Breast implant replacement may be performed to correct any complications arising from the primary breast augmentation
cosmetic surgery, or to change the type or size of the implants. Breast implant replacement can be performed in case of both saline and silicone implants with equal efficiency.
Dr. Hisham Seify is a board certified
plastic surgeon providing breast implant replacement and various other surgical and non-surgical procedures. Dr. Seify provides these procedures to patients in Newport Beach, Orange County, CA, and surrounding locations.
Need for Implant Replacement
Breast implant replacement may be needed at any point after the initial breast augmentation
plastic surgery due to one or more of the following reasons:
- An X-ray or MRI indicates leakage in the silicone implant
- The saline implant has deflated
- Capsular contracture or tightening of scar tissue has caused malpositioning or misshaping of the implant
- The patient wants to change the implant type or size due to changed cosmetic preferences
- The breast tissue has undergone a change following weight fluctuations or skin stretching
The breast surgeon will examine the condition carefully and evaluate the patient’s goals before recommending an appropriate implant replacement.
Procedure
The procedure will vary according to the reason for
breast implant replacement.
Implant Size Change
The
cosmetic surgeon will try to use the original incision line for implant replacement in this case. In case of larger implant, the breast pocket will be surgically enlarged. In case of smaller implant, the pocket will be sutured appropriately to reduce its size and fit the smaller implant.
Hardening of Breast Capsule
The original incisions will be used to remove the hardened capsule and damaged implant in case of capsular contracture. New implant will be inserted through the incision. Surgery will be less invasive and no new scarring will occur.
Malpositioned Implant
If the original implant pockets have been created too close together or too far apart, it can cause poor positioning of the breasts. The surgeon can use the original incision to manipulate the scar tissue from the capsule surrounding the implant. Suturing technique will be used to reconstruct the pocket in the desired position. Additional tissue may be utilized to reinforce the new implant pocket.
Implant Removal
If no replacement and only implant removal is required, the surgeon will use the original incision to remove the implant. The capsule around the implant will be surgically removed at the same time. If the implant is large and the skin has stretched, the surgeon may recommend a breast lift procedure along with implant removal. Dr. Seify receives patients from Newport Beach, Orange County, CA, and nearby areas for breast implant replacement surgery.
Recovery
The post-operative downtime and discomfort in case of
breast implant replacement will be quite similar to that of the primary breast augmentation. The patient may take about a week to 10 days before resuming her normal activities or returning to work. However, mild walking should begin at home a day after the surgery.
Wearing of compression garments, surgical bra, taking care of the drain tubes, taking antibiotics as prescribed, avoiding smoking, and refraining from vigorous activities or exercises will help to expedite the recovery.
See more procedures and treatments by plastic surgeon Dr. Hisham Seify in Newport Beach | Orange County
