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With any major surgery, it’s entirely normal to be curious about what to expect during and after the procedure. While it’s best to consult with your surgeon to get specific details about your breast explant surgery, the professionals here at Castrellon Aesthetic Surgery are happy to provide you with a general overview of what you can expect.
This article will cover some key points regarding your breast explant surgery—including when to consider the procedure, what to expect during the surgery, and the recovery process.
When to Consider Breast Explantation
There are a few reasons why you might consider breast explant surgery.
Based on the American Society of Plastic Surgeons guidelines, it may be time to replace your implants if you’ve had them for 10-15 years. Or, you may be experiencing some complications related to your implants, such as pain, capsular contracture, rippling, or infection. There’s also the possibility that you simply no longer want implants and or would like to change your implant size.
In some cases, breast implant removal can become necessary due to:
- Rupture or deflation of the implant
- Pain or discomfort around the implant
- Infection or inflammation
- Calcium deposit buildup around the implant (calcification)
What to Expect During Breast Implant Removal Surgery
The first step is always a consultation with your surgeon. This is your time to discuss why you’re considering breast explant surgery and how you would like your breasts to look after the procedure.
During the consultation, your surgeon will also:
- Examine your breasts
- Take measurements and photographs
- Evaluate your health, skin elasticity, and breast tissue
- Offer recommendations based on your goals
The surgery itself is commonly performed as an outpatient procedure, which means you will be able to go home the same day. It will take place under general anesthesia and last about one to two hours. The duration of the surgery can vary between patients.
After making incisions, your surgeon will remove the implants and any surrounding scar tissue. In some cases, a breast lift may also be performed to improve the shape and appearance of your breasts.
Once your implants have been removed, your surgeon will close the incisions and apply dressings or bandages. Drains may be required in order to help remove any excess fluid from the area.
Recovery After Breast Implant Removal Surgery
After your surgery, you can expect some soreness, swelling, and bruising around the incision sites. These symptoms are all normal and will typically subside within a few weeks. You may have difficulty using your arms and upper body for the first few days, but this will also improve with time.
To minimize complications, following your surgeon’s post-operative instructions is essential.
Breast Explant Surgeons in Miami
If you’re considering breast explant surgery in Miami, look no further than the board-certified plastic surgeons at Dr. Castrellon’s office. We specialize in a variety of breast procedures—including breast explantation—and can help you achieve your desired results.
Contact us today at 305-665-8730 or schedule a consultation online. We would be more than happy to answer any questions you may have and develop a treatment plan that’s right for you.
Frequently Ask Questions
Incisions typically heal in three to four months if there are no further complications. It may take up to a year to feel comfortable with your breasts again, since it takes time for the breasts to adjust to the absence of implants. Your breasts may also become saggy and start to form uncomfortable loose skin.
- Get lab testing or a medical evaluation.
- Take certain medications or adjust your current medications.
- Stop smoking.
- Avoid taking aspirin, anti-inflammatory drugs and herbal supplements as they can increase bleeding.
Breast implant removal is typically performed while you are fully asleep under general anesthesia, so you should not feel a thing during the actual surgery. During recovery, however, it is normal to feel some soreness and discomfort for about a week.
A large shirt, pajamas, or work-out clothes may be ideal. You’ll be laid up for a period of time after your surgery, so wearing comfortable bottoms is also a good idea. Some patients report having sore arms as well after explant surgery, so ensure that whatever top you choose does not restrict your arms.
Also, for about two to three weeks following the procedure, it’s important to wear a compression bra to allow tissues to shrink back and maintain the shape and lift of the breasts after the surgery.
