Pectoral Implant Recovery

After surgery you will feel sore for a few days. You will have to wear a compression garment for at least two weeks, to reduce swelling and to prevent the implants from moving while you are healing. The same garment will then be worn at night for another 4-6 weeks.

Scarring is minimal and becomes virtually undetectable over time.

You will have to rest completely for the first two days after surgery, and you may return to work after four days. Normal physical activity can be resumed after about four weeks, and heavy exercise after 6- 8 weeks.

Complications

All operations carry risks. A surgical complication is defined as any undesirable result of surgery. A few of the more common problems are listed below.

After the operation, the skin over the chest may feel numb but usually this improves after six months or so.

In rare cases, body fluid ( seroma ) or blood clots ( hematoma ) can build up underneath the skin. Often this needs treatment using a needle and syringe, or by a small second operation.

There is a small risk of infection of the wound, which may lead to breakdown of the area, and even removal of the implants. This is much more likely in smokers, which is why you should stop smoking at least ten days before and after the operation.

Long standing implants may cause muscle atrophy causing a patient's chest muscles to thin and shrink. This condition can occur even when the implants have been removed.

Capsular contracture refers to a situation where a layer of scar tissue forms around the breast implant and thickens and squeezes the implants. The symptoms of capsular contracture range from mild firmness and discomfort to severe pain and movement of the breast implant.

The scars are minimal, but may become prominent and raised.