Compression bra: Since you'll have incisions where your implants were removed, it will be essential to keep your breasts secured while they heal. Similar to a sports bra, a compression bra holds your breasts tightly to your body and limits the amount of movement you experience.
For most breast procedures we recommend staying in this bra for the first 2 weeks. After that you can look for a front zip sports bra to wear for the next 2-4 weeks. Usually around the 4-6 week mark, Dr. Chong will give you the clearance to go into normal bras and underwire bras.
A compression bra is required if you had small implants removed and small incisions. A compression bandage is required if you had large implants removed and large incisions need to heal. It is absolutely crucial that you wear your compression bandage or compression bra to bed for the first week or two post-op.
A medical-grade compression bra should be worn for the first six weeks to help support your breasts properly during the healing phase. You should ensure you choose a bra that fastens from the front, as these are easy to put on and remove. This also helps minimise arm movements and promote effective wound healing.
In general, to benefit from a compression garment, it should fit snugly. It should never cause discomfort. Compression garments should reduce the throbbing pain associated with healing post-surgery and not cause any pain. If there is pain, you should stop wearing the garment immediately.
As the procedure's final results are not discernible until all swelling subsides, your results will show late. In gynecomastia surgeries or explant surgeries, not wearing compression garments as advised may result in excess skin being left over and associated sagging of skin around your breasts.
For most patients, the initial deflated appearance and breast volume after an explant surgery will go away somewhat. Then, the breasts will eventually regain some of their natural volume.
Swelling and discomfort gradually increase over the first 3 days and then will gradually subside. Don't be alarmed if things feel worse before they get better (for example, day 2 you might feel better than day 4 – that's normal). Pain Medication (Percocet or Norco): Only to be used as needed for 3-5 days.
After your explant surgery, you will need to sleep on your back for 8 to 12 weeks post-op. This position will prevent excessive pressure on the incision and will allow your breast to heal quickly and effectively. Avoid sleeping on your stomach or your sides for the first six weeks following breast implant removal.
How Painful Is Breast Implant Removal? Breast implant removal is typically performed while you are fully asleep under general anesthesia, so you should not feel a thing during the actual surgery. During recovery, however, it is normal to feel some soreness and discomfort for about a week.
It's best to have at least two compression bras so that you can wash them regularly. Can I still wear a sports bra? Although not the ideal option to wear immediately after surgery, sports bras can be worn again once your wound has fully healed and you feel ready to go back to sport or exercise after recovery.
Loose clothes: Wear loose-fitting clothing that doesn't hug your chest or belly. A large shirt, pajamas, or work-out clothes may be ideal. You'll be laid up for a period of time after your surgery, so wearing comfortable bottoms is also a good idea.
Changes in sensation
This is because nerve connections to the skin or breast tissue may have been damaged during surgery, especially if you have a more invasive procedure such as a breast lift included with your breast explant. Any change in sensation will more than likely return to normal with time as the nerves heal.
Breast Implant Removal Recovery
At first, you'll need to rest and limit physical activity for one to three weeks. This includes no heavy lifting, strenuous exercise, or excessive arm or shoulder movement. If you have surgical drains, you'll need to empty the drainage fluid and record the amount in a daily log.
Nerves are very sensitive and after a surgery they don't like to be pushed down. They actually react more so. Cupping, by creating space, will actually free up the encapsulated or entrapped nerve endings. It creates more space and allows the nerves to heal more readily.
Generally after silicone breast implant removal the skin does not shrink completely, a lift should help but if it hasn't tightened within 6 months it probably won't. When the implant is removed sometimes tissue is removed also which can make the soft tissue looser.
Sleep position after breast implant removal
You will be recommended to sleep on your back for around 8 to 12 weeks after your breast implant removal surgery. Placing a pillow under your back to elevate your position as well as under your arms will put you in the best position possible.
Long Term Recovery After Breast Implant Removal
It's normal to experience soreness, tenderness, and sensitivity as you recover from your breast implant removal surgery for around six weeks.
If implants are removed without replacement, there is often a breast volume and skin mismatch causing breast droopiness or “ptosis.” Due to this fact, for those interested in breast implant removal without replacement, their breasts may not look the same as they did before undergoing breast augmentation.
There is the fear of looking deflated, out of proportion or saggy. Fortunately, after implants are removed there are many ways to re-shape the smaller, natural breast tissue remaining to create a beautiful, aesthetically pleasing breast.
This process, known as “fluffing,” can occur as the natural breast tissue begins to settle and fill out the space left by the removed implants.
As a result of these factors, many women notice changes in how the nipple feels after the surgery. The nipple may have reduced sensation or may even feel completely numb. Some women may also experience tingling of the nipple, or feel “zingers” (quick, sharp sensations) from time to time.
After your procedure, you may need to have drains, which are small, thin tubes temporarily placed under the skin within the pocket to drain any excess blood or serous fluid that may collect. You will be given specific instructions that may include: How to care for your surgical site(s) following surgery.
The bandage can be removed after 24 hours. If your arm feels numb, cold or tingly, please loosen the bandage as it is not intended to reduce blood flow through your arm. The arm must be kept clean and dry, so will need to be covered with plastic if you take a bath or shower.