Healing after breast implant removal is gradual and looks slightly different for everyone. Understanding what to expect can ease your mind by alleviating uncertainties. At his San Diego and Newport Beach offices, board-certified plastic surgeon and explant specialist Dr. Tim Sayed will provide personalized guidance and aftercare advice based on your anatomy, goals, and lifestyle.
What Changes After Explant Surgery?
When you remove your breast implants, the skin that stretched to accommodate them needs time to adjust. Your tissues will gradually settle as swelling subsides and sensation begins to return.
You may initially notice temporary asymmetry, less upper-pole fullness, mild wrinkling, or a flatter shape. Most of these issues will resolve by themselves over time. Be patient with your body, and remember that early impressions don’t necessarily reflect the final outcome.
Preparing for Surgery
The things you do to get ready in the week or two leading up to breast implant removal can make a world of difference. Set up a quiet, comfortable space with extra pillows, entertainment options, easy access to water, medications, and your phone charger. Fill prescriptions ahead of time and purchase a soft, front-closing, underwire-free bra. Arrange help for the first 48 hours after surgery, and plan gentle, protein-rich meals to nourish your body. Review your aftercare and follow-up schedule with Dr. Sayed so you feel confident and prepared.
Days 0 to 3: Rest, Protect, and Move Gently
Expect to feel groggy after surgery, with soreness or tightness across your chest. You will feel more fatigued than usual, so listen to your body and rest when you need to. Keep dressings clean and dry, sleep on your back with your upper body slightly elevated, and take short walks around your home to improve circulation. Avoid lifting, pushing, or reaching overhead. Contact our office if you feel pain or notice signs of infection.
The early days of recovery can be an emotional roller coaster. Swelling and early contour changes may look unfamiliar – remind yourself that healing is underway.
Days 4 to 7: Gentle Motion and Routine
Your energy will begin to improve, though swelling may shift throughout the day. Itching or light pulling sensations are normal as skin starts to settle. You may transition to over-the-counter pain relief once Dr. Sayed clears you. Continue short walks and begin light arm movements below shoulder level unless advised otherwise. Closely follow shower and incision-care instructions and wear your support bra day and night.
Immediately contact our office if you experience fever, chills, drainage, sudden swelling on one side, or chest pain.
Week 2: Returning to Light Activity
Most patients can resume in-office or remote work during the second week. While tightness may linger, soreness typically improves, and asymmetry begins to resolve as swelling settles. Continue wearing a supportive, underwire-free bra and avoid lifting anything heavier than a gallon of milk. High-impact exercise remains off-limits. Scar care may begin only if your incisions have fully closed and Dr. Sayed gives you the green light. If you expose your chest to sunlight, use a broad-spectrum sunscreen to prevent scar discoloration.
Your upper breasts may still appear deflated at this stage, but soft contour usually returns over the coming weeks.
Weeks 3 to 4: Softening and Progress
Some patients feel numbness, while others notice tingling as nerves recover. These sensations are normal. Keep wearing your bra as directed. If Dr. Sayed clears you, you may return to low-impact cardio. Continue gentle mobility and consistent scar care, and protect your healing skin from sun exposure. Staying hydrated and eating protein-rich meals will support tissue repair.
Visually, your contours will begin to look more natural as the breast envelope relaxes and early rippling improves. Taking weekly photos can help you appreciate progress you may otherwise miss.
Weeks 5 to 6: Near-Normal Routine
Daily life should feel easier at this point. Some tenderness may persist when you do specific movements, but bra fit becomes more predictable and confidence often grows as swelling resolves. Now is a good time to consider getting a professional bra fitting for comfort.
Continue scar care as directed and ask Dr. Sayed when to add strength training back into your fitness routine.
Months 3 to 6: Refinement and Maturation
By this stage, most swelling has resolved and scars are maturing, though they may still appear pink. Sensation continues to evolve, and your breast shape will feel more natural to you.
Many patients consider refinements such as a breast lift or fat transfer once their tissues have settled. Dr. Sayed will tailor a plan to your anatomy and comfort level.
Months 6 to 12: Results and Long-Term Care
Your results now look stable and natural. Scars continue to fade and flatten, and most patients feel fully back to normal activity. Long-term care includes using sunscreen over scars, wearing supportive bras during exercise, and maintaining a balanced fitness routine. If you had fat transfer, keeping a stable weight helps preserve volume.
Expect follow-up visits to confirm healing, review scar progress, and discuss any refinements or concerns. Dr. Sayed’s team remains available between appointments to support your recovery and answer questions.
Schedule Your Private Consultation With Dr. Sayed
Dr. Sayed is a board-certified plastic surgeon known for his thoughtful, customized approach. Many patients come to him looking for a more natural shape and renewed confidence after years with implants. He plans every explant procedure around his patients’ anatomy and goals.
Whether you’re pursuing explant surgery because your aesthetic preferences have changed or you’ve experienced health complications related to your breast implants, Dr. Sayed understands the highly personal factors behind your decision. He’ll create a roadmap that suits your lifestyle and leads to natural-looking results. Schedule your consultation today.