Sometimes complications may result from the primary breast augmentation procedure, making it necessary to have the breast implants removed or replaced.
Breast implant replacement cosmetic surgery should only be performed by a fully trained and experienced breast surgeon to achieve sustainable outcomes.
The patient should educate herself about the procedure, and frankly clarify any doubts and concerns with the surgeon during the pre-op consultations.
Dr. Hisham Seify is a leading board certified
plastic surgeon providing breast implant replacement surgery to patients in Newport Beach, Orange County, CA, and surrounding locations.
Implant Replacement Procedure
Breast implant replacement plastic surgery provides solutions for women who experience capsular contracture, causing the implants to lose their shape, position or become damaged, hardened, or rippled. The average life of breast implants is about 10 to 15 years, and over time even the most effectively placed implants may leak or rupture.
The
cosmetic surgeon will perform breast implant replacement in a similar way to the primary procedure. The first choice of the surgeon will be to use the old incision lines to remove old implants and replace them with new ones. This will not create any new scars in other areas. However, if the patient wants differently sized implants or different type of implants, the surgeon may have to customize implant pockets and create new incisions.
In many cases, breast implant replacement may be accompanied by breast lift surgery. Over the years, the aging effects will reduce skin elasticity, causing the breasts to sag. Therefore, optimal outcomes for women who receive implant replacement after many years may be achieved when the procedure is combined with a breast lift. The entire procedure can be performed using general anesthesia or IV sedation, and the patient will usually return home the same day of surgery.
Choosing Between Removal and Replacement
Breast implant replacement is generally recommended over removal because the procedure is relatively less complicated and reduces the risk of infection and bleeding. However, if the woman suffers from pain symptoms, arthritis or another autoimmune disease, implant removal may be better than replacement. Experienced cosmetic surgeon Dr. Seify receives patients from Newport Beach, Orange County, CA, and nearby areas for
breast implant replacement surgery.
Recovery
Recovery in case of
breast implant replacement will depend on the complexity of the procedure. If the scar tissue is removed along with the implant, the post-operative discomfort may be a little higher. In simple cases of replacement, the recovery may be faster and more comfortable than the primary procedure.
The patient can usually expect to return to her normal routine in about 10 days. Breasts are likely to remain sore for a few days after replacement, similar to what she experienced following the original breast augmentation. The surgeon may prescribe mild pain medications in the first week to ensure patient comfort.
Results
If large sized implants are replaced with relatively smaller implants, it can leave a sagging appearance. A skilled surgeon will ensure that breasts remain as attractive as before, and may combine the procedure with a breast lift in such cases.
See more procedures and treatments by plastic surgeon Dr. Hisham Seify in Newport Beach | Orange County
