Recovery from breast implant removal with lift - does this advice seem quick?

Question

42 year old mum of three having surgery in July. Staying in overnight but when I asked how long I need off work and will be unable to drive, the Dr said a week off work and driving but if off my painkillers I can drive in three days. This seems very quick to me? Would love to hear your thoughts. Thanks in advance

Robert M. Wald, Jr., MD · Answer

The recovery from a breast implant removal and mastpexies is very quick. Yes, no heavy exercise for a month, but driving in 5 days. It's unusual to have a lot of pain following this procedure. Narcotics are only needed for 1 to 2 days depending on the patient.

Alan Gonzalez, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello @ReeseLS, thank you for your question. In my practice, the recovery time for an explantation with breast reconstruction is 12 to 15 days, in which with the recommendations provided by your doctor and constant observations, you can lead your usual lifestyle, with the exception of not being able to carry heavy things or make sudden movements with your arms. Regarding driving, in my practice I recommend waiting a period of 3 months, since with the movement on the steering wheel, the scar may expand. The most appropriate course of action is to consult one or several board certified plastic surgeons. This will allow you to get more information and options tailored specifically to your needs. Best wishes!

Alan Gonzalez MD, FACS. International Federation for Adipose Therapeutics and Science” Member (IFATS), American Society of Plastic Surgery Member (ASPS), Colombian Society of Plastic Surgery member (SCCP).

Alan Gonzalez MD, FACS. International Federation for Adipose Therapeutics and Science”  Member (IFATS), American Society of Plastic Surgery Member (ASPS), Colombian Society of Plastic Surgery member (SCCP).

Caner Kacmaz, MD · Answer

He is correct. Only restriction for us in general is, for 4 weeks avoid sleeping on your stomach or sides, because it will put too much pressure on your healing breasts and do not lift anything heavier than a gallon of milk

Shaher W. Khan, MD · Answer

Hello, thank you for your question. It is understandable to feel concerned about the recovery timeline, especially with a busy schedule as a mom of three. Please see the attached video that explains your question in detail. It is always best to prioritize your health and recovery, so don't hesitate to advocate for what you feel is right for your situation.

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear ReeseLS,
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

James Knoetgen, III, MD · Answer

Your instinct is totally valid – a week off work and just 3 days before driving after breast implant removal with a lift can seem quite quick, especially for a 42-year- old mum of three. Recovery timelines can vary significantly based on your overall health, the specifics of your procedure, and your job/activities – but let’s break this down with some realism. 
Here’s what typically happens with this kind of surgery: 
1. Pain and Mobility 
•	First 3-5 days: You’ll likely be sore, swollen, and quite fatigued. Most patients take prescription painkillers during this time. 
•	By 1 week: Many people start feeling more mobile and alert, but they’re not usually ready to be back to full activity, especially if their job involves physical tasks or childcare. 
2. Driving 
Doctors generally recommend waiting until: 
•	You’re off strong pain medication (which can impair judgment/reaction time). 
•	You can comfortably and safely turn the steering wheel, shoulder-check, and manage an emergency stop -all of which can be uncomfortable due to chest tightness. 
3 days could be doable for some, but 7-10 days is more realistic for many. 
3. Time Off Work 
•	A desk job or sedentary work: 1-2 weeks might be okay. 
•	If your work involves lifting, bending, standing, or physical strain: you may need 2-4 weeks. 
•	Also consider emotional and energy levels, especially if you’re also managing a household and children. 
What You Might Do
•	Plan conservatively: Arrange for help and time off for at least 10–14 days if possible.
•	Listen to your body: Healing isn’t linear. You might feel better one day and wiped out the next.
•	Follow your surgeon’s instructions, but don’t feel bad asking for clarification or expressing that you need more time.

Karl William Schwarz, MD · Answer

I would say I tell my patients exactly the same thing. It is a pretty rapid recovery from implant removal and even from implant placement as well. It is important to know when we give advice on recovery it comes from asking our patients what their recovery was like and most patients have said the same thing as your surgeon told you. Of course everyone is different in terms of recovery but this is a general guideline. What you may also find helpful is to think of your recovery when you had the implants placed and use this as a guide. In my experience most patients find the implant removal a much easier and faster recovery than implant placement.

Connie Hiers, MD, FACS · Answer

You should not drive for 3 days after a general anesthesia nor should drive while taking pain medication. You may or may not need pain medication after the third day.  You did not say what kind of work you do, but I would recommend taking at least one week off from work.  You should be back to full activities by 6 weeks.

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

Recovery is unique to each patient.  Most patients need a week off of work depending on the extent of the surgery and the nature of their work.  Typically patients can resume driving after about a week as long as they are off narcotic based pain medications.  It may be a couple of days earlier depending on your particular recovery.  Your surgeon will advise you based on how you're doing.

Mats Hagstrom, MD (license on probation) · Answer

Recovery from breast implant removal is very quick.
Removing the implants is very easy and can even be done in the office with local anesthesia.
A breast lift may be a little more involved, but is basically skin surgery.
I don’t think you even need narcotic pain medication for this procedure.
It definitely does not require being in the hospital.
I think most people could do low impact daily activities in a few days.
 People perceive surgical recovery differently and what one person thinks is a few days of recovery another person who may feel like they need a few weeks of recovery.
Recovery is an ongoing spectrum of feeling better.
In terms of having real post surgical pain it usually is only for a day or two.
There may be some soreness and potential tenderness with certain movements, but the recovery should be pretty easy.
How many days do you think you needed to recover from Breast implants? Removing the implants is probably a small fraction of the primary procedure in regards to recovery best,
Matt Hagstrom, MD

Recovery from breast implant removal with lift - does this advice seem quick?

Answers (10)

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