How soon can I lift after breast implant removal?

Question

How long should i refrain from lifting after explant? I have a 10 month old baby, how long after explant before i can go picking him up? My implants are silicon under muscle. I'm hoping the operation can be done using same incisions which is underneath the breast. I'm hoping to get away with straight explant as i have great tight skin but as my implants are a decent size (470cc) and are about 10 years old i may need to look at a lift. Is recovery with a lift longer?

Raffy Karamanoukian, MD, FACS · Answer

Removal of breast implants, intact or ruptured, may have positive implications if patients are symptomatic. A constellation of symptoms associated with breast implant illness, and autoimmune disease are considered when treating patients who have breast implants and are concerned about foreign body reaction. In our office, we begin this journey with a consideration of symptoms and exclusion of obvious autoimmune problems. In many of our patients, en bloc removal of breast implants with capsulectomy is important and beneficial. Further clinical evidence about breast implant illness is evolving and will continue to guide treatment. I would suggest removal if there is a possibility of foreign body reaction.

Best, 
Dr. Karamanoukian
Realself100 Surgeon

Tom J. Pousti, MD · Answer

Your plastic surgeon will be your best resource when it comes to specific/relevant advice. He/she will know exactly what procedure was performed and how you are progressing. Generally speaking, removal of breast implants and mastopexy surgery is associated with a relatively quick/painless recovery (compared to the initial breast augmentation procedure), assuming no complications.  Most patients are able to return to careful/judicious lifting ( using good body mechanics) 5-7 days after surgery.  Using good judgment and “listening to your body” will be key.  Best wishes for uneventful surgery and an outcome that you will be pleased with long-term.

Howard Webster, MBBS (Hons), FRACS · Answer

Hi thereYou should be able to lift gently within a few days. Don't do weights or heavy exercise for a longer period and be advised by your surgeon. It depends a little on the explantation technique used.in relation to your question about a breast lift afterward, it is surprising how often the breast recovers well when there is still elasticity there. I am hoping you will be pleasantly surprised with your shape after implant removal.wait and see. All the very best.

Robert Savage, MD (retired) · Answer

If all that is done is implant removal, no new ones put in and no capsulectomy recovery and precautions much quicker than healing from a lift.With regard to a ten month old baby,a Mom's gonna do what a Mom has to do(but with caution  and hopefully a little help)

Robert E. Zaworski, MD (retired) · Answer

Give yourself a few days to recovery, and have help at your home.  Your surgeon will advise you regarding lifting and other activities.  Follow his instructions for your best recovery!  Best wishes!

How soon can I lift after breast implant removal?

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Answer: Implant removal activity

Answer: Implant removal activity

Answer: How soon can I lift after breast implant removal?

Answer: How soon can I lift after breast implant removal?

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Everything you need to know about Breast Implant Removal

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How soon can I lift after breast implant removal?

Answers (5)

Answer: Implant removal activity

Answer: Implant removal activity

Answer: How soon can I lift after breast implant removal?

Answer: How soon can I lift after breast implant removal?

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Recommended reading

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.