Breast Implant Removal

Hospital Stay. Most people go home the morning after surgery. It is recommended that you be accompanied home by a carer who will stay with you (or very close by) for the first 24 to 48 hours.

Drain Care. You will go home with drains, which may stay in for 2 weeks. You will be taught how to look after the drains prior to discharge. Community nurses will visit you at home, and remove the drains when the drainage is less than 30 ml/day for 2 consecutive days (or on postoperative day 14).

Wound Care. Your wounds are closed with dissolvable sutures and skin glue and covered with waterproof dressings. Remove your dressings in 2 weeks, and the wounds can get wet in the shower and be pat dry. You can then apply surgical tape (Micropore) over the scar. The tape will need to be changed weekly for 3 months. You can massage your scar at 3 weeks over the surgical tape using your fingers in a firm circular motion for at least 10 minutes twice a day for 3 months

Bras. It is recommended that you wear a supportive wire-free bra for the first 3 months (the wire can irritate your scar). Front closure bras are generally easier to put on in the post-operative period

Driving. You should not drive until the drains have been removed.

Physical Activity. You are encouraged to do as much walking as is comfortable. Avoid lifting (over 1 kg), pushing or pulling for 4 weeks - this includes lifting children and housework such as vacuuming or hanging out the washing. Avoid exercises that create a lot of 'breast bounce' for 4-6 weeks - such as jogging or cardio sessions. You can start exercising at 25% of your normal level after 6 weeks, and gradually increase to your usual level over 4 weeks. You may also wish to see a physiotherapist for professional help in regaining your upper body strength.

Work Most people with desk jobs can return to work after 2-3 weeks, but people with more physical jobs (especially repetitive arm movements) need a minimum of 4-6 weeks off work.