Case #1545 · Los Angeles, CA
Breast Implant Replacement
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This 22-year-old patient from Los Angeles, CA had an underdeveloped left breast that was substaintially smaller than the right. At age 16, she had an implant placed in the left breast which has now developed a capsular contracture. Dr. Cassileth performed a removal and replace of
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
- Skincare
Aggressive sun protection on incision lines through the first 12 months.
Younger skin pigments scars more reliably under sun exposure.
Why this approach
The decisions that shaped this surgical plan.
- Single-side procedure. The non-operated side anchors the symmetry target; technique choice reflects what's needed to match it.
Pre-op preparation
What to do before surgery. Specific to this case.
- Discontinue blood thinners (NSAIDs, aspirin, fish oil, vitamin E) two weeks out. Acetaminophen remains safe; the full list is reviewed at pre-op.
- 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
Light activity, hydration, and elevation. Expect peak swelling between days 3 and 5, then a gradual easing through the end of the week.
- 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
Shape is 80–90 percent of final. Scars are still pink and will continue to lighten through month 12.
