Is 5 weeks enough recovery time from an explant and breast lift before vacationing in Mexico?

Question

Removing 350 cc silicone implants and getting a lift.

Jed H. Horowitz, MD, FACS · Answer

A breast implant #removal with #breast lift is an outpatient procedure under intravenous sedation and local or general anesthesia. You will go home in a bra or with only light dressings over the incision lines. Sutures are dissolvable but an ending knot, if present is removed within 1-2 weeks. Initial discomfort is easily controlled with oral medication. Light activity may be started 7-10 days after surgery. If your work keeps you sedentary, you may return whenever you feel up to it. If your work is strenuous, wait until your work activity does not cause any superficial pain. Do not begin light aerobic exercise for 3 weeks and strenuous exercise for at least 6 weeks. Let your body tell you what it can tolerate. 
Since the breast pockets where the implants were formerly located are now empty and less affected as they were in during the original augmentation, pain within the breast pocket may further be decreased. Side effects of the procedure are possible and each patient differs as they recover. At any time during your post-op #healing you have any concerns, do not hesitate to contact your doctors to further inquire. Further instructions are provided prior your release. It is always recommend to call and see your surgeon to discuss your concerns on recovery.

Nelson Castillo, MD · Answer

Thank you for sharing your question.  Assuming you have no skin healing issues you should be fine to vacation in Mexico.  You need to clear the details with your surgeon as you will need to follow strict instructions on skin care and scar care to avoid secondary pigmentation issues.  Hope this helps.

Gregory C. Gaines, MD · Answer

Typically after about 6 weeks of healing time we feel confident enough to lift all restrictions on activity for our patients (i.e. working out again, heightening activity levels, etc). So, after 5 weeks you should definitely be okay to go on vacation. As long as your sutures have been removed and your incisions have healed nicely, you should be able to go swimming. Be mindful to keep your activity level light, and check with your surgeon on what all he is comfortable with you doing. Enjoy!

Patricia A. McGuire, MD · Answer

Implant removal with a lift is a very well tolerated procedure with most patients being back to normal activities within a few days. It is possible that you will have a drain, which could limit you somewhat while it is in place which could be anywhere from a couple of days to a week. 5 weeks after surgery you will still probably be a little sore which may limit your activities, so you may want to check your luggage rather than try and put a heavy carry on into the overhead bin. You will also want to keep your scars out of the sun and be careful with excessive heat, shower frequently if you perspire a lot as your incision will still be fairly fresh and, if you have absorbable sutures, they could become irritated. Talk to your surgeon about your plans he/she will have a better idea of the extent of the procedure and how quickly you can resume normal activity.

Terence Michael Myckatyn, MD · Answer

This depends on how well you have healed and your activities in Mexico. If you have been well healed for several weeks and are not planning on a lot of vigorous activities then yes. If you have any areas of delayed healing and plan to engage in vigorous activities then probably not.

Karol A. Gutowski, MD, FACS · Answer

In most cases yes, this is a reasonable time to recover before travel, but best to check with your surgeon.

Robert Whitfield, MD · Answer

That should be enough time.  The issue is whether the incision where the lift is performed will have any small areas that heal more slowly than others.

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

You should be able to enjoy a relaxing vacation after 5 weeks.  You still may have a few restrictions and will want to protect your incisions against sun exposure.  Speak with your surgeon to be sure.  He/She is most familiar with the details of your upcoming surgery.

Is 5 weeks enough recovery time from an explant and breast lift before vacationing in Mexico?

Answers (8)

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