5 Ways to Prepare Yourself for Breast Implant Removal

Posted on November 2, 2023

Women may choose or require breast implant removal to address implant leaks, ruptures, unsatisfactory results, or suspected breast implant illness. Our breast explant surgeons at Aqua Plastic Surgery, Dr. David Rankin and Dr. Dev Vibhakar can help you prepare for breast implant removal and recovery. We work to preserve your feminine silhouette by  reshaping remaining glandular tissue.

Preparing for breast explant surgery helps your mind, body, and home get ready for a smooth recovery with minimal complications.

1. Complete Medical Evaluation and Lab Tests

Depending on your age and health, you may need a mammogram, MRI, blood work, lab tests, and/or a medical evaluation before breast implant removal. These tests ensure you’re healthy enough for invasive surgery and anesthesia and help our plastic surgeons decide on the best surgical approach for your needs.

2. Medication Changes and Supplements

Bring a complete list of your medications, vitamins, and supplements to your consultation. Consider bringing the bottles to your appointment to make sure the dosages and names are correct. Some women may need to discontinue or reduce their medications or vitamins to prevent complications after surgery. Some supplements, aspirin, anti-inflammatory drugs, and other medications can increase the risk of post-operative bleeding.

3. Help from A Friend or Family Member

Breast explant requires anesthesia. You will be asleep during the procedure and need someone to drive you to and from the surgical facility. They should stay with you for the first 24 hours or longer to help with basic tasks, such as laundry, dishes, and filling prescriptions. You need plenty of rest, and a supportive loved one can ensure your recovery gets off to a great start.

You need physical and emotional support after breast explant. Removing breast implants can be stressful, depending on the reason for the procedure. Women who had poor results or implant complications after breast augmentation or breast reconstruction may be disappointed the implants have to be removed. Other women may look forward to breast implant removal because their BII symptoms may improve. A supportive loved one can help you navigate these feelings.

4. Get Your Home Ready for Recovery

Prepare your home for surgical recovery. Stock up on groceries and make and freeze meals so you don’t need to worry about cooking for one to two weeks. Fill your prescriptions ahead of time and pick up over-the-counter pain relievers. Some patients like Gatorade or ginger ale to counteract nausea after surgery.

Create a healing area in your home and arrange necessary items within reach, such as water bottles, snacks, smart devices, remotes, and chargers. Stairs may be difficult, so choose a room on your main floor where you can access the kitchen and restroom easily. You should sleep at an angle. Many patients rest on a recliner or couch or use pillows to prop themselves on the bed.

5. Schedule Time Off

Breast implant removal recovery takes up to six to eight weeks. However, most of your healing takes place in the first two weeks. Our explant surgeons recommend scheduling seven to 10 days off work so you can rest and recuperate. Women with physically demanding jobs may need additional time off. Prepare your workplace and your colleagues for your absence before your breast explant.

If you’re interested in breast implant removal, schedule a consultation with Dr. Rankin or Dr. Dev at Aqua Plastic Surgery. We have two Florida locations that offer this procedure: Call our Jupiter office at (561) 776-2830 and our Miami office at (305) 918-1750.