Explant Recovery
Explant recovery is typically shorter than breast augmentation recovery, but it's still real surgery requiring real recovery time. This detailed week-by-week guide helps you plan time off work, prepare your home, and set honest expectations.
Before surgery: preparation week
- Stop smoking 4 weeks before (ideally 6+)
- Stop NSAIDs, aspirin, fish oil, vitamin E 2 weeks before
- Stock up on soft foods, button-front tops, extra pillows
- Arrange help for first 3-5 days
- Set up recovery space (recliner ideal; bed with multiple pillows)
- Pre-fill prescriptions if possible
- Plan transportation home from hospital
Day 0 — surgery day
- NPO since midnight
- Arrive at hospital 1-2 hours before surgery
- Anesthesiologist consultation
- Surgical markings by Dr. Erdal
- Surgery 1.5-3 hours under general anesthesia
- Wake up in recovery with drains, surgical bra, IV fluids
- Pain managed with IV medication initially
- Overnight observation
- Light dinner if tolerated
Days 1-3 — peak discomfort
- Discharge to hotel or home with WhatsApp follow-up access
- Sleep elevated 45°, back only
- Drain output recorded 2-3x daily
- Pain peaks around day 2; manageable with prescribed medication
- Sponge bath only (no showering yet)
- Short walks around room/house — anti-DVT
- Soft foods, plenty of fluids
- No lifting anything heavier than a coffee cup
Days 4-7 — drains come out
- Drains typically removed when output below 30ml/day
- First real shower (depends on surgeon protocol)
- Pain medication transitioning to acetaminophen
- Most international patients have their post-op visit in this window
- Soft sports bra may replace surgical bra
- Increased mobility but still no driving, no lifting
Week 2 — return to office work
- Most office workers return to work
- Driving permitted (off narcotic pain meds, full range of motion)
- Bruising fading, swelling decreasing
- Steri-strips may be removed
- Most international patients have flown home or are flying home
- Surgical bra continues
Weeks 3-4 — almost normal
- Light cardio resumes (walking briskly, light cycling)
- Still no chest exercises, no heavy lifting
- Soft sports bra continues
- Scars red, still healing
- Many BII-symptom patients begin to report subjective improvement
Weeks 5-6 — pathology results
- Capsule pathology results typically returned
- Most cardio activities resume
- Long-distance travel comfortable
- Sleep position fully unrestricted
- Scars maturing
Weeks 7-12 — full strength
- Weight training resumes (gradually)
- Chest exercises last to reintroduce
- Scar massage begins (per surgeon)
- Final shape becoming apparent
- Symptom tracking continues for BII patients
Months 3-6 — settling
- Scars maturing — red to pink to faded
- Tissue settling complete by 6 months
- For combined lift/fat transfer patients — final shape evident
- Sun protection on scars (SPF 50, hat)
Months 6-12 — long-term
- Final result evident
- Scars continuing to fade for up to 18 months
- Annual follow-up photo (recommended)
- For BII patients — most symptom improvement is consolidated by 6 months
Emotional recovery — often underestimated
Physical recovery is half the story. Many patients describe an emotional process:
- Grief over body changes
- Relief if symptoms improve
- Body image adjustment
- Sometimes regret or doubt — particularly first 2-4 weeks before swelling resolves
- Eventually, integration and acceptance
Professional support (therapy, support group) can be valuable. We can recommend resources for international patients.
Frequently Asked Questions
When can I drive?
Once off narcotic pain medications and with full range of motion (typically days 7-10).
When can I wear a regular bra?
Most surgeons transition to soft sports bra at week 2-3, regular bras at week 6+.
When can I sleep on my side?
Usually after week 4-6 when swelling has substantially resolved.
How long until I can fly home?
Most patients fly day 8-10. Long-haul flights ideally day 10+.
Have questions?
For specific questions about topics covered in this article, reach Dr. Erdal directly via WhatsApp.
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