Roughly how long does it take to heal after implant removal?

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

Many patients report the recovery and healing is much more easier than the original breast augmentation procedure. The #incisions should take approximately a week or two to heal up. You may experience some #discomfort at the incision locations for a few days and a pain reliever may be prescribed to you. Since the breast pockets where the implants were formerly located are now empty and less affected as they were in during the original augmentation, pain within the breast pocket may further be decreased. Side effects of the procedure are possible and each patiemt differs as they recover. At any time during your post-op #healing you have any concerns, do not hesitate to contact your doctors to further inquire. 

Thank you for your question.  Removal of saline implants is a straightforward procedure and recovery time is a matter of days.  You can return to exercise within a few weeks, but be aware that you will have extra skin that may require a breast lift to remove, as well as to reposition the nipple in a more youthful position.  

Thank you for your question.  The issue of removing large implants after three years is not how long the healing time will be, but rather how will the skin laxity appear after the removal of the implants.  In many situations, the excess skin will look unsightly after the procedure, so please think the process through carefully before undergoing the procedure.All the best,Dr. ResultsMiami, FL

Removing old breast implants can be a difficult decision. If you have not had any problems with your implants and still enjoy the look and feel of the implants, then by all means keep them. Some implants last 20-30 years without any problems. However, here is a list of conditions that one might consider removing implants for:leaking, broken or ruptured implantsswitching from saline to siliconegoing larger in sizegoing smaller in sizeswitching from above the muscle to below the muscleswitching from below the muscle to above the muscle relieving capsular contracture (hardening of the implant)re positioning the implant (up, down, side to side)any combination of the aboveSaline implant ruptures are easy to diagnose, they will become flat within 24-48 hours of leaking, as they are just like a water balloon. The saline is absorbed by the body and it is not harmful. Silicone implants are harder to diagnose if ruptured. Diagnostic studies such as a mammogram, ultrasound or MRI is sometimes needed. Newer silicone implants do not leak silicone, they are gummy, not liquid-like. The much older silicone implants (prior to 1992) can and do leak silicone and should be replaced if broken.Contour deformities caused by implants shifting, weight gain, weight lost, breast feeding, pregnancy, other breast surgeries can also lead to breast implant revision/replacement surgery.Typically, remove and replace procedures are quick outpatient procedures with fast recovery times. Much quicker recovery than the original procedure. If extensive removal of capsules or addition of Alloderm (acellular dermal matrix) is needed, drains may be placed to help with the healing process, and the recovery is longer.If loose skin is a problem and a breast lift is contemplated, staged procedures might be needed. Saline implants can be deflated in the office setting to allow the breast skin to redrape, this will determine if a lift procedure is needed. Silicone implants may need to be removed to allow for an adequate lifting procedure.Always visit with a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon with experience in breast surgery to determine what the best approach is for you.Good Luck!

Your body will need to time to heal the incisions, which can take up to 6 weeks before you can swim in lake and beach water. Otherwise, removing implants is fairly minimal risk and low pain. If capsules need to be removed, you will experience more pain and swelling. Overall, plan to give yourself at least 2-6 weeks to recover.

The recovery for this procedure is minimal if you are simply removing the implants.  The incision is very small and most people experience very little post operative pain.  If you choose to remove the capsules or have a lift with the removal, this will increase the recovery time.  

It is a very easy recovery with implant removal surgery, IF only the implants are removed and nothing else needs to be done such as a capsulectomy or breast lift.  You would be able to do most activities as early as a day or two later.  It can even be done in the office under local anesthesia if you meet certain criteria.

The recovery is very easy.  I just performed this procedure on a 71 yr old patient, and 2 weeks postop, she is working in her garden :)I generally recommend patients to wear a compressive bra for about 6 weeks, but you can start exercising a few weeks postoperatively.