Hi Cw1805
It is understandable that you would like to know about the recovery time for your surgery to replace your breast implants. Recovery time will be different for everyone, and you may find it helpful to talk to your treatment team or breast reconstruction nurse specialist, if you have one. They will be able to advise you based on your individual circumstances.
In general, the recovery is likely to be quicker than after your last operation, where you also had the mastectomy, as you mention. 4-6 weeks for full recovery is often recommended, with around 2 weeks leave from work, but again this will vary based on how you feel and what kind of work you do.
However, as the implant is being moved from under to over the muscle on one side, this may have an impact on your recovery and your treatment team will be able to advise further on this. They will also be able to advise when you will be able to drive after your operation. You can also check your car insurance policy, as they will often have guidance on driving after surgery.
You may find our information about breast reconstruction with an implant useful. Although this is not aimed specifically at having an implant replaced, it does give some information about having an implant put over the muscle with an ADM.
Talking to someone who has had a similar experience can often be helpful. Our Someone Like Me service can match you with a trained volunteer who had had an implant replaced. You can be in touch with your volunteer by phone or email for them to answer your questions, offer support or simply listen.
You can ring the Someone Like Me team on 0114 263 6490 or email them at someone.likeme@breastcancernow.org, so they can then match you to your volunteer.
You may want to post your question in the surgery section of our online Forum, if you would like to hear other people’s experiences of recovery after having surgery to replace a breast implant.
Keeping Abreast breast reconstruction support website also provides information and support which you may find helpful.
We are currently evaluating this service and would appreciate your feedback. Please click here to the survey. It should take approximately 10 minutes to complete.
Do call our helpline if you would like to talk this through or have any further questions. The helpline team have time to listen to your concerns, talk things through and signpost you to more support and information. Your call will be confidential, and the number is free from UK landlines and all mobile networks. The number is 0808 800 6000, (Relay UK -prefix 18001).
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Best wishes
Cassie
Breast Care Nurse
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