Case #1572 · Pacific Palisades, CA
Breast Implant Replacement
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This 63-year-old patient from Pacific Palisades, CA had ruptured silicone implants, capsular contracture and free floating silicone in her breast area. Dr. Cassileth performed a full capsulectomy, en bloc, and free silicone removal. She then replaced the implants and fat grafted
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
Activity progression coordinated with PT, formal check-in scheduled for week 4.
Older patients benefit from a guided return-to-activity plan.
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.
- 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.
- A driver is required the day of surgery and a responsible adult should stay with you the first 24 hours.
- Medical clearance and a current EKG are obtained pre-op. Anesthesia review confirms any chronic-condition adjustments.
Recovery timeline
Milestones specific to this case. Individual recovery varies.
- Day 1–7
Light activity, hydration, and elevation. Expect peak swelling between days 3 and 5, then a gradual easing through the end of the week.
- Week 2
Patients off prescription pain medication, walking 1–2 miles daily, and back to most light household activity.
- Week 4
Older patients benefit from a guided plan here, PT consult, gradual activity, and stretch goals through week 8.
- Week 6
Standard clearance milestone. Patients return to most exercise, gym work, and sleeping in any position.
- Month 3
Most patients consider this the "final result emerges" milestone. The remaining 10 percent of refinement plays out through month 6.
