Case #1470 · West Hollywood, CA
Breast Implant Removal (Explant)
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This patient did not want her breast implants anymore and felt she had outgrown them. Dr. Cassileth performed a bilateral removal of implants with bilateral fat grafting to breasts.
Continued care
Recommended aftercare, skincare, and MedSpa services for Breast Implant Removal (Explant).
- Compression bra continuously for 4 weeks
- Lymphatic drainage massage starting week 2 to reduce residual edema
- Sleep elevated for 2 weeks
- Massage breasts gently from week 4 to encourage tissue redrape
- Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy to support healing when recommended
- Medical-grade silicone sheeting on incision
- SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic for scar healing
- Body hydration protocol while skin retracts
- SPF 50+ on incisions for 12 months
- Indiba radiofrequency for skin tightening as tissue retracts
- Laser or microneedling starting at 3 months if additional tightening needed
- Lymphatic drainage weekly for the first month
- Aftercare
Extended hyperbaric oxygen course (10–15 sessions) to support bilateral healing.
Bilateral procedures heal more reliably with sustained HBOT.
- Aftercare
Active scar treatment delayed by 2 weeks to give revised tissue more time to settle.
Revised tissue tolerates active treatment less well than primary cases.
- Skincare
Extended scar protocol (silicone + paper-tape compression) runs through month 3.
Revised scars respond best to sustained, layered pressure therapy.
Why this approach
The decisions that shaped this surgical plan.
- Approach built on top of the prior surgery. The technique was selected to address the specific issues from the original procedure without sacrificing what worked.
- Bilateral approach chosen to keep the planning, the tissue response, and the aesthetic outcome consistent between sides.
Pre-op preparation
What to do before surgery. Specific to this case.
- Stop NSAIDs, aspirin, and high-dose fish oil two weeks before surgery; the surgical team provides a full medication list at the pre-op visit.
- Nicotine in any form, cigarettes, vapes, patches, gum, paused six weeks before and six weeks after surgery. Nicotine narrows blood vessels and slows wound healing.
- Arrange button-front or zip-front tops for the first three weeks, overhead reaching is restricted. A drain holder or apron is provided.
- Day-of transport and an overnight companion (24 hours minimum) are required for discharge.
Recovery timeline
Milestones specific to this case. Individual recovery varies.
- Day 1–7
Both sides healing in parallel means the early phase is quieter, short walks, full rest periods, and no driving until off pain medication.
- Week 2
Walking distance doubles. Showering rules relax. Compression garments transition to the long-wear schedule.
- Week 4
Most patients back to gym cardio at 50 percent intensity. Scar massage protocol begins. Driving restored if not already.
- Week 6
The "back to normal" week for most patients. Final compression schedule transitions to optional.
- Month 3
Tissue softens, scars begin to fade, and overall shape settles toward final. Scar maturation continues for another 6 months.
- Month 6
Revised tissue softens on a longer timeline. Final shape and scar appearance continue to mature through month 12.
