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Recovery Time – Implant Removal and Capsulectomy

According to the figures released by the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, breast augmentation emerged as the most popular cosmetic surgery procedure in 2015. However, implants are not forever, and at some stage, the patient may have to get the implants removed or replaced.

Such a procedure will involve a secondary surgery, which entails a considerable recovery period. The plastic surgeon will discuss the recovery aspect in detail during the initial consultation. Dr. Hisham Seify is a board certified plastic surgeon providing implant removal and capsulectomy procedures to patients in Newport Beach, Orange County, CA, and surrounding locations.

Type of Breast Revision

When surgery is performed to remove or replace breast implants, the recovery process is quite similar to that of the primary breast augmentation plastic surgery. In many cases, the recovery period will be brief and involve minimal discomfort. Most patients will be able to resume their normal routine in a few days. However, the recovery period can vary according to the type of breast revision surgery performed.

The secondary surgery may or may not involve capsulectomy or capsule removal following capsular contracture. This will depend on the condition of the implants and the capsule formation. Secondly, whether the revision surgery involves re-insertion of new implants, and whether a mastopexy is required to be performed along with breast revision will also determine the length of recovery.

What Should You Do During Breast Implant Removal Recovery?

Breast implant removal surgery is a procedure that involves removing the implants from the breast. The recovery process after breast implant removal surgery can vary from patient to patient, depending on the extent of the surgery, the size of the implants, and the condition of the breast tissue. In general, it is important to follow some guidelines during breast implant removal recovery to ensure a smooth and comfortable recovery.

The first few days after breast implant removal surgery can be the most challenging. It is common to experience some pain, swelling, and bruising in the breast area. To help reduce discomfort, your doctor may prescribe pain medication, as well as ice packs or compresses to reduce swelling. It is important to rest as much as possible during this time, avoiding any strenuous activity or heavy lifting.

During breast implant removal and replacement recovery, your doctor may recommend gentle exercises and stretches to help maintain flexibility and prevent stiffness in the breast area. These exercises may include arm circles, shoulder rolls, and gentle stretching of the chest muscles. Your doctor may also recommend wearing a compression garment or special bra to help support the breast tissue as it heals.

In addition to physical recovery during breast implant recovery time, it is also important to take care of your emotional well-being during breast implant removal recovery. It is common to experience a range of emotions after surgery, including sadness, anxiety, and frustration. It can be helpful to talk to a counselor or support group to help process these feelings and gain support from others who have undergone similar procedures.

Preventative Steps

If the cosmetic surgeon performs breast revision surgery using cutting edge surgical techniques and technology, the procedure can be less invasive, and recovery more expeditious and comfortable. An experienced surgeon will also focus on incorporating several preventative steps during the surgical procedure and throughout the recovery period.

This will minimize the risk of complications or recurrence of capsular contracture, and make the recovery smoother and easier. Dr. Seify receives patients from Newport Beach, Orange County, CA, and nearby areas for breast revision surgery.

Estimated Recovery Period

The recovery period following breast implant removal or capsulectomy will vary from one patient to another, but on average, most patients will recover within one to two weeks. In about a week’s time, the bruising and tenderness would have diminished significantly, enabling the patient to drive a car and return to work.

However, strenuous activity and heavy lifting should be avoided for about one month to avoid complications. The post-surgical scarring will be more pronounced in the first one to three months, and some scars may take a significantly longer time to fade. Period post-operative follow-up visits to the surgeon’s office will be scheduled to monitor the progress of healing.

Temporary Side Effects

During the first week, the patient is likely to experience pain and discomfort in the incision areas, which can be managed with pain medications. Other expected temporary side effects include itching, swelling and bruising.

Numbness, tingling, or altered sensation around the incision area may occur, but this will disappear gradually over a few weeks or months. If a breast lift is performed along with implant removal, the expected recovery time will be lengthened.

See more procedures and treatments by plastic surgeon Dr. Hisham Seify in Newport Beach | Orange County