5 Tips for Breast Implant Removal Recovery

In 1962, Thomas Cronin and Frank Gerow invented the silicone breast implant.  A woman from Texas, Timmie Jean Lindsey became the first woman in American history to have the procedure. In 1976, the FDA (Food and Drug Administration) started regulating breast implants, subjecting them to performance standards and controls.

Fast forward to 2023, when over 300,000 breast augmentation procedures were performed by ASPS member surgeons.

There are many reasons to have your breasts augmented, it is a deeply personal choice for every patient. Sometimes, patients change their minds after receiving implants and would like to have them removed.

If you are having your breast implants removed soon, follow these five easy tips below to speed up your recovery:

Wear a Compression Garment

This is a major surgery and requires specific aftercare practices. One of the most important ones is to wear a compression garment or surgical bra, post-procedure. Compression garments accelerate the healing process by managing swelling and discomfort.

They also help to reduce skin sagging and bruising by promoting blood circulation. Do not worry, they are comfortable to wear.

Avoid Strenuous Activities

This one should go without saying, but many people push themselves too quickly and too soon after undergoing surgery.  You must understand that your body has gone through a lot and deserves a little time off to recover. Considering that, do not attempt to lift anything over 10 pounds, including toddlers and groceries, for at least six weeks after the surgery.
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If you need to exercise, take a ten-minute walk around the block or your yard.

Follow Your Surgeon’s Instructions

Before you leave the hospital following your surgery, your surgeon will give you a list of instructions to follow to speed up your healing journey.
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Follow those instructions thoroughly and call their rooms for clarification if you are unsure about anything.
Breast implant removal will require a recovery period of around six weeks, so be sure to have a support system of friends and loved ones to help you.

Quit Smoking

We all know how terrible smoking is for our health and the health of those around us – including the environment, but if you are still a smoker despite the facts, you should quit smoking while you recover from the surgery.
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Apart from the myriad of reasons not to smoke in general, smoking reduces blood flow, which slows healing. That will increase the risk of infection at the surgical site and increase your chances of developing post-operative problems.

Eat A Healthy Diet

The food you eat in the weeks and months after your surgery can affect your recovery rate. Choose nutritional foods like fish, fresh vegetables, and lean meats to fuel your body’s recovery journey. Avoid processed foods or anything containing excess sodium or sugar.
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Keep a bottle of water on hand to prevent dehydration.

During the early stages of your surgical recovery, you will require additional visits to your surgeon to remove sutures, check drains (if you have any), and keep an eye on your healing process.
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To achieve the best post-operative outcome, do not skip these visits. Do not be afraid to ask any questions before your surgery – peace of mind will be a valuable tool throughout your recovery.