Whether you’re getting breast implants for the first time or you’re planning breast explant surgery to have implants removed, the weeks leading up to your procedure matter just as much as the surgery itself. Proper preparation lowers your risk of complications, supports a smoother recovery, and helps you walk into the operating room feeling confident instead of anxious.
Board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Pedro Soler of Soler Cosmetic Plastic Surgery in Tampa, FL, walks every patient through a detailed pre-operative plan during consultation. Below is a practical checklist covering both breast augmentation and breast explant surgery, so you know exactly what to do — and when to do it.
4–6 Weeks Before Surgery
- Finalize your surgical plan. Confirm implant type, size, and implant positioning with Dr. Soler if you’re having breast augmentation. If you’re pursuing breast implant removal, discuss whether you’ll have implants removed only, or removed with a lift (explant with mastopexy).
- Complete any required lab work or imaging. Your surgical team may order bloodwork, a mammogram, or an ultrasound depending on your age and health history.
- Stop smoking and nicotine products. Nicotine restricts blood flow and significantly increases the risk of poor healing and complications for both augmentation and explant patients.
- Review your medications. Certain blood thinners, herbal supplements (like fish oil, vitamin E, and St. John’s Wort), and NSAIDs like ibuprofen can increase bleeding risk and typically need to be paused under your surgeon’s guidance.
2 Weeks Before Surgery
- Arrange your recovery support. You’ll need someone to drive you home and help around the house for the first 24–48 hours.
- Set up your recovery space. Stock up on loose, front-closing tops, extra pillows for elevated sleeping, and easy-to-prepare meals.
- Fill prescriptions in advance so pain medication and any antibiotics are ready and waiting at home — not something you have to run out for post-surgery.
- Confirm time off work. Most augmentation patients need 5–7 days off; explant patients often need a similar window, sometimes longer if a lift is performed simultaneously.
The Week Of Surgery
- Avoid alcohol for at least 48–72 hours before your procedure.
- Follow fasting instructions exactly as given by your anesthesia team, typically no food or drink after midnight the night before.
- Shower with an antibacterial soap the morning of surgery if instructed.
- Skip lotions, deodorant, and jewelry on the day of your procedure.
- Wear comfortable, loose clothing that doesn’t need to go over your head.
Preparing Specifically for Breast Explant Surgery
Patients preparing for breast explant surgery — whether due to breast implant illness, capsular contracture, rupture, or simply a personal decision to have implants removed — often have a few additional considerations:
- Discuss capsulectomy vs. capsule preservation. Depending on your symptoms and implant history, Dr. Soler may recommend removing the scar tissue capsule along with the implant, which can affect surgical time and recovery.
- Talk through your aesthetic goals after removal. Some patients choose explant only, while others combine it with a breast lift to address skin laxity left behind after implants are removed.
- Bring your implant documentation if you have it. Details on implant type, size, and placement date can help your surgical team plan more precisely.
- Understand that healing timelines can differ from augmentation. Because explant often involves addressing existing scar tissue, some patients experience a slightly different recovery curve than they did with their original augmentation.
Our article, Beyond Explant: Why Your Journey Doesn’t End With Implant Removal, goes into more detail on what recovery and post-explant body changes can look like.
What to Expect the Morning Of
On surgery day, plan to arrive at the surgical facility with your driver, wearing comfortable clothing and no makeup or jewelry. You’ll be checked in, have your vitals taken, and meet briefly with Dr. Soler and the anesthesia team before heading into the operating room. For a detailed breakdown of what happens once you’re in surgery, see our guide on how long breast implant surgery takes.
Preparing Mentally, Not Just Physically
Pre-op checklists cover the logistics, but it’s normal to feel some nerves regardless of which procedure you’re having. Many patients find it helpful to read firsthand accounts of recovery, including our post on what to expect when recovering from breast augmentation surgery, so there are fewer surprises once you’re home.
According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS), following your surgeon’s specific pre-operative instructions — rather than generic advice found online — is one of the most reliable ways to reduce surgical risk and support a smoother recovery.
Frequently Asked Questions: Preparing for Breast Augmentation or Explant Surgery in Tampa
How far in advance should I start preparing for breast augmentation surgery?
Most patients start preparing 4 to 6 weeks out, especially if lab work, imaging, or medication adjustments are needed. Logistics like arranging time off and recovery help can typically be finalized 2 weeks before surgery.
Do I need to stop taking any medications before breast implant surgery?
Yes — blood thinners, certain supplements, and NSAIDs like ibuprofen are commonly paused before surgery due to bleeding risk. Always give Dr. Soler a full list of medications and supplements you’re taking so he can advise you individually.
What should I buy before breast augmentation surgery?
Helpful items include a front-closing bra or compression garment, extra pillows for sleeping elevated, loose button-down tops, a stocked freezer of easy meals, and any prescribed medications filled and ready at home.
How should I prepare for breast explant surgery differently than augmentation?
Preparation overlaps significantly, but explant patients should also discuss capsule removal, expected changes in breast shape and skin laxity, and whether a simultaneous lift makes sense for their goals.
Can I drive myself home after breast augmentation or explant surgery?
No. Both procedures involve general anesthesia or IV sedation, so you’ll need a friend or family member to drive you home and ideally stay with you for the first night.
How long will I need to take off work in Tampa after surgery?
Most patients need 5 to 7 days off for desk-based jobs, with physically demanding jobs requiring 2 to 4 weeks. Explant patients combined with a lift may need slightly longer, depending on the extent of the procedure.
Is breast explant surgery covered by insurance?
Coverage varies. Explant may be partially or fully covered in cases involving rupture, capsular contracture, or other medically documented complications, while purely elective removal is typically not covered. Our team can help you understand your specific situation during consultation.
What’s the best way to find a surgeon for breast augmentation or explant near me in Tampa?
Look for a board-certified plastic surgeon with specific experience in both augmentation and explant procedures, since the technical considerations differ. Reviewing before-and-after results and reading about a surgeon’s approach to patient safety are good starting points — you can view Dr. Soler’s breast augmentation before-and-after gallery and get more info on his surgeon bio page.
Will I need a breast lift along with my explant surgery?
It depends on your skin elasticity, implant size and duration, and personal goals. Some patients are happy with explant alone, while others opt to combine it with a breast lift for a more lifted, natural appearance after implants are removed.
Ready to Start Your Preparation?
Whether you’re preparing for your first breast augmentation or you’re ready to have your implants removed, a personalized pre-operative plan makes all the difference. Dr. Soler will walk you through every step, answer your questions, and make sure you feel fully prepared before your surgery date.Schedule your consultation with Soler Cosmetic Plastic Surgery today to get a personalized preparation plan for your procedure
