Breast Implant Removal/Replacement Surgery

Recovery after the removal of breast implants is generally shorter than the recovery after the original enlargement surgery, and you can also expect less discomfort this time around. Obviously, every patient is different, and this won’t necessarily be the case for everyone.

Although you may not experience significant discomfort, it is worth keeping in mind that you have still undergone a surgical procedure and it is important that you don’t rush straight back into strenuous activity.

Make sure you take care of yourself after the surgery and we’d recommend taking a week of work. Here at Pall Mall, we have an industry-best aftercare programme which gives you comprehensive cover after your surgery.

Feel free to come into the clinic as often as you like and we will provide you with 24/7 access to our Nurse. Additionally, our surgeons and nurses will keep in touch to ensure you are happy with the outcome of the Impact Removal.

Following your surgery, it is quite normal to feel some minor pain and discomfort.

You will have been discharged with medications to take to help control your pain, follow the instructions given to you on your discharge.

If you have had general anaesthesia or sedation, this can temporarily affect your coordination and reasoning skills. It is strongly advised that you must not drive, drink alcohol, operate machinery or sign legal documents for 48 hours afterwards.

It is important you do not over stretch or lift during your recovery. Ask for assistance with dressing and allow the person taking you home to carry your bags.

You might feel tired or drowsy for the first few hours - this is related to the anaesthetic and medication given for the surgery.

You will have some pain and discomfort for the first few days - taking regular painkillers will help. Maximum discomfort will occur on the first few days. There will be some swelling and bruising around your operation site, the majority of this will subside in 6-8 weeks.

You should not drive yourself home or drive for a minimum of 2 weeks following your surgery. You must be able to do an emergency stop safely without causing discomfort and be able to turn adequately to see blind spots. If you are in doubt about driving, contact your motor insurer so that you are aware of their recommendations, and always follow your surgeon's advice.

You should avoid smoking and using any nicotine products during your recovery as this will affect your body’s ability to recover and can delay wound healing.

You should also avoid vitamins and herbs for 10 days before surgery.

Before your breast implant removal surgery, please inform staff if you take any other medications to minimise the risk of contraindications. Complete the full course of antibiotics if prescribed.

Take your painkillers as prescribed- try to take regularly for the first few days, avoid any aspirin containing drugs as they will thin the blood and increase the bleeding risk. Your normal bowel action may be disrupted following surgery, you may take a mild over the counter laxative if required.

Fluids are critical following surgery. Stick with a light nutritious diet for the first 24- 48 hours. Following your surgery, it is important to eat foods high in protein and full of vitamins and minerals to help aid the healing process

Limit your activities for the first week to avoid unnecessary bleeding. However, do not remain immobile due to the risk of deep vein thrombosis- keep stockings on until you have returned to your normal mobility.

▪ You should avoid any strenuous exercise and swimming for at least 6 to 8 weeks.

▪ Avoid exposure of the breasts to direct sunlight/sunbeds for at least 6 months.

▪ Be sure to avoid vigorous or excessive stretching or lifting for 4-6 weeks

Leave dressings intact until they are removed in the clinic. You will usually have dissolvable sutures in place - these will dissolve in a few months following surgery. It is common to have some blood strike through onto the dressings but if it appears fully soaked or leaking through, please contact your clinic for an early dressing change.

Avoid getting the wound wet until all the dressings are removed. After they have been removed only shower - avoid soaking your wound in the bath for 6-8 weeks post operatively.

• Wear a suitable post op garment, day and night for at least 6 weeks, avoiding under wire. Adjust it to ensure it doesn’t rub on your incisions.
• Follow your surgeon's advice on how long you should take off work.
• Wear loose and comfortable clothing that will not rub on your incisions.
• should be a minimal of 1-2 weeks depending on your job.If you notice any undue swelling, pain, bleeding, fever, or discharge from your wounds please contact your clinic.
• Do not apply anything on your scars unless advised by your own surgeon.

For this surgery you will be placed under general anaesthetic and monitored closely throughout the whole surgery. This is a controlled state of unconsciousness to ensure you don’t feel pain or move while surgery is being carried out.