published research on capsule biology. If your Houston surgeon meets all of those, staying local may make sense. If not, the trip to Austin is worth evaluating.
Can I do my consultation virtually before traveling to Austin?
Yes. Virtual consultations are the recommended first step for out-of-city patients. Dr. Whitfield reviews implant history, imaging, and symptoms remotely, and most Houston patients complete their entire pre-operative process virtually.
Can volume be restored at the same time as explant for Houston patients?
Yes. Explant with fat transfer removes the implants and capsule while restoring natural volume using the patient's own tissue in a single stage — a popular option for patients who do not want another device placed.
How is an Austin stay planned after surgery?
The Austin stay is planned around the procedure, clinical findings, and any combined treatment. Dr. Whitfield's team provides individualized travel and follow-up guidance during surgical planning.
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.
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