What happens before breast implant removal?
Before breast implant removal, your healthcare provider will give you specific instructions to help you prepare. You may need to:
- Adjust current medications or start new ones.
- Avoid medicines that increase bleeding risks, such as anti-inflammatory drugs or certain herbal supplements.
- Stop smoking or using tobacco products.
Usually, breast implant removal is an outpatient surgery, meaning you can leave the same day. Before the operation, you will need to arrange transportation to return home.
What happens during breast implant removal?
When it’s time for surgery, a doctor who specializes in pain control (anesthesiologist) gives you medicine. This medicine will help you remain numb during the surgery. You may have:
- Intravenous (IV) sedation to help you feel calm and relaxed.
- General anesthesia to put you in a sleep-like state.
During the operation, your surgeon:
- Makes an incision around the circle of darker skin around your nipple (areola) or under the lower fold of your breasts (inframammary fold).
- Removes implants and scar tissue.
- Places new implants, if you are also having implant replacement.
- Uses stitches, tapes or skin adhesives to close the incisions.
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What happens after breast implant removal?
After surgery, you receive specific instructions for recovery. Your provider tells you:
- How to care for your incisions.
- Activity restrictions.
- What medications to take.
- When to follow up with your plastic surgeon.
For a few weeks, you may wear a special support bra or a compression garment to reduce swelling. You may also have small tubes called drains placed underneath your skin. These tubes ensure that you drain excess fluid or blood. These drains usually come out after a few days but may stay in place for up to 10 days or more.
