Case #1517
Breast Implant Replacement
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This 47-year-old patient struggled with her severe breast asymmetry since she was an adolescent. She had underwent a primary breast augmentation in the past but was dissatisfied with her results. Dr. Cassileth performed a bilateral breast implant removal and replacement with sali
Continued care
Recommended aftercare, skincare, and MedSpa services for Breast Implant Replacement.
- Compression bra continuously for 4 weeks
- No upper-body resistance training for 6 weeks
- Scar management at 3 weeks if existing scar is revised
- Hyperbaric oxygen therapy when recommended for revision cases
- Medical-grade silicone sheeting on the inframammary incision
- SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic for scar healing
- SPF 50+ on incisions for 12 months
- Laser or microneedling for scar refinement after 3 months
- LED light therapy for swelling reduction
- Indiba radiofrequency for tissue recovery
- Aftercare
Extended hyperbaric oxygen course (10–15 sessions) to support bilateral healing.
Bilateral procedures heal more reliably with sustained HBOT.
Why this approach
The decisions that shaped this surgical plan.
- Both sides treated in the same session, symmetric planning, identical tissue handling, and matched final contour are easier to achieve in one operative window than in two.
Pre-op preparation
What to do before surgery. Specific to this case.
- Aspirin, ibuprofen, vitamin E, and fish oil discontinued 14 days pre-op to reduce bruising risk. Acetaminophen is allowed.
- 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.
- Front-closing clothing only for 3 weeks. Drain holders and supportive surgical bras are issued at discharge.
- Confirm a driver for surgery day and a companion who can stay through the first night.
Recovery timeline
Milestones specific to this case. Individual recovery varies.
- Day 1–7
First week is the strictest activity window. Bilateral cases benefit most from staying ahead of swelling with consistent icing and rest.
- Week 2
Walking distance doubles. Showering rules relax. Compression garments transition to the long-wear schedule.
- Week 4
Return to most low-impact activity. Scar massage, compression, and skincare protocols pick up.
- Week 6
Most physical restrictions lift. Return to strength training, full-impact cardio, and overhead lifting.
- Month 3
Tissue softens, scars begin to fade, and overall shape settles toward final. Scar maturation continues for another 6 months.
