For most patients, the breast implant revision recovery period is actually very much like their original breast augmentation recovery period. One potential difference is that you will inevitably be older after your breast implant revision surgery. And if it’s been eight or ten years, for example, the healing process may take slightly longer depending on your health.
Still, the major symptoms you experienced after your previous breast surgery will likely be the symptoms you experience during your breast implant revision surgery recovery as well. Ahead, we’ll go over more of what you can expect during this time and offer some tips for getting back on your feet at soon as possible.
What to Expect During Breast Implant Revision Recovery
Soreness and discomfort, bruising, swelling, and tightness are all common symptoms after this surgery. Oral pain medication can be prescribed to improve your comfort, the worst of which should dissipate over the first week.
You must rest throughout your healing process. Your surgeon will give you detailed aftercare instructions, so be sure to follow these. You’ll need to refrain from physical activity for a while and sleep in a specified position so as not to disturb your incisions, exacerbate new scar tissue, or compromise your results.
What Is the Average Recovery Time for Breast Implant Revision Surgery?
Recovery times after breast implant revision surgery will depend on whether you simply had a breast implant removal or you underwent a breast implant exchange. Most patients go through an initial recovery period of one to two weeks — similar to first-time breast augmentation surgery.
Your overall health, how well you typically recover from injuries, what type (if any) implants you currently have (saline implants or silicone implants), and what (if any) additional surgical steps were required for your procedure will also impact your recovery time. For example, those with capsular contracture or ruptured implants will have a different recovery experience than those whose implants from their initial surgery were healthy but they wanted a change.
Tips for a Successful Breast Augmentation Revision Recovery
#1 – Get help.
Don’t be shy about asking for help. Revision plastic surgery can be challenging for the body. Over the first few days especially, you may need assistance with even simple tasks like taking out the garbage, grocery shopping, and cooking.
#2 – Stay hydrated.
Drinking water and other clear fluids regularly will help keep your energy up and will flush excess fluid out from your breast tissue, reducing swelling. Avoid alcohol, and limit caffeine.
#3 – Focus on rest.
You won’t get an award for trying to do too much during your recovery period. Sit back, and take these days and weeks to rest, sleep, and relax. Your recovery will be smoother, and you’ll ultimately end up with a better outcome.
#4 – Prepare meals and snacks ahead of time.
If possible, take the time to prepare meals and snacks prior to your surgery. This will help you eat well-balanced meals during your recovery without requiring you to spend long hours cooking in the kitchen. Storing them in your freezer makes them easily accessible at any time. Choose meals with plenty of protein, which will aid the healing process.
#5 – Take short walks when you are able.
Of course, you should always check with your surgeon before adding any notable physical activity into your routine while recovering from plastic surgery. However, short, gentle walks on a daily basis can be a good way to ensure proper circulation as you recover.
#6 – Consider scar treatments once cleared.
Again, always check with your plastic surgeon first, but do consider adding a scar therapy into your routine once cleared to do so. Silicone gel has been proven effective time and again at minimizing the appearance of scars. Use silicone gel regularly and see scars fade and flatten out faster.
Q&A: Breast Implant Revision Surgery
How common is breast implant revision?
It’s quite common for breast implant patients to want their existing implants revised after a time. The reason(s) for doing so vary, however.
Some patients simply want different implants (larger, smaller, differently shaped, etc.) or a different breast surgery such as a breast lift. Others may be undergoing breast implant removal because of a medical issue such as capsular contracture (hardened, painful scar tissue) or BII (breast implant illness).
How much is breast revision surgery?
Your breast implant revision cost will vary based on what you specifically have in mind for your desired outcomes.
The process (and thus, the pricing) of your revision surgery will be based on whether you’re dealing with capsular contracture or another medical condition or you’re simply looking to replace your existing breast implants with differently sized or shaped ones. To get an accurate price estimate, please schedule a breast implant revision consultation appointment.
Request a Consultation Appointment Today
It’s especially important to choose a board certified plastic surgeon for your breast revision surgery as any type of revision surgery is usually more complex and demanding than the original procedure.
Dr. Raja Mohan has extensive experience performing the breast implant revision procedure for his patients. Whether he performed your initial breast augmentation procedure or not, Dr. Mohan and his team would be happy to meet with you to hear about your concerns and discuss your options.
To schedule a consultation appointment with Dr. Mohan, please contact our office today.
References
https://www.plasticsurgery.org/news/blog/will-your-breast-implants-last-a-lifetime