I’m sharing my personal experience of how I prepared for my explant surgery (aka removing breast implants). This is a list of what I bought to prepare, later updated with whether I used it, and how I liked it.

The day I’m writing this is four days before my explant surgery, and I’ve been preparing the house and myself for the recovery time. I won’t be able to raise my arms over my head or lift anything over 5-10 lbs. for several weeks, so I’ve been trying to move things I use often to a lower level.

I also did some Amazon shopping for things to make recovery easier. (Post updated after explant!)

You can read more about why I’m getting them removed here: HerScan Detected My Implants Ruptured – Geek Mamas

My Explant Prep Shopping List

I started preparing for my explant surgery with a trip to the grocery store and made sure I had all my comfort foods. I also got Saltine crackers and some soups in case I didn’t feel well. And I stocked up on easy to make frozen meals.

Next came the Amazon shopping spree, which I’ll share here. I am an Amazon affiliate, so buying anything on list gives me a small commission, which I very much appreciate as this surgery is ridiculously expensive and mine was not covered by insurance.

Things You’ll Need after Explant Surgery:

Something to Prop You Up

While researching things I’ll need after the explant, I saw a lot of people went with the wedge pillow combo that looks like a triangle for your back and one for under your legs. I didn’t think I’d get a lot of use out of that afterwards, so I went with the reading pillow. I figure I can use that even after I’m recovered.

The pillow arrives a little squished, but I followed the instructions and left it unzipped for a couple days and it fluffed out just like the picture. I do really like it and I’m glad I went with this one. Click here for the Reading Pillow

Review After Explant: Love this! I have used it every day and night. It is my new favorite thing and definitely worth getting.

Arnica for Bruising

I ordered Arnica pills that are supposed to help with the bruising and pain. The funny thing after ordering them is that I didn’t realize the doctor had already provided me with some, and instructions to start taking them four days before surgery to prepare.

Arnica is a popular remedy known for its potential to reduce bruising and inflammation. Many people use arnica to help minimize post-surgery bruising and alleviate associated discomfort. When used as directed, arnica may promote a speedier recovery by addressing bruising and swelling effectively.

Review After Explant: I have no idea if these did anything, but I enjoy taking them. They taste kind of sweet. I did still have bruising, but it wasn’t that bad.

Click here for the Arnica Pills I ordered below:

Front Open Pajamas

As I won’t be able to raise my arms over my head, and I’ll be resting for several days, I wanted something comfortable to wear that I’d be able to put on myself. My usual sleepwear is a t-shirt, so I got this cute pajama set with the front buttons. Click here for the pajama set.

Review After Explant: This set is super comfy and cute! Definitely recommend if you need front buttoning pajamas. I ended up mostly just wearing one set, so getting two wasn’t really necessary, but it was a good deal for a set.

Front Close Sports Bra

My surgeon will be sending me home in a sports bra that I have to wear 24-7, but I didn’t want to be stuck wearing the same one for weeks, so I got a couple more. I spoke with someone who had been to the same doctor and found the exact same sports bra they will be sending me home in, on Amazon. The size goes by band, so I just went with the band size on the bras I wear now. Click here for Fruit of the Loom front close sports bras.

Review After Explant: If you get these, get the same one in the photo. I initially got the pink and grey style and found out those have 6 hooks instead of 9. You want those extra hooks! Otherwise, the bottom digs into your incision. So, if you want to pick another color, look for 9 hooks in front. I tried several different styles, and this is the only bra I have found that is comfortable to wear!

I would suggest getting at least one extra bra, so you have something to wear when you are doing laundry. I had three in rotation, because once I started using ointment and scar gel, the bras get really yucky, and you’ll want to change them more often.

A Front Open Shirt for Explant Surgery Day

I realized I was going to need a button-up shirt for surgery day and didn’t have anything comfortable, so I went with this black Amazon essential shirt. It doesn’t have a collar and is soft enough to wear for a couple days if needed. It comes in several different colors, but I went with black. Click here to see the shirt and color options.

Review After Explant: This shirt is perfect! I’m sitting here wearing it right now.

Breast Surgery Pillow

I’m not entirely sure about this one, but it had a lot of good reviews. I am a bit worried about my dog trying to jump on me in bed, and this pillow is supposed to protect your chest after surgery. It is feels like wearing pillow armor. I’ll update after my experience and let you know if I found it useful. Click here for the breast surgery pillow.

Review After Explant: This has gotten the least amount of use, but it was really handy for the car ride to my first checkup. I wore the whole pillow, not just the seatbelt thing. A lot of people really like this thing though. I’ll be passing it on to a friend that is getting a breast reduction.

A Bidet

One thing I remember about my recovery from implant surgery was having a hard time taking care of things in the bathroom. It hurt like hell to try and move my arms too far back. So, to prepare for it this time, I got a bidet attachment for the toilet.

The one pictured below was very easy to set up, and only costs $20 if you have Prime. Otherwise, it’s $30. It’s also easy to use with a simple twist of the handle. It will take some getting used to actually using it, but I’ll do whatever it takes to not require bathroom assistance this time! Click here to see the bidet on Amazon.

Review After Explant: I don’t know why I haven’t gotten one of these things already! This one works great, highly recommend. I won’t use any other bathroom in the house now!

Silicon Scar Gel

The surgeon provided me with Silagen Scar Gel for after the surgery, but I won’t be using it until after my first check-up. They did have it on Amazon for over $100! There are many other lower priced options that look pretty good. After recovery, I’ll come back and update if this pricey one is worth the expense.

Review After Explant: I feel like this stuff gets weird and itchy after a bit. It’s not my favorite. I’ve been going with Neosporin or just Vaseline. Apparently, doctors don’t like Neosporin anymore and say it can cause a skin reaction, but I’ve been using it since I was little, and it always does me good. I got a cheaper scar gel, and it actually seems to work better without the itchy/sticky feeling. Click here to see that one

Ready for the Big Day

I’ll add to this list of I think of anything else I’ll need, and feel free to leave suggestions if you have gone through this and I missed anything. The day before surgery I’m getting a pedicure, but no manicure because you are supposed to leave at least two nails polish-free for the anesthesia monitoring. I’m also getting a massage because I won’t be able to get one for a while! Basically, trying to treat myself before I put my body through all this.

I am looking forward to it all being over and done with!

Click here to read about the Day After Explant Surgery