Case #1345 · Marin County, CA
Breast Implant Removal (Explant)
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This 48-year-old patient from Marin County, CA had saline implants placed in 1998 and although she had no problems she had decided she had outgrown them and no longer wanted large breasts. Dr. Cassileth performed bilateral removal of breast implants w
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
- Aftercare
Hyperbaric oxygen series extended to 10–15 sessions for bilateral tissue support.
Bilateral procedures heal more reliably with sustained HBOT.
Why this approach
The decisions that shaped this surgical plan.
- Both sides treated in the same session, symmetric planning, identical tissue handling, and matched final contour are easier to achieve in one operative window than in two.
Pre-op preparation
What to do before surgery. Specific to this case.
- Discontinue blood thinners (NSAIDs, aspirin, fish oil, vitamin E) two weeks out. Acetaminophen remains safe; the full list is reviewed at pre-op.
- No nicotine for 6 weeks before through 6 weeks after surgery. The vascular impact directly affects skin healing.
- Front-closing clothing only for 3 weeks. Drain holders and supportive surgical bras are issued at discharge.
- Confirm a driver for surgery day and a companion who can stay through the first night.
Recovery timeline
Milestones specific to this case. Individual recovery varies.
- Day 1–7
Both sides healing in parallel means the early phase is quieter, short walks, full rest periods, and no driving until off pain medication.
- Week 2
Walking distance doubles. Showering rules relax. Compression garments transition to the long-wear schedule.
- Week 4
Most patients back to gym cardio at 50 percent intensity. Scar massage protocol begins. Driving restored if not already.
- Week 6
The "back to normal" week for most patients. Final compression schedule transitions to optional.
- Month 3
Most patients consider this the "final result emerges" milestone. The remaining 10 percent of refinement plays out through month 6.
