Is Breast Implant Removal recovery easier when its over muscle vs. under muscle?

Question

I got breast aug 3 weeks ago and want to explant at one month? How long will it take me to get back to normal with no pain...is recovery easier since it was done over the muscle

Gregory A. Buford, MD, FACS · Answer

Removal of breast implants usually entails simply removing the actual implant and placing a temporary drain. In addition, I also cauterize the inside of the capsule to encourage closure of the pocket.  Regardless of whether the implant is above or below the muscle, the recovery is minimal and most patients are back to work within 24-48 hours and have the drain removed around that time, as well.  I hope that helps!

Jed H. Horowitz, MD, FACS · Answer

I am sorry to read of your disappointment and understand your concern. However, it is still very soon into your post-augmentation healing to judge your final results. #Pain and #discomfort vary per person following a #Breast Augmentation. As healing will continue for 2-3 months, swelling, bruising, malposition and color differences are common. Sensation may also be abnormal and scars will be evolve. Tingling, burning or shooting #pains will disappear with time and should not alarm you. It is simply a result of the regeneration of your sensory nerves. If these sensations cause pain, repeated, local self-massage per your surgeon's permission may help.If my patients have concerns that their healing or pain are unusual, it is important for them to call the office and discuss these concerns or come in to be examined. However, it it typically recommended to wait 6 to 12 months for a revision or additional surgery depending on the reason.  I suggest contacting your doctor to address your pain before scheduling an implant removal procedure six to twelve months from now.

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

I'm sorry you are unhappy with your breast augmentation.  I encourage you to speak with your surgeon about your concerns.  If you do elect to have them removed it should be a relatively easy recovery.  You will have some lifting restrictions and may have compression recommended.

Connie Hiers, MD, FACS · Answer

It really makes little difference during removal if the implants are under or over the muscle.  The implants are being removed from the created space.  Recovery should be quicker than with the original augmentation. However, if your augmentation was only 3 weeks ago, it is too soon to remove the implants unless they need to be removed for a medical reason--not healing or infection.  It would be best to let your tissues heal before subjecting them to another surgery.  Also, you need time to adjust to your augmented breasts. I would suggest discussing your concerns about the implants with your surgeon.

John J. Edney, MD · Answer

Whether or not your implants are above or below the muscle will have little difference on your recovery.  If the implants are simply removed without any type of capsule work you will be back to most normal day-to-day activities within 2-3 days.  Return to full and unrestricted upper body movement will very likely be achieved within 7-10 days.  If there is any need to modify the capsule which has developed around your implants then your recovery will be somewhat longer.

Scott L. Replogle, MD (retired) · Answer

In general, the answer to your question is no difference for a simple removal of implants that are above or below the muscle. The recovery issues for above or below the muscle are for creating the pocket to put the implant in and are very short term -- mostly in the first week. Removal of an implant without anything done to the capsule would be no different for either approach. In the absence of obvious infection, I would not agree to an implant removal in the first three months after an augmentation procedure and have never had a patient request it. Even changes in implants for a different size (not a revision) require waiting a full three months and often more. It is possible you have something going on that will not be relieved by a simple implant removal.

Alan M. Engler, MD, FACS (retired) · Answer

In general, it is somewhat to have over-the-muscle implants than if they're under the muscle and, at this relatively early stage, they are more likely to return to their pre-op appearance than if it were several years down the road.But - what made you change your mind already?  You must have thought about this a lot before you had the surgery.I'd suggest several conversations with your plastic surgeon before you proceed in this manner.  Maybe you'll become more comfortable with them if you give it a while - but it is, of course, your decision entirely.  And if you're sure then it's better not to wait longer than necessary.I hope that this helps and good luck,Dr. Alan EnglerMember of RealSelf100

Is Breast Implant Removal recovery easier when its over muscle vs. under muscle?

Answers (7)

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