Case #1338
Breast Implant Removal (Explant)
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This 38-year-old patient no longer wanted her implants. Dr. Cassileth removed her breast implants, performed a breast lift and fat grafted to her breasts to improve volume.
Continued care
Recommended aftercare, skincare, and MedSpa services for Breast Implant Removal (Explant).
- Compression bra continuously for 4 weeks
- Lymphatic drainage massage starting week 2 to reduce residual edema
- Sleep elevated for 2 weeks
- Massage breasts gently from week 4 to encourage tissue redrape
- Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy to support healing when recommended
- Medical-grade silicone sheeting on incision
- SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic for scar healing
- Body hydration protocol while skin retracts
- SPF 50+ on incisions for 12 months
- Indiba radiofrequency for skin tightening as tissue retracts
- Laser or microneedling starting at 3 months if additional tightening needed
- Lymphatic drainage weekly for the first month
- Skincare
SPF 50+ on incisions daily for the first year; younger skin pigments scars more reliably under UV.
Younger skin pigments scars more reliably under sun exposure.
Pre-op preparation
What to do before surgery. Specific to this case.
- Stop NSAIDs, aspirin, and high-dose fish oil two weeks before surgery; the surgical team provides a full medication list at the pre-op visit.
- Full nicotine cessation 6 weeks pre- and post-op. This includes vapes and nicotine replacement products; the constriction effect is the same.
- No overhead clothing for 3 weeks. Stock front-zip tops, supportive sports bras (post-clearance), and the drain pouches we provide.
- A driver is required the day of surgery and a responsible adult should stay with you the first 24 hours.
Recovery timeline
Milestones specific to this case. Individual recovery varies.
- Day 1–7
Short walks every couple of hours, no lifting over 5 lb, and full nights of rest. The worst of the swelling peaks around day 3.
- Week 2
Activity ramps up cautiously: longer walks, no lifting yet. Most patients return to desk work this week.
- Week 4
Light cardio and most desk-work activities cleared. Lifting limit increases to 15 lb. Scar massage typically starts now.
- Week 6
The "back to normal" week for most patients. Final compression schedule transitions to optional.
- Month 3
Tissue softens, scars begin to fade, and overall shape settles toward final. Scar maturation continues for another 6 months.
