50 Year Old, 48 Hours After Implant Removal - No Lift - No Implants? (photo)

Question

I am 48 hours post-op. Breast are itchy and wrapped in tensor. I would like to put frozen peas on as my body feels like that would help. Nurse said that I shouldn't because people fall asleep with them on - I won't do that. Also will the skin maybe improve? and the nipples be more normal later?

Tom J. Pousti, MD · Answer

Congratulations on having undergone the breast implant removal procedure safely. At this point, I think it is safe to say that you should see improvement of the skin/nipple/areola appearance over the course of the next several months.  It will take several months and even up to one year (depending on skin elasticity) for your breast skin to contract and bounce back.

	Generally speaking, best to follow your plastic surgeon's  postoperative instructions as opposed to  that provided by online consultants.

	Best wishes.

Jed H. Horowitz, MD, FACS · Answer

Good day! Generally, patients will experience some degree of pain and discomfort 48-72 hours after the surgery. Nipple inversion may occur after trauma and can be corrected with a procedure performed in the office under local anesthesia which is commonly performed with breast revision surgery. In severe cases of nipple inversion the breast ducts may need to be severed or devices such as the Niplette by Advent can be used without surgery with some success. It is often used after surgery to create suction and maintain the correction.
  Yes, ice packs can help temporarily, but only 20 minutes maximum every application. Your nerve endings are still healing after surgery so sensation may not be reliable. Do not hesitate to ask your about this concern. Best of luck! #RealSelf100

Stephen M. Lazarus, MD · Answer

Hi,

	
		Always double check with your PS before going against post -operative treatment instructions. Until he clears you for ice packs (frozen peas), place a wash cloth in ice cold water, wring it out, then apply to your breasts.
	
		You can expect improvement in both your skin and nipple appearance over the next 3 to 6 months.
	
		After breast implant removal, the final breast appearance depends on many factors including the age of patient, skin quality, remaining natural breast tissue,and size of implants removed (how much the skin was stretched).


	Good luck and thanks for your question!

Steven Wallach, MD · Answer

You should follow the instructions that your surgeon gave to you. Frozen peas or cold packs with a towel between your skin and the cold substance may help, but you should ask your surgeon.

Jourdan Gottlieb, MD · Answer

If your sensation is normal, it is unlikely that you could do harm. The issue is that if you sensation is not normal after your surgery, you could get tissue damage from frostbite--many of us have seen this happen. 

	As far as breast shape, only time will tell.

	Best wishes.

50 Year Old, 48 Hours After Implant Removal - No Lift - No Implants? (photo)

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50 Year Old, 48 Hours After Implant Removal - No Lift - No Implants? (photo)

Answers (5)

Answer: Instructions post implant removal

Answer: Instructions post implant removal

Answer: 48 Hours After Implant Removal -

Answer: 48 Hours After Implant Removal -

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Everything you need to know about Breast Implant Removal

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.