Case #1536 · Manhattan Beach, CA
Breast Reconstruction Revision
Drag the handle to compare. Click anywhere to jump.
Additional views
This 43-year-old patient from Manhattan Beach, CA had Trilucent breast implants placed in 1997 which ultimately ruptured so she switched to silicone implants over the muscle. She now has severe capsular contracture, pain and asymmetry due to a tuberous breast. Dr. Cassileth perfo
Continued care
Recommended aftercare, skincare, and MedSpa services for Breast Reconstruction Revision.
- Compression bra continuously for 6 weeks
- Sleep elevated on your back for 2 weeks
- Hyperbaric oxygen therapy when recommended — common in revision and post-radiation tissue
- Scar management at 3 weeks; aggressive protocol for revision sites
- Medical-grade silicone sheeting on revised scar lines
- SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic for scar healing
- SPF 50+ on incisions for 12 months
- Laser or microneedling for revision scar refinement after 3 months
- Indiba radiofrequency for tissue recovery
- LED light therapy weekly for the first 8 weeks
- Aftercare
Bilateral HBOT protocol, 10–15 sessions over the first 6 weeks.
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.
- 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
First week is the strictest activity window. Bilateral cases benefit most from staying ahead of swelling with consistent icing and rest.
- 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.
