Breast Implant Replacement

When breast implants need to be replaced, breast implant replacement surgery is the best solution.

Breast implant replacement is a personal and often necessary decision for many women post-augmentation. Recognising the nuanced signs that suggest it’s time for a replacement is key to ensuring both physical comfort and satisfaction with your breast appearance. Here’s an in-depth exploration of each indicator that might suggest a need for replacing your implants.

Experiencing Unusual Hardness in Your Breasts

Capsular contracture is a condition where the scar tissue that naturally forms around the breast implant begins to tighten. This can cause the breasts to feel unnaturally hard and may lead to discomfort or pain. In some cases, it can also alter the shape or position of the breast implant, leading to aesthetic concerns. Replacing the breast implant can alleviate these symptoms, restoring a softer, more natural feel and appearance to the breasts.

Discovering Lumps Near the Implants

Feeling a lump in or around the breast can be alarming. These lumps could be benign and related to the implant’s valve, especially in certain types of implants with fill valves. In other instances, lumps may form from scar tissue that developed post-surgery. For those with minimal natural breast tissue, the implant itself may be more palpable, mimicking a lump-like sensation. Prompt evaluation by a specialist is essential to determine the cause and appropriate action, which may include implant replacement for resolution.

Implant Ruptures

Implant ruptures are a significant concern, with the risk increasing over time due to factors such as wear and tear or physical trauma.

Saline Implant Rupture

The rupture of a saline implant is quickly noticeable, as the saline solution leaks out, causing the breast to decrease in size and appear deflated. Although the body can safely absorb the saline, the aesthetic change often leads women to seek replacement to restore the original breast volume.

Silicone Implant Rupture

Silicone gel implants present a trickier situation. A rupture may not be immediately obvious due to the gel’s thick consistency. Over time, however, leakage can lead to breast shape changes, discomfort, or capsular contracture. Given the inability of the body to absorb silicone, such ruptures carry a higher risk of complications, making timely replacement crucial.

Correcting Rippling Effects

Rippling or wrinkling effects are more commonly associated with saline implants, particularly when placed over the muscle and in women with thin breast tissue. This can create visible waves or ripples under the skin. Switching to silicone implants or adjusting the placement of the implants can help achieve a smoother, more natural breast surface.

Adjusting for Implants That Have Shifted Over Time

Implant migration or rotation can occur, though it’s relatively rare. This can disrupt the symmetry of the breasts, leading to an uneven appearance. Surgical intervention to replace or reposition the implants can correct this issue, restoring a balanced and harmonious breast appearance.

RELATED: How Can I Tell If My Breast Implant Has Moved?

Updating Implant Size According to Personal Preference

Many women decide to replace their breast implants simply because their aesthetic preferences or body image goals have evolved. Some may seek a larger or smaller size to better align with their current lifestyle or personal taste. This desire for a change in volume is a valid and common reason for pursuing breast implant replacement.

RELATED: How Do I Know When My Breast Implants Need Replacing?

Deciding between saline and silicone gel implants for breast replacement involves weighing various factors to determine which option aligns best with your personal preferences, lifestyle, and aesthetic goals. Each type offers distinct advantages and comes with certain considerations.

Saline Implants: Safety and Adjustability

Advantages

Saline implants are known for their safety profile. If these implants rupture, the saline solution inside (which is essentially sterile salt water) is harmlessly absorbed by the body. This feature minimises health risks associated with implant leakage. Another advantage is the adjustability of saline implants; they are filled after insertion, allowing surgeons to adjust the volume during surgery for symmetrical results and to meet patient size preferences precisely.

Considerations

Despite their safety benefits, saline implants are often noted for feeling less natural compared to silicone gel implants. They have a firmer texture and are more susceptible to rippling or wrinkling, especially in women with thinner breast tissue or less natural breast fat. This can affect the smoothness of the breast contour under the skin.

Silicone Gel Implants: Natural Look and Feel

Advantages

Silicone gel implants are widely praised for their ability to mimic breast tissue’s natural look and feel. The silicone gel inside these implants has a consistency similar to human fat, making them a popular choice for those seeking a more natural appearance and texture. Many find that silicone implants offer a more realistic feel, with less chance of rippling, providing a smoother contour under the skin.

Considerations

While silicone implants are favoured for their aesthetic qualities, they do come with considerations. In the event of a rupture, the silicone gel may not be absorbed by the body, potentially complicating detection and necessitating imaging tests like MRI scans to monitor their integrity. Moreover, any leak or rupture requires prompt surgical intervention to remove or replace the implant due to the risk of silicone spreading within the breast tissue.

RELATED: Silicone vs Saline Breast Implants

Breast implant replacement surgery offers several benefits that can greatly improve your quality of life, including:

Improved posture and reduced pain

Replacing heavier implants with smaller ones can help improve posture and relieve neck, shoulder, and back pain.

Restored symmetry

In cases of unilateral breast sagging or asymmetry caused by previous surgery, breast implant replacement can help restore symmetry and improve the appearance of your breasts.

Reduced risk of complications

Breast implant replacement can reduce the risk of breast implant illness and cancer associated with textured breast implants.

Natural and aesthetic results

Breast implant replacement surgery can help provide natural and aesthetic results that are tailored to your individual needs.

Increased self-confidence

With improved breast appearance and reduced pain, many patients report increased self-confidence and overall satisfaction with their appearance.

To be suitable for 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 wish to have smaller, natural breasts may opt for implant removal instead of replacement. In the case of implant removal, you may also need to undergo a breast uplift to avoid having any sagging skin or drooping breasts.

RELATED: 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 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

Before surgery, you will have a consultation with one of our expert surgeons, where you will be able to discuss your reasoning for implant replacement and the size, shape and placement of your new implants. The surgeon may also discuss the risks of going abroad for this procedure.

Preparing for breast implant replacement surgery is crucial for ensuring a smooth procedure and recovery. By taking proactive steps in the weeks leading up to your surgery, you can significantly reduce the risk of complications and set the stage for a successful outcome. Here’s a detailed guide on how to prepare for your upcoming surgery:

Achieving and Maintaining a Healthy Weight

Why It’s Important

Stabilising your weight and ensuring a healthy Body Mass Index (BMI) is fundamental. Fluctuations in weight can affect the surgery outcomes and may increase the risk of complications during and after the procedure. A stable weight helps in achieving the best possible aesthetic results and enhances the healing process.

Pausing Certain Medications and Supplements

Oestrogen Contraceptives/Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT)

It’s advised to stop taking estrogen-based contraceptives or HRT about four weeks before your surgery. These medications can elevate the risk of developing blood clots, which is a concern during any surgical procedure.

Other Medications and Supplements

Consult with your surgeon about all medications, vitamins, and supplements you’re currently taking. Some of these might need to be paused or adjusted to avoid bleeding risks or interactions with anaesthesia.

Quitting Smoking and Limiting Alcohol Intake

Smoking Cessation

Nicotine can severely impede the healing process by restricting blood flow. Quitting smoking at least four weeks before and after your surgery is critical to ensure optimal healing and reduce the risk of complications such as infections or poor wound healing.

Alcohol Consumption

It’s advisable to reduce alcohol intake and avoid binge drinking in the two weeks leading up to your surgery. Alcohol can increase bleeding risk and interfere with the body’s natural healing processes.

Home Preparation for Recovery

Creating a Comfortable Recovery Space

Ensure your home is ready for your return after surgery. Set up a comfortable rest area with easy access to everything you might need, such as water, medications, and entertainment options.

Arranging Assistance

Having someone available to help you with daily tasks, especially in the first few days after surgery, is invaluable. Whether it’s assistance with personal care, meal preparation, or managing household duties, ensure you have the support you need.

Child and Pet Care

If you have young children or pets, arranging for additional help to care for them during your recovery period will allow you to focus on your healing without unnecessary strain or stress.

Stocking Up on Essentials

Prepare by stocking up on easy-to-prepare meals, hydration options, and any medical supplies recommended by your surgeon, such as gauze, over-the-counter pain relievers, and ice packs for managing swelling.

Breast implant replacement is a common surgical procedure that is often performed on an outpatient basis, meaning you can go home on the same day as the surgery. The procedure typically takes about an hour to complete and involves the removal of old breast implants and the insertion of new ones. After the surgery, you will have gauze dressing and bandages applied to the incision site to protect it from infection and promote healing.

To drain any excess blood or fluid that may accumulate over time, your surgeon will place drains under your skin. You may experience some pain and discomfort after the procedure, but this can be managed with pain medication and by wearing a compression garment or bra for at least two to four weeks. The compression garment will help accelerate the healing process and reduce swelling associated with the surgery.

The recovery time after breast implant replacement surgery varies depending on your overall health and natural healing ability. It is generally recommended that you take at least one to two weeks off work to rest and allow your body to heal. During this time, you should avoid smoking and strenuous exercise, as these activities can hinder your recovery and affect the outcome of the procedure.

In the first week following the surgery, it is important to keep your upper body elevated by approximately 30 degrees when sitting or sleeping. This position promotes wound healing and reduces swelling. It is also recommended that you sleep on your back to prevent the implant from shifting. Over time, you should gradually notice an improvement in the appearance of your breasts, and the final results of the procedure will continue to improve.

Undergoing breast implant replacement surgery marks a significant step towards achieving your desired breast aesthetics. The journey to appreciating the full potential of your surgical outcomes encompasses immediate visibility of changes, followed by a period of patience as your body heals and adjusts to these modifications.

Initial Changes and Immediate Visibility

Right after the procedure, you will notice changes in the size and shape of your breasts. These initial alterations are the first glimpse of what your final results will look like. However, it’s important to understand that these are not the final outcomes. At this stage, the appearance of your breasts is influenced by post-surgical swelling and the implants’ initial positioning.

The Healing Process: Swelling and Settling

The body’s natural response to surgery involves swelling, which can obscure the true shape and contour of your newly enhanced bust. Additionally, the implants themselves undergo a settling process, known as ‘dropping,’ into a more natural position within the breast tissue. This phase is crucial as it allows the implants to align more harmoniously with your body’s natural contours.

Timeline for Final Results

Typically, the swelling starts to significantly reduce within a few weeks post-surgery, with most of it subsiding after about a month. However, allowing your body the time to fully adjust and the implants to settle into their permanent position can take several months. This timeline can vary from person to person, depending on individual healing rates, the type of implants used, and the specific techniques employed during your surgery.

Enjoying Your Enhanced Bust

After the swelling has decreased and the implants have settled, you will be able to appreciate the adjustments made to your bust fully. The final outcomes should reveal a more aesthetically pleasing and proportional breast size and shape, aligning with your pre-surgical expectations and discussions with your surgeon. It’s this stage that patients often find the most rewarding, as the physical transformations align with their desired aesthetic goals, boosting confidence and satisfaction with their body image.

With all surgical procedures, there is always an element of risk and breast implant replacement is no different. Centre for Surgery has some of the best plastic surgeons specialising in aesthetic breast surgery to optimise results and minimise risk. Following the postoperative instructions to ensure optimal healing is always highly recommended.

It is common to experience the following side effects:

• bruising and swelling
• temporary numbness
• a small amount of scarring

Potential complications of breast implant replacement

• 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

There are different types of breast implant replacement surgeries available, and your surgeon can help you determine the best option for your individual needs.

The first option for breast implant replacement surgery is to have your previous implant swapped with a new one. The new implant can be of your desired shape, size, and type of filler material. This is a straightforward procedure that involves removing the old implant and replacing it with a new one, with the goal of improving the overall appearance of your breasts.

Fat Transfer Breast Augmentation

Another option is fat transfer breast augmentation. This technique involves removing unwanted fat from different parts of your body through liposuction and inserting it into your breasts to improve their shape and size. Fat transfer breast augmentation is an excellent option for women who want to avoid the use of synthetic implants and have enough excess fat in other areas of their body to transfer to their breasts.

Hybrid Breast Augmentation

Hybrid breast augmentation is a combination of both the implant and fat transfer techniques. This technique can give your breasts a more enhanced appearance by using a combination of synthetic implants and natural fat. Hybrid breast augmentation is an excellent option for women who want to achieve a more natural look while still having the benefits of having implants.

When considering breast implant replacement, integrating additional cosmetic enhancements can significantly elevate the overall aesthetic outcome. These supplementary procedures not only address the breasts but also refine and sculpt other areas of the body for a more comprehensive transformation.

Mastopexy

Mastopexy, or a breast lift, is frequently performed alongside breast implant replacement to address sagging breasts. This process involves the removal of surplus skin and the recontouring of the breast tissue. By doing so, it ensures the breast contours are beautifully reshaped to harmonise with the new implants, eliminating any excess skin that might obscure the enhanced silhouette.

Liposuction

Liposuction offers a way to precisely remove fat from selected areas, sculpting the body to its ideal contours. When paired with breast implant replacement, this technique can be particularly effective in refining the chest area, removing undesirable fat to accentuate the chest’s definition. Beyond the chest, liposuction can be applied to various parts of the upper body, such as the arms and back, to slim and enhance overall body contours, contributing to a more sculpted and defined appearance.

Abdominoplasty

Abdominoplasty, commonly known as a tummy tuck, is aimed at creating a flatter and more defined midsection. This procedure involves the removal of excess abdominal skin and the restoration of separated muscles, leading to a more toned and contoured abdomen. When combined with breast implant replacement, a tummy tuck can be a key component of a ‘mummy makeover‘, synergising with the breast enhancement to rejuvenate the upper body. This dual approach not only accentuates the breast curves but also tones the abdomen, facilitating a comprehensive upper body renewal.

RealSelf Top Doctors for implant exchange surgery