The procedure to remove or replace breast implants is known as breast augmentation revision or breast implant revision. The reasons for performing breast augmentation revision are varied. Some women need to have their implants removed or replaced for medical reasons (i.e., the implants developed a rare complication) while other women wish to alter the size and/or shape of their breasts as their lifestyle or preferences change.
No matter what your motivation for pursuing breast augmentation revision with Dr. A.J. Khalil, he will ensure that you are completely educated about the procedure and what it entails.
As with any plastic surgery, the recovery period is a serious consideration. In general, recovering from breast augmentation revision is very similar to recovering from primary breast augmentation.
Immediate Recovery
After a short observation period at the surgery center, you will be permitted to go home in the care of a friend or family member. Your breasts and chest will be wrapped with a gauze dressing or a surgical bra.
You may have drainage tubes attached to your breasts; if so, you will have detailed instructions for caring for the drains. You will also receive instructions for caring for your healing breasts in the days and weeks following surgery.
As the anesthesia from the operation wears off, you might have some pain or discomfort. You can take prescription or over-the-counter medication as instructed by Dr. Khalil. Bruising and swelling are also common and can take two to three weeks or longer to subside.
You should be up and moving the day of surgery, although you should limit your activity to short, slow walks. Avoid any vigorous activity or straining, and get plenty of rest as you might feel tired or sluggish.
Resuming Work and Other Normal Activities
In the days immediately following your surgery, you will follow up with Dr. Khalil so he can remove your drains and check your healing progress.
Dr. Khalil will clear you to go back to work and the rest of your normal activities when he feels you are ready. Most patients can resume work within one to two weeks (although if you have a physically demanding job, you may need more time). You should continue to avoid vigorous or strenuous activities for three weeks or more, according to Dr. Khalil’s instructions.
Scarring after Breast Augmentation Revision
Dr. Khalil will likely remove or replace your implants through the same incision used to place them; in that scenario you would not have additional scarring. However, if he also performs a breast lift while removing or replacing the implants, he will need to create additional incisions on the nipples and breasts that leave more scars.
In any case, Dr. Khalil will provide detailed instructions for scar management with the goal of attaining discreet scars that heal well. Rest assured that any scarring should be undetectable underneath a bra or bikini top.
For more information about breast augmentation revision recovery, please contact Dr. Khalil’s Beverly Hills office today.
