Case #1468 · North Hollywood, CA
Breast Implant Replacement
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This 45-year-old patient from North Hollywood, CA presented with a left breast capsular contracture. She had previously had two surgeries to correct her contracture without any results. Dr. Cassileth performed a remove and replace of left saline breas
Continued care
Recommended aftercare, skincare, and MedSpa services for Breast Implant Replacement.
- Compression bra continuously for 4 weeks
- No upper-body resistance training for 6 weeks
- Scar management at 3 weeks if existing scar is revised
- Hyperbaric oxygen therapy when recommended for revision cases
- Medical-grade silicone sheeting on the inframammary incision
- SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic for scar healing
- SPF 50+ on incisions for 12 months
- Laser or microneedling for scar refinement after 3 months
- LED light therapy for swelling reduction
- Indiba radiofrequency for tissue recovery
- Aftercare
Revision protocol pushes scar work out by 14 days vs. the primary-case schedule.
Revised tissue tolerates active treatment less well than primary cases.
- Skincare
Layered scar protocol, silicone sheeting under tape, daily for 12 weeks.
Revised scars respond best to sustained, layered pressure therapy.
Why this approach
The decisions that shaped this surgical plan.
- Revision planning starts with the previous result. Existing scars, tissue thickness, and the original technique determine what can be improved and what is locked.
- Single-side procedure. The non-operated side anchors the symmetry target; technique choice reflects what's needed to match it.
Pre-op preparation
What to do before surgery. Specific to this case.
- Aspirin, ibuprofen, vitamin E, and fish oil discontinued 14 days pre-op to reduce bruising risk. Acetaminophen is allowed.
- Nicotine in any form, cigarettes, vapes, patches, gum, paused six weeks before and six weeks after surgery. Nicotine narrows blood vessels and slows wound healing.
- No overhead clothing for 3 weeks. Stock front-zip tops, supportive sports bras (post-clearance), and the drain pouches we provide.
- 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
Rest, hydration, and short ambulation. Most patients are off prescription pain medication by day 4.
- Week 2
Walking distance doubles. Showering rules relax. Compression garments transition to the long-wear schedule.
- Week 4
Return to most low-impact activity. Scar massage, compression, and skincare protocols pick up.
- Week 6
Most physical restrictions lift. Return to strength training, full-impact cardio, and overhead lifting.
- Month 3
Tissue softens, scars begin to fade, and overall shape settles toward final. Scar maturation continues for another 6 months.
- Month 6
Revised tissue softens on a longer timeline. Final shape and scar appearance continue to mature through month 12.
