Recovery After Breast Implant Removal: What to Expect
Breast augmentation is one of the most popular plastic surgery procedures in the United States. After breast augmentation, you might be wondering how long your implants will last. If you desire a change to your breast size or shape or have complications, consider breast implant removal to maintain your ideal look and your health.
What is Breast Implant Removal?
Breast implant removal is a surgical procedure that removes old implants placed during a previous breast augmentation. Breast implant removal or replacement is commonly performed 10-15 years after breast augmentation since this is the average lifespan of breast implants. Patients may also choose to remove or replace their implants sooner if they desire a different look (larger or smaller implants) or have complications.
Reasons to Consider Breast Implant Removal
Breast implants often last for years without any complications. Dr. Kayastha is a board-certified plastic surgeon with extensive experience performing safe breast augmentation, but implant complications are a possibility with any surgery. Breast implant removal can easily and safely resolve the following complications:
Leaking Breast Implants
Leaking breast implants alter the shape of the breasts, creating a deflated or lumpy look to the breasts. When saline implants rupture, the saline can be safely absorbed into the body. Silicone breast implant ruptures can be riskier, making breast implant removal a necessary procedure.
Shifted Implants
Over time, implants can shift in the breast pocket and move downward. This can create a disproportionate or sagging look. The existing breast implants can be removed and, if desired, a breast implant replacement can be restored to restore the appearance of full, rounded breasts.
Implant-Related Pain
Some women may experience discomfort or pain from their breast implants. This can happen immediately after a breast augmentation or years later.
Capsular Contracture
Capsular contracture is a hardening of scar tissue around the breast implants. Hardened scar tissue can distort the appearance of the breasts and cause pain. Luckily, this is a rare complication.
Recovery from Breast Implant Removal
After breast implant removal, Dr. Kayastha will give you specific instructions to follow for a smooth recovery. Most pain and swelling will improve within one week, but it will take about 6-8 weeks for a full recovery. Here is a breakdown of what you can expect from your breast implant removal recovery:
- Week 1: Limit movement, take prescription pain medication as needed, gently clean the incisions, and always wear your surgical bra, except when showering.
- Week 2: Patients can return to work and resume most normal activities, except strenuous exercise. Over-the-counter pain medication can be taken as needed.
- Weeks 3-5: Swelling will have improved significantly but continue to wear your surgical bra and avoid strenuous exercise. Patients should have minimal or no discomfort.
- Week 6: More strenuous activities can be resumed, and your surgical bra can be removed, under the guidance of Dr. Kayastha.
Everyone’s body heals differently so it is important to attend your post-op appointments and stay in contact with Dr. Kayastha if you have any concerns.
Schedule a Consultation
Are in interested in breast implant removal in Latham, NY? Have you started to notice changes to your breasts after an augmentation? Schedule a consultation at K Plastic Surgery to meet with board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Kayastha. He will examine your breasts and discuss your concerns with you to determine the best treatment plan for your individual needs.
Dr. Kayastha is a board certified plastic surgeon who serves Albany, NY and the entire Capital Region. Dr. Kayastha completed his undergraduate studies at Cornell University and graduated with distinction in all subjects. He then attended medical school at SUNY Buffalo. During his time in Buffalo he also completed a fellowship in surgical pathology at Roswell Park. Following medical school Dr. Kayastha gained a much sought after position in the Michigan State-Grand Rapids integrated plastic surgery residency. After finishing residency training Dr. Kayastha completed a one year fellowship in hand and microsurgery at the Buncke Clinic in San Francisco. To round out his training before starting private practice Dr. Kayastha spent an additional 6 months learning from some of the best cosmetic surgeons in San Francisco. Dr. Kayastha is Board Certified in Plastic Surgery by the American Board of Plastic Surgery.