Making the decision to have your breast implants removed can bring up many questions and concerns. You might wonder about the surgery process, how long recovery takes, or what your body will look like afterward. These feelings are completely normal, and having clear information about what lies ahead can help you feel more confident about your choice.
At The Center for Natural Breast Reconstruction , our experienced team specializes in breast explant surgery and has helped countless women through this important journey. We believe in empowering you with clear, honest information so you can make decisions that feel right for your body and your life. If you're considering this procedure, schedule a consultation with us to discuss your specific situation and explore your options.
Here's what you can expect during the removal process and throughout your healing journey:
Understanding Breast Explant Surgery
Breast explant surgery involves removing your current implants and often the scar tissue capsule that naturally forms around them. This capsule is your body's protective response to the implant.
The procedure typically takes one to three hours under general anesthesia. If you're having additional work done, such as going flat with aesthetic closure or natural reconstruction, the surgery time will be longer. Your surgeon will usually use the same incision sites as your original implant surgery when possible, which helps minimize additional scarring.
Before surgery, your doctor may recommend imaging studies like an MRI or ultrasound to check for implant ruptures or other issues that could affect the procedure.
Preparing for Surgery Day
Arriving at the surgical center might feel overwhelming, but knowing what to expect helps. You'll meet with your surgical team, who will review your procedure and answer any final questions. The anesthesia team will explain their process and help you feel comfortable.
During the procedure, you'll be completely comfortable under general anesthesia. Your surgeon will carefully remove the implants and surrounding scar tissue. Your surgeon may need to repair or reposition your chest muscle during the procedure, especially if your implants were placed under the muscle. This involves reattaching the muscle to the chest wall with dissolvable stitches.
The First Week: Early Breast Implant Removal Recovery
Most patients are able to go home the same day as their surgery, and the first few days after require patience as your body begins healing. You'll likely feel sore and tired, which is your body's natural response to surgery. Most patients describe the discomfort as similar to muscle soreness rather than sharp pain.
Your chest will be wrapped in surgical dressings or a supportive surgical bra. Some swelling and bruising is normal and typically peaks around day three before gradually improving. You may also have small tubes called drains placed under your skin to remove excess fluid. These usually come out within a few days but may stay for up to 10 days or more.
Take your prescribed pain medications as directed, even if you feel okay initially. Staying ahead of discomfort helps you rest better and heal more smoothly. Ice packs can provide additional relief during the first 48 hours.
Rest is your most important job right now. Plan to take at least a week off work and arrange help with daily tasks like cooking, cleaning, and childcare. Your body needs all its energy for healing.
Weeks Two Through Six: Building Your Strength Back
During week two, you'll likely start feeling more like yourself. The acute discomfort usually lessens significantly, though you may still have some swelling. You can gradually increase your activity level, but continue avoiding heavy lifting, reaching overhead, or strenuous exercise.
Short walks around your home help prevent blood clots and can actually reduce stiffness. However, keep lifting to nothing heavier than a coffee cup for the first two weeks, then gradually increase to no more than 10 pounds for six weeks.
By weeks three and four, many patients return to desk work. Listen to your body and don't rush back if you're still feeling tired. For the first three weeks, avoid any aerobic exercise or activities that raise your heart rate or blood pressure.
Your surgeon will schedule follow-up appointments to monitor your healing. The first visit is usually within a week to check your incisions and possibly remove some dressings or drains.
Understanding Your Results
One of the biggest questions you probably have is what your chest will look like after surgery. This depends on several factors, including how long you had implants, your skin's natural elasticity, the size of your previous implants, and your age.
Some women find their skin bounces back better than expected, while others notice more loose skin or changes in breast shape. Don't worry if what you see at two weeks looks different from what you expected; healing happens gradually over several months, and your final results may take up to a year to fully develop.
What Your Surgeon Will Check After Surgery
Your plastic surgeon will typically send the capsule and any tissue or fluid removed during surgery to a lab for testing. These tests look for a number of things, including foreign materials like silicone. If there are concerns about BIA-ALCL (a rare lymphoma associated with textured implants), specific protein tests will be done.
When to Call Your Doctor
While complications from breast explant surgery are uncommon, it's important to know when to seek medical attention. Contact your doctor immediately if you experience:
- Fever over 100.4°F
- Chest pain or shortness of breath
- Increasing redness around incisions
- Severe pain that doesn't improve with medication
- Unusual drainage from incision sites
- Signs of infection
- Nausea or vomiting that won't stop
- Chills
Trust your instincts. If something doesn't feel right, it's always better to call and get reassurance than to worry.
Moving Forward with Confidence
Understanding what to expect during and after breast explant surgery helps you prepare both physically and emotionally for this important decision. While every woman's experience is unique, having realistic expectations and proper support makes the journey smoother and more comfortable.
At The Center for Natural Breast Reconstruction, we're committed to supporting you through every aspect of your breast implant removal recovery, from pre-surgery planning through long-term follow-up care.
Ready to learn more about what breast explant surgery could mean for you?Schedule a consultation with The Center for Natural Breast Reconstruction today. Our experienced team will walk you through the entire process, answer all your questions, and help you feel confident about your decision to prioritize your health and well-being.
