Breast Implant Replacement

Replacement of breast implants for medical or aesthetic reasons.

The decision to have a breast augmentation or implants is a lifelong commitment and there will come a time when the implants will need to be changed for one reason or another. Modern breast implants are built to be durable, but after a certain number of years, the implants may need to be changed for a number of different reasons. Sometimes the size of the implant is no longer proportional to our bodies. I see patients in my practice that had their breast implants 40 years ago and have problems with ruptured implants.

Remember, breast implants are a medical device that may need replacing or updating at some point during a patient’s lifetime. A breast implant exchange is a procedure that removes existing implants often with the implant capsule. The surgery is done through an incision in the breast crease. New breast implants are chosen that are the appropriate shape and size for the patient’s age and stage of life. Each patient is unique, and together we come to the best solution. Many patients choose to combine this breast surgery procedure with a breast lift.

Implant Exchange

This 40 year old woman had a 310 mL saline breast augmentation done at age 20. Her implants were to small and narrow for her frame. We changed to round gel implants of different sizes to address an asymmetry of her chest wall; 425 mL on the left and 500 mL on the right. Her photos are taken 6 months post-surgery, and despite using larger implants, she looks thinner and more balanced.

Implant Exchange

52 year old woman
Previous breast augmentation with MEME breast implants 220 g at age 26.
Both implants ruptured with contracted capsules.

We removed her old implants and capsules, and immediately replaced them with ALLERGAN Style 410 anatomic shaped silicone gel implants
335 ml. full height, full projection
Retro-pectoral position

Implant Exchange

55 year old woman
Previous breast augmentation complicated by capsular contracture.

We removed both implants and their capsules, and immediately replaced them with Mentor smooth round silicone implants.

Implant Exchange

52 year old woman
25 years post breast augmentation with 280 ml. silicone breast implants
Left implant rupture, right implant capsular contracture.

We removed both implants and their capsules, and immediately replaced them with ALLERGAN Style 410 anatomic shaped silicone gel implants
375 ml. full height, full projection
Retro-pectoral position

Implant Exchange

46 year-old-woman
9 years post breast augmentation with 300 ml. saline breast implants
Left implant deflation.

We removed both saline implants and their capsules, and immediately replaced them with ALLERGAN Style 410 anatomic shaped silicone gel implants
375 ml. moderate height, full projection
Retro-pectoral position

Disclaimer: These photos are published for informational purposes only to illustrate the nature of the procedure. They in no way constitute a guarantee of results.

Quick facts

How long is the surgery?
1 -3 hours.

General or local anesthesia?
General anesthesia.

Recovery time?
1-2 weeks off work.

When can I exercise?
Starting at 4 weeks.

Painful?
Variable depending on the extent of surgery.

Drains?
May be necessary depending on the extent of the operation.

When can I shower?
Waterproof bandages are put on the incisions allowing you to shower immediately after surgery. If drains are needed, showers are avoided until the drains are removed.

Can I wear a bra?
A surgical bra is placed in the operating room and patients wear it for four weeks.

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