
Explant and freedom: why I chose a flat chest after decades with implants
A midlife runner describes 22 years with breast implants, her decision to remove them without replacement (explant) at age 56, and how this mirrors a broader shift as more women opt for flat chests due to health concerns, evolving beauty norms, and a desire for athletic comfort. Through interviews with surgeons and other women who have gone flat, the piece covers the recovery, costs, and options like lifts or flat closures, underscoring that femininity and vitality can exist with a natural silhouette.












