Breast Implant Replacement

Implant Replacement

Breast implants can last forever, but may not. While most patients with breast implants do well for many years, situations can arise where secondary procedures may be needed to help reach a more ideal aesthetic appearance. The appearance of an augmented breast depends upon the position of the implant relative to the patient's own breast tissue. Aesthetic changes can result from a descent of breast tissue relative to an implant, either from the effect of gravity or capsular changes that may elevate the implant position directly. Alternatively, breast implants may, on occasion, ultimately settle into a position lower than originally intended following initial placement. Adjustment of the breast implant or breast tissue position may be needed in combination in a given patient.

Increased firmness, or capsular contracture, can occur due to changes in the scar capsule that forms around a breast implant. In the case of silicone gel implants, such a situation can call for an MRI evaluation to determine whether the implant has ruptured. Rupture of a saline implant is more readily apparent. In this situation, a procedure to divide, release, or remove the implant capsule may be needed with possible implant removal or replacement.

Aesthetic goals of a patient may change over time. A patient may decide that a particular breast size or shape that was important earlier in life may be different from her present goals or wishes. This can be the case in the early or late postoperative periods following breast enhancement.

These are the most common situations that we see in patients who consider secondary breast implant procedures. The best answers for a given patient are discussed and pursued on a very personal and individual basis. We have many options to help improve the outcomes for these patients that can include silicone gel or saline implant removal with or without replacement, though a lift is often needed if the implants are not replaced. The latest in breast implant technology allows us to offer a wide range of options, that can include choices of implant shape (round vs. anatomic, or teardrop), surface (smooth vs. textured), profile, or projection (high profile, moderate plus profile, moderate profile), and filler material (silicone gel vs. saline). Breast lift can also play an important role in helping to reposition breast tissue at the time of implant replacement and thus achieve an optimal aesthetic outcome in these patients.

Secondary breast enhancement is usually performed under general anesthesia on an outpatient basis. Most patients are asked to refrain from vigorous physical activity for about one week, and can resume most normal activities soon thereafter.

What follows are examples of patients who have allowed us to share their preoperative and postoperative photographs with you. These are examples of typical outcomes, but may not represent your preoperative situation or postoperative result.