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Breast Implant Replacement

Breast implants will eventually require replacement or removal. Breast implant revision surgery is typically a straightforward procedure, but the key lies in knowing when it's necessary. At Champs-Élysées Aesthetic Medical Center our team of plastic surgeons specializes in breast surgery and is committed to providing patients with information about their breast implant options. If you are dissatisfied with your current implants, we are here to explore options such as altering the implant size or type to help you achieve your desired look.
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Why Replace Breast Implants?

Women may consider breast implant replacement when they desire a different implant size or type. For instance, if they have lost weight and now have a smaller frame, they might opt for a smaller implant to achieve a more proportionate figure. Conversely, if they have gained weight, a larger implant may be preferred. Additionally, the aging process can alter the appearance of augmented breasts, leading many women to seek a breast implant replacement in conjunction with a breast lift procedure to restore perkiness.

The Type Of Implants You Have Can Raise Specific Replacement Concerns:

WHEN SHOULD YOU REPLACE YOUR SALINE IMPLANTS?

Many patients inquire about the ideal timing to replace their implants with new ones. The truth is that implants that are trouble-free do not necessarily require replacement. If you have saline implants and your breast size and shape remain normal, it indicates that the implant is intact. As an implant ages, the risk of rupture naturally increases, so it’s advisable to have a plan in place for unexpected ruptures. In the event of a saline breast implant rupture, it releases the saline fill into the body. This saline solution is a standard sterile IV solution used for rehydration and is akin to saltwater, so it is not a cause for concern. If your implants are two decades old and still intact, we recommend coming in for a consultation to discuss a replacement plan.

 

WHEN SHOULD YOU REPLACE YOUR SILICONE IMPLANTS?

There are actually over fifty various types of silicone breast implants, each filled with different types of silicone or silicone gel, that have been FDA-approved over the years, with many subsequently recalled. Silicone implants older than twenty years should be replaced as they carry a higher risk of rupture.

Shortly after the placement of a breast implant, the body forms a natural scar tissue layer around it, known as the capsule. While ruptured implants can sometimes remain harmlessly within the capsule, the silicone from an older gel-type implant will merge into the capsule upon rupture (intracapsular rupture) and can migrate outside of the capsule and into the lymph nodes (extracapsular rupture). Newer implants should also be replaced if they have ruptured or if the implant style has been recalled.