A few patients may seek breast implant removal at some stage after breast augmentation
cosmetic surgery. While breast implant removal is not a very complicated procedure, it will still involve some amount of time for recovery. The breast surgeon will discuss all aspects of the procedure during the initial consultation, including the recovery.
Dr. Hisham Seify is a board certified
plastic surgeon providing
breast augmentation, breast revision and various other procedures related to the breast, body, and face. Dr. Seify will discuss the recovery aspects of breast implant removal in detail with his patients. He provides this procedure to patients in Newport Beach, Orange County, CA, and surrounding locations.
Moderate Downtime
If the patient seeks
implant replacement, the recovery will be longer and more difficult, similar to that of the primary breast augmentation
plastic surgery. However, if only breast implant removal is required, the recovery is usually brief, involving minimal downtime and discomfort. Most patients will be able to return to their normal activities or go to work in a few days, but the actual length of recovery can vary from one patient to another.
Side Effects
Patients who have their breast implants removed entirely will typically go through only mild discomfort following the surgery. In the first few days, the discomfort can be managed with over the counter pain medications. Bruising, swelling, and itching in the incision areas are the expected side effects during the early part of recovery. Many women choose to have breast implant removal combined with breast lift surgery. This will increase the downtime and involve more discomfort during recovery. In a few cases, even without breast lift, the patient may experience altered sensation around the incision areas, such as tingling or numbness. This will usually disappear on its own over a few weeks or months.
Ensuring Healthy Recovery
The patient should adhere to the post-operative care guidelines advised by the
cosmetic surgeon following breast implant removal. This is the best way to ensure a successful and healthy recovery. To begin with, the patient should avoid smoking for at least two weeks after the surgery. Smoking can interfere with the flow of oxygen in the blood, and cause delay or complications in recovery. While bruising and swelling in case of implant removal will be minimal, the patient may wish to take some measures to control these post-surgical effects. She can apply a cold compress for the first two to three days after the surgery. Pillows can be used to sleep with the torso slightly elevated in order to allow proper healing of the wounds. Pain meds should be taken only as prescribed, and the patient should avoid driving during the days when pain meds are being used. The patient will be free to resume her everyday activities in less than a week, but she should refrain from performing vigorous activities or exercises or lifting heavy weights for about one month.
Dr. Seify receives patients from Newport Beach, Orange County, CA, and nearby areas for breast implant removal.
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