My Explant Update: Scars, Red Light, Dermarolling, and What I’d Do Differently
on October 14, 2025

My Explant Update: Scars, Red Light, Dermarolling, and What I’d Do Differently

Casual share. Personal experience, not medical advice. Always follow your surgeon’s instructions.

I had my explant + lift at the end of February this year (2025) and wanted to give a real update - scars, routines, what’s helped, what I’d change, and how I’m feeling now. I’m also sharing photos in this post so you can see the honest progress. 

 

*Warning - graphic images below (and above).


Where I’m At (and How I Feel About My Scars)

Short version: I’m happy. My scars don’t bother me, and it’s still early. My scars will continue to heal, so I expect more softening and fading ahead. I’m consistent with my routine and that patience has helped me mentally, too.

 

What I’m Doing for Scar Care

1) Serums 

I’ve kept it straightforward with a couple of serums that I also use on my face.  I've mixed and matched a few versions, but will use a combination of either:

2) Dermarolling (for scars)

I dermaroll my scars with my serums.  The micro-stimulation can help with texture and pigmentation over time. I’m careful, consistent, and I stack this with my serum combos.

Important: Only dermaroll fully closed, fully healed, mature incisions and clear it with your surgeon first. Always sanitize the roller and don’t overdo it.

3) Red Light Therapy (my non-negotiable)

I started RLT the second week post explant, 5 days a week for 10 minutes, directly on the scars. After the scars were fully closed/healed, I started pairing it with my L.A.D.R. red light serum and recently started adding the new Blue Peptide Spray.

 

🚨Red Light panels I use and recommend

 

Why I like this red light combo: it’s supports that slow remodeling, speeds up healing and reduces scarring. The results are gradual, but they build.

 

What I’d Do Differently Next Time

I wish I’d used scar tape (silicone/adhesive) after surgery. I let my wounds “breathe,” which isn’t wrong, but my breast size increased and the scars stretched. I really think consistent taping would’ve kept the scars narrower as my body changed. Live and learn.

If you’re early post-op and your surgeon allows it, consider long-term scar taping for tension control. It’s boring—but it works.

 

My Post-Explant Breast Size (Let’s Talk About It)

I did not have fat transfer, and I’m honestly shocked at my size right now. I'm sensitive to the fact that this won’t be everyone’s experience. I naturally had larger breasts pre-implants; they lost volume and started to sag (which is why I originally did an implant + lift and changed my nipple size).

Looking back, I wish I had only done a lift + nipple size change and skipped the implant entirely. For anyone left with very little tissue after explant, fat transfer can be an option, but something to consider all the pros, cons and risks.

Side note: I think hormones/perimenopause are playing a role in why my breasts are fuller at the moment. Bodies change. 

 

Health Improvements Since Explant

Taking my implants out was not as scary as I’d built it up to be and I don’t regret it for a second. Most women I spoke to before surgery said the same, and it’s been true for me.

What’s improved for me:

  • No more rollercoaster health issues
  • Rashes on my back are gone
  • Tongue swelling gone
  • Fatigue lifted
  • Joint pain eased up

It’s hard to list every single shift because I had a lot happening (Botox poisoning, MCAS, and BII), but the overall: I feel better. My current “project” is navigating hormones and perimenopause, and I’m working through that in real time.

 

If You’re Considering Explant (a few thoughts)

  • Know the risks and the plan. Understand your surgeon’s approach & incision care.
  • Expect a year (or more) for scars to mature. Red → pink → pale (healing happens slowly).
  • Fat transfer is a tool. Not for everyone, but it can help if volume loss feels overwhelming.
  • It’s okay to change your mind. You’re allowed to do what’s best for you at any point.



My Scar-Care Checklist (Save This)

✅ Week 2: Begin red light therapy: 10 minutes, 5x/week, plus L.A.D.R. red light serum

✅ 2-3 months post explant:  Once incisions are completely closed, use serums everyday, day and night if possible

✅ 6 months post explant: Start derma rolling scars: 1-3x a week (with serums).  Make sure scars are fully closed and healed before dermarolling

✅ If I could redo it: long-term scar tape for tension management

✅ Patience: scars remodel up to 18 months

 

Photos & Progress

I’m including photos so you can see my real progress.

Starting with week 1, 3 weeks & 3 months post explant.

 

Below are the scars 8 months post explant + lift (feel free to zoom):

 

To read more about my whole explant journey, see my other blog posts linked below: 

Explant Journey - Week 1

Explant Journey - 3 Month Update