Removal of my breast implant - 1 week post-op and not happy with result, can I have them removed ASAP?

Question

I just had my Breast augmentation a week ago but I’m not happy with them. The one side is extremely painful, tender and I get a shooting pain in my arm and in my breast. I also get a weird tingling sensation in it. Is possible to have the removed ASAP?

S. Larry Schlesinger, MD, FACS · Answer

Most post breast augmentation patients go through a process known as the "Booby Blues" somewhere between 5-10 days after the surgery.
My personal feeling about this post surgical depression is that it is multi-factorial.  It is not unlike buyer's regret with a bit of chemical imbalance due to anesthetic agents, possibly augmented by withdrawal from post surgical pain pills and perhaps a little electrolyte imbalance caused by the third spacing of fluids.  OMG - I'm getting a headache just thinking about it.
You need to call your personal plastic surgeon and discuss your symptoms and your distress.  If he or she is like most Board Certified plastic surgeons, they will assuage your fears and give you the support needed to get through this artificially induced depression.

Michael Constantin Gartner, DO · Answer

These issues can be normal the first week after breast augmentation. As long as your surgeon is board-certified by the American Board of plastic surgery and has a vast experience and breast augmentation I would work with your surgeon over the next few weeks when things settle down. It can sometimes take two to four weeks for an individual to feel normal after this operation or longer. If you are uncomfortable and see answers your surgeon gives you I would seek a second opinion.Best Regards,Dr. Gartner

Erik Miles, MD, FACS · Answer

Breast implants can be removed at any time. Of course your surgeon will want to ensure that you are making this decision for the right reasons.  One week is not enough time to determine your final appearance, which may change your level of satisfaction.  Discuss these concerns with your surgeon. Best wishes.

Thomas Trevisani, MD · Answer

All communication in the immediate post-op period should be directed to your chosen Operating Surgeon and his/her staff. These symptoms could be indicative of complication, like hematoma. Without posted photos and in person exam - it's impossible to comment accurately.

Luis Villar, MD, FACS · Answer

You are likely experiencing increased sensitivity following the disruption and/or stretching of the nerves innervating the breast tissue.  As the nerves repair themselves and reorganize circuits in the brain, patients may experience altered sensory inputs such as burning, itching, electric shocks, creepy crawly sensation under the skin, etc.   Hyperesthesia (or hyperaesthesia) is a condition that involves an abnormal increase in sensitivity to stimuli of the senses.
This is a good sign compared to complete numbness.  It indicates the nerves are still connected but confused.  It unusually resolves in days, weeks, rarely longer.  If your breasts look good, wait it out and you will likely be happy you did.Have your surgeon rule out hematoma or infection buy hands on examination.

Patricia A. McGuire, MD · Answer

It is possible to have your implants removed at any time if you are unhappy, but I don’t think it’s advisable to do so this soon after your surgery. Pain, more on one side than the other is not unusual, but is something you should have your surgeon check. Things can change very rapidly in the early period after breast augmentation, the things that bother you today may be better in a week, and you could regret removing your implants so soon. I would discuss your concerns with your surgeon and if there are no complications causing these symptoms give yourself a little more time before having your implants removed.

Christopher Chui, MBBS, MRCS Ed, MMed · Answer

Thanks for your question.
While it is possible to have the implants removed, it is good to make sure you are removing them for the right reasons.
If you are experiencing extreme pain, there could be a complication. It's important for you to seek medical attention fairly urgently.
On the other hand, if you are assessed by a medical professional and there are no acute surgical complications, you may want to wait before removing them. Your new breasts will take some time to mature into their new size and shape so removing them prematurely is not advised.
Hope this helps.

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

You are very early in your recovery period and the symptoms you described should improve over time.  I encourage you to discuss your concerns with your surgeon before making the decision to have your implants removed.  If after that you still want to proceed with explanting you can have it done at any time.

Tom J. Pousti, MD · Answer

I am sorry to hear about the stressful situation you find yourself in.  There is no "standard" waiting time when it comes to breast implant removal surgery.

***What is important: make sure that you are convinced that you do not wish to have breast implants in place and are not experiencing (quite commonly experienced) emotional "ups and downs" around the time of surgical procedures.  As I am sure you have read and heard, there is both a physical and psychological adaptation period that occurs  after elective breast surgery.Generally speaking, severe emotional “ups and downs” are common after all types of surgery. Requiring reassurance (that what you are experiencing is normal) is also common and to be expected. The specific cause of the "postoperative depression" is not known;  in my opinion, it is probably multifactorial (factors such as stress, pain, unanticipated length of recovery, being away from usually enjoyed activities/people…).
I would suggest that you do your best to occupy your mind with activities that you enjoy. For example, for our patients experiencing these types of post operative “sadness”, I suggest they walk outdoors (fresh air), see movies, enjoy music, read books they enjoy, seek family/friends' support…  Let your plastic surgeon know how you are feeling, especially if you do not see/feel improvement.  See him/her as frequently as necessary; I ask my patients experiencing complications or the "blues" to call if/when wish to talk or seek reassurance.  Talking to previous patients who have experienced similar complications (and at the end are very pleased with long-term outcome of the procedure) may be helpful as well.

In other words, make your decisions very carefully so as not to have future regrets.   Your plastic surgeon should be able to help you with specific questions, concerns, thoughts…    
Best wishes.

Evan Sorokin, MD · Answer

Your surgeon is in the best position to give you advice immediately in the post operative period right now.  He or she knows what they did, what you looked like prior to surgery, and will give best advice.  Could you be having a complication?  Best to talk to your surgeon in person.   Could you take them out?  Sure, you could, but most of us would tell you that usually the best advice is to let things heal then reassess.   Best of luck!

Removal of my breast implant - 1 week post-op and not happy with result, can I have them removed ASAP?

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