I'm having an explant with a lift. How long does the actual surgery take? What is the recovery time frame?

Thank you for your question. Typically breast lift surgeries take about 2,5 hours but you will be in the recovery room for about 30 to 45 minutes after the surgery. Your blood pressure, heart rate, and body temperature will be monitored until you are ready to come back to your room. We recommend you to walk often and drink lots of water starting 4 hours after your surgery. You can shower 4 days after the surgery, We ask our patients not to sleep on their stomachs for 3 months and continue to wear the medical bra for 4 weeks. Do not take your bra off for more than 30 minutes during these 4 weeks. Tanning beds, saunas, and steam rooms are not allowed for 4 weeks. Avoid lifting heavy objects during your recovery. Best wishes.

Hi there, Thanks for your question! Each surgeon operates differently, but in most cases I would say an explant and lift should take 2-3 hours total. Recovery is fairly easy, with limited jumping and lifting movements while you let everything settle. Most patients are cleared to walk and do gentle exercise after 2 weeks.

If you are already scheduled for surgery, then it is a bit concerning that you have not discussed the answers to these exact questions with your surgeon. In fact, if you have had a consultation with a surgeon and not reviewed these and many other questions and details of the procedure, I would consider getting another appointment with your surgeon or a second opinion.
Hope this helps!
Dallas Buchanan, MD
VIVIFY plastic surgery
Tampa, FL

Thank you for your question! It hard to be precise regarding surgery times, as I have not examined you myself, But typically this procedure can take 3- 5 hours. Most patients requires 1 week off from work after a breast lift with modified upper arm activity (keeping arms low) for 6 weeks post op. Be sure you confirm this information with your board certified plastic surgeon.

Hello @Anitabooty2, thank you for your question. The duration of the surgery really depends on the specialist and his technique when performing the surgery. To obtain more information and recommendations, it is best to consult one or more board-certified plastic surgeons. Best wishes! Alan Gonzalez MD, FACS.

Dear Anitabooty2,
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, MD
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Hello, there is significant variation in the surgery time for this procedure. Often a complete or partial capsulectomy is performed with the explantation and depending upon the degree of capsulectomy performed this can increase the time significantly. If a complete capsulectomy is performed with the explantation and lift, the surgery time typically ranges in my practice between 2.5 hours - 3.5 hours. Again, the recovery time is very variable. Most of my patients can return to work in one to two weeks, but we have significant restrictions on exercises requiring use of the arms. We ask that patients avoid strenuous upper body work out for approximately 5-6 weeks.

You should ask your surgeon how long he/she expects for the surgery to be. We do not all operate at the same speed. Recovery will be up to 6 weeks for you can resume all activities.

It is important that you discuss these questions with your surgeon so that you are comfortable and confident as you prepare for surgery. The length of the surgery will vary by surgeon and complexity of the case. Patients will typically be able to return to a non physically demanding job within a week of surgery. There may be lifting and other restrictions for 4-6 weeks as you heal.

Hello and greeting from Turkey. Breast Implant Renewal procedure is one of most demanding procedure in our clinic. The procedure takes 2-3 hours in total. Recovery period nearly same with the regular breast uplift and implant procedure. You can go back to work and normal life after 7-10 days from the procedure. You can start to do more strenuous activities after 1 month from the procedure.