What is the healing time for a breast lift and implant removal?

Hello @BAquestions23, thank you for your question. The healing time for a breast lift and implant removal depends on the individual's recovery process and surgical technique. Generally speaking, it can take up to a year to fully recover from this type of surgery. This is due to the need for tissue tightening, scar maturation and overall healing of the area. Regarding pain after the 6 week recovery mark, my patients report minimal sensations or discomfort at this stage as they're starting their total healing period. In general, drains can be placed on the patient for 3 to 5 days after surgery. Keep in mind that it's important to have a total capsulectomy even if the capsules are thin to avoid future inflammatory processes. To sleep on back and to exercise excessively depends on the patient's healing process and need to be consult with the doctor performing surgery. Best wishes! Alan Gonzalez MD, FACS. American Society of Plastic Surgery Member (ASPS), International Federation for Adipose Therapeutics and Science” Member (IFATS), American Society of Plastic Surgery Member (ASPS), Colombian Society of Plastic Surgery member (SCCP).

Dear BAquestions23,
I understand your concern. It is best that you consult your plastic surgeon regarding post operative care and management (i.e including massage techniques and timing) specific to your case. Your surgeon knows your condition well and has preferences on when and what to use for faster healing and recovery. Post operative care and management depends on the type of surgery performed and the technique used during surgery among other factors.It is best, however, that you follow your plastic surgeon's advice on post operative care management for a smooth and faster healing and recovery.
Daniel Barrett, MDCertified, American Board of Plastic SurgeryMember, American Society of Plastic SurgeryMember, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

1. Healing time: approximately 3 weeks for incisions, 6 weeks for soft tissue healing, 12 weeks for swelling, and 1 year for scar maturation.
2. Pain: 2-4/10 at rest; 3-5/10 when walking short distances for the first 5-10 days.
3. Drains are required 1-7 days depending on the patient.
4. Sleeping on back for 3-4 weeks
6. You can begin exercise with the intent to improve your fitness level at 6 weeks. No lifting more than 10-15 pounds for 6 weeks.
7. Your breast shape will reach a new baseline at 3-6 months and then your breasts will continue to age and change shape based on your genetics thereafter.

The healing time for a breast lift and implant removal can vary, but generally, patients may need several weeks to a few months for initial recovery. It’s important to follow your surgeon’s post-operative care instructions and attend follow-up appointments for a smooth recovery process.

Dear BAquestions23,
Every surgeon has a different post operation protocol, so it will depend entirely of who does your operation. Do I understand correctly that your implants have only been in 12 months and you want them removed? Do you have a capsular contracture?In my practice, I have a graded protocol for recovery.If I remove implants, I always use drains for 24 hours. I perform breast lift using the vertical technique so the breasts shape takes about 6 months to settle, so that you have a. well maintained long term result. Very little activity in the first 2 weeks to allow the internal wound to 'seal and heal'. Sleeping on your back is for 6 weeks, as it's too uncomfortable to sleep on your side before then, and it also helps alleviate one side swelling more than the other. No front sleeping for 12 weeks.Strenuous bouncy exercise only after 12 weeks. Strenuous weights after about 8 weeks.I hope this is helpful.

Typically after breast implant removal with lift patients can return to a non strenuous occupation after 7-10 days. The use of drains varies by surgeon and patient need. Pain is often well managed with narcotic pain medications for the first few days and then over the counter medication as needed from there. Generally patients can return to exercise by six weeks post op but must first be cleared by their surgeon. Your surgeon will provide specific information based on your surgical plan and how you progress through recovery.

Complete healing time, like for most surgeries, is one year. However, most are back to full activities by 6 weeks. The final shape, usually between 3-6 months, may take longer to let the swelling from surgery subside. I use drains to decrease the risk of seroma formation. You may need to sleep on your back 3-4 weeks, and then go to sides.

Breast uplift or mastopexy and implant removal normally takes 3 hours with an overnight stay. Recovery time 3 months.You will have some degree of breast discomfort for 2 months and will need to wear unwired bra and refrain from chest exertion/weights for 3 months. Arm weights restrict for 2 months.Sleep on back for 4 weeks. For breasts to fully settle and take shape 6 months.