After undergoing the surgery, you will recover in Dr. Antell’s state-of-the-art recovery suite while being monitored by one of his registered nurses until you feel well enough to be discharged. We will use a specialized, long-lasting local anesthesia to reduce discomfort. Breast implant removal is an outpatient procedure, meaning you can return home the same day as the procedure. When performed with “twilight” sedation, you should be prepared to have an escort to bring you home, as you will not be able to drive for 24 hours after the administration of anesthesia. Upon leaving the facility, you will be provided with thorough discharge instructions that will guide you through the initial post-operative period. Throughout your recovery, Dr. Antell and his staff will be available to answer any questions you may have.
After surgery, your breasts may be covered in a layer of gauze or a bandage. You may feel tired or sore after surgery, as your body uses energy to heal; however, many patients can return to most daily activities within days of the procedure. It is best to avoid vigorous exercise for about 10-14 days, but Dr. Antell will provide an individualized recovery plan based on the specifics of your customized procedure and your healing rate.
Follow all post-operative instructions carefully, and avoid activities that could stress your incisions.
It is expected to experience some loss of feeling in the breast area and around the incisions; this numbness typically fades over time. You may also notice some fluid drainage from the incision site. Importantly, the majority of patients do not require a breast lift after surgery, as their breasts generally return to their pre-operative shape naturally. You will typically return to the office the day after your surgery so that Dr. Antell can monitor your healing process. In most cases, Dr. Antell will use dissolvable sutures or Dermabond to avoid external sutures. If external sutures are used during surgery, they are usually removed around 7-10 days following your procedure. Although much of the swelling and bruising will fade in the first few weeks, it may take several months for the final results to become visible. Your scars will likely be firm and pink for at least six weeks before beginning to fade.
