Recovery time for explant (under the muscle)?

Question

For planning purposes, how many days will I need to be home from work for recovery after breast implant removal (under the muscle)?

Kenneth Hughes, MD · Answer

If only explantation is performed without lift or capsule alteration, the recovery should be speedy and relatively painless as you will only have an incision without any pocket dissection.  One week off work may be sufficient.  There will always be a small risk of hematoma, fluid collection, or infection, but this is a much easier recovery than placing implants.Kenneth Hughes, MD, ABPS Board Certified Plastic SurgeonLos Angeles, CA

Eric Schaffer, MD, FACS · Answer

Patients that are having implants removed usually recover very quickly.  After removal, incisions will have a few stitches and bandages over them.  As with any surgery, exercise should be avoided for 3 weeks and patients can return to work when they are not in need of pain medication.  Good luck.

Richard Baxter, MD · Answer

The answer depends on the size of the implants, the nature of the problems that are the reason for removal. and the techniques used. For example, if a complete capsulectomy is done, that will be a longer recovery. If the implants are under the muscle with dual plane, then the muscle should be re-attached.

Richard H. Fryer, MD · Answer

The recovery time to have implants removed will depend greatly upon which surgeon you choose to perform your procedure.  In most circumstances I have the patient drive themselves to my office and then drive themselves home after the procedure because I can usually remove the implant in the office.  If there are other factors like a ruptured silicone implant or a textured implant then this option would usually not be possible.  Research several surgeons in your area that have excellent reputations and then ask each office specifically what you should expect.  If you can avoid general anesthesia then your recover will be shorter and your cost will be less.Good luck with your selection of surgeons!

Austin Hayes, MD · Answer

I would speak with your surgeon about their specific plans for your surgery. The recovery depends on whether the surrounding capsule needs to be removed. Removal would increase the amount of time required for recovery. In my office, I'd recommend being off of work for 5-7 days. If working from home is an option, it would be reasonable to work for several hours 3 to 4 days after surgery. Good luck with your procedure.

Jeanette Padgett, MD, FACS · Answer

For removal of implants, your time off work may be 4-5 days.  If you had the capsule removed or also had a lift, your time off work may be longer.   For any breast surgery,  lifting is to be avoided for 4-6 weeks depending on your specific surgery.  Your plastic surgeon can give you more detailed recommendations that are geared to your surgery and work requirements.  Best wishes.

Connie Hiers, MD, FACS · Answer

Time off for recovery depends upon what type of work you do and how physical you are at work. For women who do desk work, a week off work will probably be sufficient. Your surgeon will be able to give you more specific advice.

Tom J. Pousti, MD · Answer

Thank you for the question.  
 Breast implant removal recovery surgery is usually almost painless and associated with a faster return to activities compared to the original breast augmentation procedure.  The procedure can be done under local or general anesthesia depending on the circumstances of the specific patient.  Your plastic surgeon will be your best resource when it comes to more specific thoughts, mainly depending on exactly what procedure is performed.
 
Generally speaking what breasts look like after explantation depends on several factors such as: the quality of skin elasticity (the better the elasticity the better the skin will bounce back), the size of the implants used (the larger the implant the more trouble you may have with redundant skin), and the amount of breast tissue present at this time (which may have changed since the time of your breast augmentation).
Life experience since your breast augmentation procedure, such as pregnancy or weight gain weight loss, will potentially influence the factors discussed above. If you take these factors into consideration and apply them to your specific circumstances you may get a good idea of what to expect after the implants are removed. I would suggest that you select your plastic surgeon carefully; it is likely, that working together you will come up with the best plan of action. You may find the attached link, dedicated to breast implant removal surgery concerns, helpful to you as you learn more.
Best wishes for an outcome that you will be pleased with long-term.

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

Recovery will vary based on the extent of the removal.  If only the implants are removed, not the capsules, and no lift is performed then patients can generally return to work in 5-7 days.  If you have a physically demanding job you will still have lifting restrictions in place. Your surgeon will best advise you based on your surgical plan.

Ronald V. DeMars, MD (Retired) · Answer

It depends on what the surgeon has planned regarding the capsular tissue. Sometimes it needs to be removed, prolonging the recovery time. Might be a good idea to ask questions like this of your surgeon since he has more information on the planned procedure than we do.

Recovery time for explant (under the muscle)?

Answers (10)

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