Case #1102
Breast Implant Removal (+/- Lift)
A woman in her 60s with silicone implants placed 39 years earlier, now bilaterally ruptured, underwent implant removal and a lift.
A 66-year-old woman with silicone implants placed 39 years earlier, now with bilateral ruptures. She did not remember the size of her implants. Dr. Azadgoli performed an implant removal, pectoralis muscle repair, and breast lift.
Compare side-by-side
Drag the handle to compare. Click anywhere to jump.
Why this approach
The decisions that shaped this surgical plan.
- Revision planning starts with the previous result. Existing scars, tissue thickness, and the original technique determine what can be improved and what is locked.
- Bilateral breast implant removal (+/- lift) performed in one operative session so symmetry, tissue handling, and final shape track between both sides.
- A concurrent lift added to the primary procedure to address a specific finding identified during planning.
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.
- Full nicotine cessation 6 weeks pre- and post-op. This includes vapes and nicotine replacement products; the constriction effect is the same.
- Front-closing clothing only for 3 weeks. Drain holders and supportive surgical bras are issued at discharge.
- Day-of transport and an overnight companion (24 hours minimum) are required for discharge.
- Internal medicine sign-off — and cardiac workup when indicated — completes a few weeks before the surgical date.
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
Patients off prescription pain medication, walking 1–2 miles daily, and back to most light household activity.
- Week 4
Older patients benefit from a guided plan here — PT consult, gradual activity, and stretch goals through week 8.
- Week 6
Standard clearance milestone. Patients return to most exercise, gym work, and sleeping in any position.
- Month 3
Most patients consider this the "final result emerges" milestone. The remaining 10 percent of refinement plays out through month 6.
- Month 6
Final shape continues to settle. Revised areas commonly look their best between months 9 and 12.
Continued care
Recommended aftercare, skincare, and MedSpa services for Breast Implant Removal (+/- Lift).
- Compression bra continuously for 4 weeks
- Lymphatic drainage massage starting week 2 to reduce residual edema
- Sleep elevated for 2 weeks
- Gentle breast massage from week 4 to encourage tissue redrape
- Medical-grade silicone sheeting on the incision lines
- 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
- Fractional laser from 3 months if additional tightening is needed
- Lymphatic drainage weekly for the first month
- Aftercare
Bilateral HBOT protocol — 10–15 sessions over the first 6 weeks.
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
Layered scar protocol — silicone sheeting under tape, daily for 12 weeks.
Revised scars respond best to sustained, layered pressure therapy.
- Aftercare
Mobility ramp slowed; physical therapy consultation at week 4.
Older patients benefit from a guided return-to-activity plan.
