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Breast Implant Removal/Exchange Aftercare

General recovery guidance for breast implant removal or exchange surgery based on Waterfront Private Hospital's aftercare protocols. This online guide should be used alongside the official leaflet and the specific instructions given to you by your surgical team.

Typical Recovery Time: 4–6 weeks for full recovery

When to get help — your traffic light guide

Green

Tell us at your next appointment:

Anything else that is niggling or worrying you — no concern is too small. Mention it at your next appointment, or call us during office hours.

Reviewed 4 July 2026 · v1.0

Your information leaflets

Related Information Leaflets

These are separate information leaflets about the procedure itself — not the aftercare instructions below.

How to Use This Information

The advice below is based on Waterfront Private Hospital's written aftercare protocols. It is general guidance for the average patient and may be adapted by your consultant for your individual circumstances.

Always follow the specific instructions given to you on the day of your surgery and in your printed leaflet. If there is ever a difference, follow your consultant's written or verbal instructions and contact us for clarification.

Understanding Your Procedure

Implant Removal Only

If you are having implants removed without replacement, your surgeon removes the implants and closes the incisions. The natural breast tissue remains.

  • Recovery is generally slightly easier than with exchange
  • Breasts will appear smaller and may seem deflated initially
  • Tissue will settle and improve over weeks
  • You may consider a breast lift later if desired
  • Appearance depends on your skin elasticity and how long you had implants
  • Implant Exchange (Removal + New Implants) — If you are having implants exchanged, old implants are removed and new implants are inserted during the same surgery.
  • Recovery is similar to breast augmentation
  • New implants may feel high and firm initially
  • Implants settle into position over 3–6 months
  • Support bra is particularly important for proper positioning
  • Final appearance becomes apparent once swelling resolves
  • Capsulectomy (if performed) — Your surgeon may remove the scar tissue (capsule) that forms around implants. This is more involved than simple implant removal.
  • Capsulectomy is performed if you have capsular contracture or implant concerns
  • Expect more swelling and bruising than simple removal
  • Recovery takes slightly longer (allow extra week or two)
  • You may have a drain to prevent fluid buildup
  • Pain may be slightly more significant in first week

Before You Leave the Hospital

  • Painkillers: Make sure you have your painkillers before you leave — the nurse looking after you will go through them with you.
  • Follow-up appointments: You will be given a card with details of your first dressing clinic / follow-up appointment and contact details for the ward if you have any concerns once you get home.
  • Drain care (if applicable): If a drain was placed, you will receive detailed instructions on monitoring output and when it will be removed.
  • Getting home safely: You must have someone to take you home and a responsible adult with you for the first night.

Information on Support Bras

A well-fitting support bra made of soft fabric can provide comfort and support during the first few weeks following implant removal or exchange.

The bra is mainly for support and comfort. It helps:

  • Reduce swelling and discomfort
  • Provide gentle support to healing tissues
  • Provide gentle support and comfort while new implants settle (if exchange)
  • Allow better sleep and rest
  • Your surgeon will advise you on the type of bra to wear and how long you should wear it (for example, day and night for the first 4–6 weeks).

Medication Guide

Regular Pain Relief

  • Strong Pain Relief (if prescribed)
  • Dihydrocodeine: Only if regular painkillers aren't enough
  • Take only as prescribed. Do not exceed recommended dose. May cause constipation - see Laxatives section below.
  • Other Medications
  • Antibiotics: Complete the full course if prescribed, even if you feel better
  • Laxatives: Use if constipated from painkillers (common side effect of dihydrocodeine)

Support Bra Guide

Why a Support Bra Matters

  • Reduces swelling and discomfort
  • Provides gentle support to healing tissues
  • If exchange: gentle support and comfort while the new implants settle
  • Allows better sleep and faster healing
  • Bra Requirements
  • No underwiring
  • Front opening (not over head)
  • Adjustable straps
  • Soft, seamless fabric
  • Correct band size (measure accurately)
  • How Long to Wear
  • Weeks 1–4: 24/7 (day and night)
  • Weeks 4–6: During the day and when in public
  • After 6 weeks: As comfortable, transition to normal supportive bras
  • Where to Buy — High Street Options: M&S, Tesco, ASDA, John Lewis
  • Specialist Brands:
  • Macom Signature Bra
  • Lipoelastic PI Ideal
  • Lipoelastic PI Relax (use code QUABA for discount)
  • Tip: Bring bras with you to hospital on surgery day. Our nursing team can help you put one on before discharge and ensure proper fit.

Scar Care

When to Start — Begin at week 5 if wounds are fully healed and sutures have been removed

The Routine

  • Tape (3–5 days): Apply Micropore tape to scars
  • Moisturise (1–2 days): Remove tape, apply plain moisturiser
  • Repeat this cycle for 4–6 months
  • Products to Use
  • Tape: Micropore 3M (from pharmacy, around £5)
  • Moisturiser: Aveeno, E45, or Bio-Oil
  • Scar Timeline
  • 3 months: Scars still pink/red
  • 6 months: Fading to lighter colour
  • 1 year: Final appearance (usually very faint)
  • Note: Incisions are typically placed in inconspicuous locations to minimise visible scarring. Scars fade remarkably well with proper care and time.

Lifestyle Guidelines

✓ DO

  • Walk regularly from day 1
  • Eat healthy foods rich in protein
  • Drink plenty of water
  • Sleep well (use pillows for elevation)
  • Take medications as directed
  • Attend all appointments
  • Wear support bra 24/7 for first 4–6 weeks
  • Allow time to adjust emotionally
  • ✗ AVOID
  • Smoking (severely delays healing)
  • Alcohol for 2–3 weeks
  • Heavy lifting for 6 weeks
  • Strenuous exercise for 4–6 weeks
  • Underwired bras for 6–8 weeks
  • Swimming until wounds fully healed
  • Direct sun on scars for 1 year

Recovery Timeline

What's Normal

  • •Significant swelling and bruising
  • •Discomfort and tightness in chest
  • •Tiredness and need for rest
  • •Some drainage from incision sites
  • •If removal only: breasts may appear deflated initially
  • •If exchange: new implants may feel high and firm

Your Care Routine

  • •Wear surgical support bra 24/7 as instructed
  • •Rest with head/torso elevated (2-3 pillows)
  • •Apply cold compresses to reduce swelling (20 min on, 20 min off)
  • •Keep dressings clean and dry
  • •Take prescribed pain medication (including dihydrocodeine if prescribed)
  • •Light walking only (to bathroom)
  • •Sleep in whatever position is comfortable
  • •Allow yourself time to adjust emotionally to appearance changes

Pain Management

  • •Take painkillers on schedule (don't wait for pain)
  • •Paracetamol and ibuprofen as directed
  • •Use ice packs wrapped in towel (never directly on skin)
  • •Report uncontrolled pain immediately

Follow-Up Appointments

Week 1 (Days 7–10)

First post-operative appointment to check healing, remove dressings (if applicable), and assess early recovery.

  • Wound inspection
  • Dressing removal (if applicable)
  • If applicable: drain removal or care review
  • Assessment of healing progress
  • Review of care instructions

Further nurse reviews — as needed

Some patients need further nurse reviews. If so, the nurses will arrange these with you and will discharge you from nurse-led care once they are happy your wounds have healed.

Around 6 months — surgeon review (final follow-up)

Your surgeon will usually see you at around 6 months to assess your final result. Your surgeon is always available to review you sooner if required, and in some circumstances may wish to see you before your final follow-up.

Note: Your appointment schedule may vary. Always follow the specific dates and times given in your appointment card. Contact us if you need to reschedule.

Source: hospital aftercare leaflet · Last reviewed: 4 July 2026 · Version 1.0

Your emotional recovery

How you feel matters too

An emotional dip in the first weeks after surgery is common and usually passes. We've written honestly about what to expect, what helps, and where to find support.

How you might feel after surgery →

Post-Operative Checklist

  • Use a well-fitting soft support bra as advised by your surgeon
  • Sleep in whatever position is comfortable — most patients avoid lying on their front for the first couple of weeks because it's tender
  • You can shower from day 1 (unless your surgeon says otherwise) — it's fine if the outer dressings get damp; pat dry gently
  • Take prescribed antibiotics as directed
  • Attend all scheduled follow-up appointments
  • Avoid lifting heavy objects (over 5kg) and strenuous upper body exercise for 6 weeks, or as advised
  • If drain in place: monitor output and care for drain as instructed

Wound Care Instructions

  • Shower from day 1 is fine (unless your surgeon says otherwise) — pat dressings dry gently afterwards
  • Change dressings as instructed by your surgeon
  • After first week, gently clean incisions with mild soap and water
  • Apply recommended scar cream after sutures removed (usually 10–14 days)
  • Watch for signs of infection: redness, swelling, discharge, or fever
  • Do not submerge in bath, pool, or hot tub for 4–6 weeks
  • If capsulectomy performed: expect more swelling than simple removal

Pain Management

  • Take your painkillers as directed on their labels — every medicine you go home with is labelled with its dose and frequency, and your nurse will go through them with you before you leave. Paracetamol and ibuprofen can safely be taken together
  • Take prescribed pain medication as directed
  • Some discomfort, tightness, and swelling is normal
  • Use cold packs (wrapped in towel) for first 48 hours to reduce swelling
  • Swelling typically peaks at 48–72 hours, then gradually decreases
  • Wearing supportive bra helps reduce discomfort
  • Most pain subsides significantly after first week
  • If capsulectomy performed: pain and swelling may be greater

Activity Restrictions

  • No lifting over 5kg for 6 weeks
  • No driving for first week or until off pain medication
  • Light activities and walking are encouraged from day 1
  • You can use your arms normally for light tasks from the start; avoid forceful or repetitive overhead activity for the first 2–3 weeks if it pulls or hurts
  • Return to work: usually 1–2 weeks for desk jobs, 4–6 weeks for physical work (your surgeon will confirm)
  • No exercise except gentle walking for at least 2–3 weeks
  • Gradually resume exercise after 4–6 weeks with surgeon approval

FAQs

What will my breasts look like after removal?

If implants are removed without replacement, breasts may initially appear deflated or loose. Over several weeks, tissue will settle. Final appearance depends on breast tissue, skin elasticity, and whether you had implants for many years. Gravity will gradually improve the appearance.

Will I need a breast lift after removal?

Some patients benefit from a breast lift to improve shape after implant removal, especially if they had implants for many years. This is discussed during your consultation. Some patients choose to have this done at the same time as removal; others prefer to wait and see how tissues settle.

How long until I see my final shape?

Tissue will continue to settle for 3–6 months. Initial shape is visible by week 6, but final appearance becomes apparent by month 3 as swelling completely resolves.

Is it normal to feel emotional about my appearance?

Absolutely. Your breasts will look different from what you have been used to for years. This is a significant change and emotional reactions are completely normal. Many patients feel sad, disappointed, or relieved initially. Give yourself time to adjust - most patients adapt within weeks.

When can I wear normal bras?

After 4–6 weeks, you can transition to supportive sports bras. Avoid underwire bras for at least 6–8 weeks. You can wear regular bras by months 2–3 as directed by your surgeon.

Can I have new implants inserted later?

Yes. If you have implants removed and later decide you want them replaced, you can usually have a new surgery. However, if you are having exchange (removal and new implants), this happens during your current surgery.

What is capsulectomy and why might I have it?

The body forms scar tissue (capsule) around implants. Capsulectomy is removal of this scar tissue, usually done if you have capsular contracture (hardening), implant rupture, or concerns about old implant material. Recovery is similar but with more swelling.

Will I have drains after surgery?

Your surgeon may use drains to prevent fluid buildup, especially if capsulectomy is performed. If you have a drain, you will be shown how to care for it and when it will be removed (usually within 1–2 weeks).

Download Guide

Download Breast Implant Removal/Exchange PDF

PDF, 65 KB

Need Help?

0131 376 3785hello@waterfronthospital.co.uk