Breast implant replacement in London
The quality of modern breast implants has improved enormously over the last 20 years.Saline implants have been superseded by silicone breast implants and there is now a very large range of natural feeling silicone breasts to enable women to have very natural looking breast augmentation results to give them back their confidence. With the older implants which many women still have, there is now a growing trend to have them replaced with the more advanced breast implants with implant exchange or implant replacement.
Breast implant exchange is a great option for those women who prefer to optimise the results from their previous breast augmentation which they may have had over 15 years ago. You can have the size of your breasts increased or decreased in size by choosing an appropriately sized implant. At Centre for Surgery, our surgeons specialised in breast implant exchange for patients in London and the UK more widely. Many patients also travel to us from overseas.
Breast replacement experts
At Centre for Surgery, our plastic surgeons have years of experience in carrying out many breast implant replacement procedures in London. The options are many and varied, whether its an increase or decrease or even change in shape with a breast lift – we’ve got you fully covered.
The surgeon design a bespoke treatment plan based on a full medical history and a thorough physical examination. The objective to to create natural and beautiful results which lead to an increase in confidence and self-esteem. Patients who would like to find out more can book a consultation with one of our expert surgeons. At the consultation, your surgeon will discuss with you at depth, all the possible treatment options and will advise you of the most appropriate option after taking into account your needs and preferences.
Centre for Surgery are unique in that both of our surgeons are dedicated breast and body specialists – they do not perform any other type of surgery.
After taking your medical history, the surgeon will typically questions like:
- When did you have your first breast augmentation?
- Do you prefer an increase or decrease in implant size?
The consultation is a perfect opportunity to ask any questions you may have and it may be a good idea to have these prepared in advance so that you do not forget during the consultation.
READ PATIENT TESTIMONIAL – Dee’s story
Expected results after Breast Implant Replacement
- Ability to increase or decrease the size of your breasts depending on your preferences
- Better placement of breast implants with a more natural appearance
- Addressing breast changes that occur with pregnancy and weight loss or gain.
- An increase in confidence and subsequent improvement in quality of life
Capsular contracture can often be a reason for wanting implant replacement. This is where the internal scarring forms around the implant. This is a normal response from the body to a foreign object (the implant). Generally, the scarring will help to keep the implant in place. For more people, this will occur and they will be unaware of it happening. However, in some instances, capsular contracture will occur when the scarring puts pressure on the implant. This can cause the implant to appear misshapen or can even cause physical pain or discomfort.
Others may not experience capsular contracture, but simply want to change the appearance of their implants. Naturally ageing, as well as pregnancy, can alter how the breasts and the body appear. This may mean that the implants no longer suit. Replacing your implants will allow you to choose a new shape and size of implants to help achieve your desired look.
Ideal Candidates for Breast Implant Replacement
To be suitable to have breast implant replacement, you will need to be experiencing capsular contracture or be unhappy with the size or shape of your current implants. Those who are wishing to have smaller, natural breasts may choose to opt for implant removal instead of replacement. In the case of implant removal, you may also need to undergo an uplift to avoid having any sagging skin or drooping breasts.
Why would I need implant exchange surgery?
While breast implants generally need replacing after 10 to 15 years, if you are not experiencing any medical issues, it may not be necessary for you to undergo a breast implant replacement.
Those who undergo breast implant replacement will also need to be:
- 18 years or older
- Physically and mentally healthy
- Have reasonable expectations about what the procedure can achieve
The effects of smoking on healing after surgery
Prior to surgery, you will have a consultation with one of the surgeons, where you will be able to discuss your reasoning for wanting implant replacement, as well as the size, shape and placement of your new implants. The surgeon may also discuss the risks of going abroad for this particular procedure.
Preparation for Breast Implant exchange
At Centre for Surgery, our surgeons strongly believe that the success of any cosmetic surgery procedure including breast implant exchange surgery is optimised with following all of the surgeon’s pre-procedure instructions. We always strive to go above and beyond to make sure all our patients are optimally prepared for breast lift surgery – physically, mentally and emotionally.
Surgical Techniques In Breast Implant Replacement
Our specialist plastic surgeons will design a bespoke treatment plan for you prior to your procedure.
The breast implant replacement surgery will take place under a general anaesthetic – Centre for Surgery use TIVA anaesthesia. You will be asleep throughout the procedure to ensure your comfort. The procedure is performed as outpatient which means you will get to go home the same day and recover in the comfort of your own home.
Day case breast surgery in London
Breast implant exchange is similar to a primary breast augmentation surgery. Your existing scars from your first breast augmentation will be used for the incision position, so you will have no new scars. Your implant will need to be placed in front of or behind the muscle. Generally, your implant will be placed back into the pocket that was previously made for it. However, if you have issues such as capsular contracture, or you are able to feel the edges of the implant, a new pocket may be made.
You will be able to increase or decrease the size of the implants. If you are looking to increase, the maximum size will depend on how much tissue and skin is available. If you choose implants which are too large, the edges of the implant may be visible after surgery. If you decide to decrease the size, this may result in loose or saggy skin, and it may be recommended that you undergo a mastopexy to lift the position of the breasts. This will ensure you have firm, youthful looking breasts without any sagging skin. If you undergo a mastopexy, you will have additional incisions and as a result new scars.
Recovery after Breast Implant Replacement
The recovery period will often be shorter and not as difficult as when you had your first breast augmentation. This is because the surgeon would have used the existing pocket in front of or behind the muscle to place the implant. Unless the implant size has been drastically increased, no new skin and tissue stretching is involved in an implant replacement.
You may still experience pain and discomfort, particularly at the site of the incisions. You will be given pain medication to help alleviate any symptoms.
You may need to take one to two weeks off work to fully recover.
You may be able to start undertaking light activities within a few days of surgery. However, you will need to avoid any strenuous physical activity and heavy lifting for at least four to five weeks.
In most cases, your surgeon will have used the previous scar for the new incision site. However, if you also required an uplift, you will notice new scars, particularly around the areola and going vertically down to the breast crease. This will look more prominent directly after the procedure but will fade in colour and size over time.
Risks and Potential Complications of Breast Implant Replacement
With all surgical procedures, there is always an element of risk and breast implant replacement is no different. Centre for Surgery have some of the very best plastic surgeons who specialise specifically in aesthetic breast surgery to optimise results and minimise risk. It always highly recommended to follow the postoperative instructions to ensure optimal healing.
Risks of breast implant exchange
- Anaesthetic risks
- Bleeding
- Surgical site infection – Reducing the risk of surgical site infection
- Delayed wound healing
- Hyperpigmented skin
- Collections of fluid under the skin
- Tingling or numbness of the area around the incision
- Breast asymmetry
- Capsular contracture
- Implant malposition
- Hypertrophic or keloid scar
- Requirement for revision surgery
Implant exchange cost
There are a number of factors which will determine the overall cost of the breast implant exchange procedure and the final quotation will be given after a face to face consultation with your plastic surgeon.
- Breast implant exchange alone or combined with breast lift
- Breast implant exchange combined with capsulectomy (for treatment of capsular contracture)
- Any previous breast surgery
Why not call 0207 993 4849 and speak to one of our expert patient coordinators who may be able to give you a rough costing prior to your procedure.
Always remember that price should never be the determining factor when it comes to choosing your provider. We feel that safety and quality of service should be your number one priority and instilling in you the confidence that our team will look after you before, during and after your procedure to the best of their ability.
FAQs
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Do I need a breast implant replacement?Many people feel the need to undergo a breast implant replacement 10 to 15 years after having their original breast augmentation. This can be for numerous reasons, including a change in body shape, wanting to change implant size, or experiencing capsular contracture.
Those who are wishing to decrease the size of the implants and want to have a more natural look may wish to have the implants removed and not replaced.
If you do not wish to alter the appearance of your breasts and are not experiencing any medical conditions, you may not need to replace the implants. -
Can I change the size of my implants?Many women will undergo breast implant replacement in order to change the size of the implants.
If you choose to increase the size, more pocket space will need to be made available and the skin and tissue will be more stretched, which may impact the recovery time.
If you choose to decrease the size, you may also wish to undergo a breast lift. This will lift the position of the breasts and avoid any sagging skin occurring. -
Will the implants have the same placement?An implant will either be placed above or below the muscle. In most cases, the implant will be placed in the same pocket as previously. However, if you experienced any capsular contracture, or you wish to have a different look with the implants, you may wish to alter the placement of the implant. This means a new pocket will have to be created by the surgeon before the implant is placed.
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Will I have scars?In most cases, the surgeon will make the incision in the same position as your previous surgery. This means you will have no new scars.
However, if you also opt to have a breast lift, you will have new scars. This scar is known as a ‘lollipop scar’, with the scar going around the edge of the areola and vertically down to the crease of the breast. This scar will fade with time, however, it will remain visible. -
Will recovery be the same as my first breast augmentation?The recovery period for breast implant exchange will be considerably easier and shorter than that experienced after your initial breast augmentation. This is because the skin and tissue have already been stretched and the pocket for the implant has already been made.
If you have larger implants inserted, or you change the placement of the implant, you may experience a longer recovery period. -
When can I go back to work?You will need to take between one to two weeks off work to fully recover. This will vary depending on personal preference and what type of job you do.
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When can I start exercising again?You will find you will be able to complete light activities within a few days of surgery. However, you will need to avoid vigorous physical activity for four to six weeks after surgery.
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Is it safe to get pregnant after breast implant exchange?Pregnancy is safe after breast implant exchange. Breast implants have been shown to result in increased risks for pregnant women. Pregnancy and breast feeding may increase the possibility of the breasts become droopy. It is therefore highly recommended that women defer breast implant surgery until they have completed their family. A breast lift may also be recommended in addition to breast implant replacement.