A breast implant replacement is performed after a previous breast procedure to remove and replace the initial breast implants.
When breast implants are replaced, some patients choose to place new implants of a different size for a different aesthetic result. Breast implants may need to be replaced for multiple reasons, which we will discuss in more detail throughout this blog.
If you think you may need a breast implant replacement, booking a consultation with Specialist Plastic Surgeon A/Prof Magnusson can help assess the condition of your implants.
What is a breast implant replacement?
Breast implant replacement surgery can address a range of issues, such as medical complications, physical changes in the patient’s breast tissue, or adjustments for aesthetic purposes.
Implant replacement procedures can be performed by replacing the implants with those of the same size and shape, or selecting different implants for new results.
In cases where complications arise, such as implant rupture or capsular contracture, surgery may be necessary to remove or replace the implants. In certain situations, however, replacing an implant may not be an option. This may be the case if complications have led to significant tissue damage, making the area unsuitable for another breast implant. In these cases, alternative approaches might be considered, such as a breast fat transfer to add subtle volume.
Reason 1: You’ve had breast implant complications
Generally, encountering breast implant complications will require the need for an implant revision or replacement. Breast implant complications can include capsular contracture, rupture, rotation, migration, and rippling.
Your surgeon can explain how to spot these complications. Typically, breast implant complications occur a while after the initial procedure, with the chances of experiencing some complications becoming higher with time.
Capsular contracture occurs when scar tissue around the implant hardens and contracts, which can lead to discomfort and distort the breast’s appearance. When this has occurred, the scar tissue will typically also need to be removed in a procedure called a capsulectomy.
Implant rupture happens when a tear forms in the implant, causing its contents to leak or for the implant to deflate. Rotation is when the implant moves out of its original place, which can cause a distorted appearance or lead to asymmetry. Thanks to their shape, rotation generally isn’t a concern with round implants, but it can be an aesthetic concern with anatomical (teardrop) implants. Similar to rotation, migration is when the implants move, but they can move out of place downwards, outwards, or inwards.
Rippling is when folds or wrinkles in the implant become visible or palpable through the skin. Saline implants are more associated with rippling than silicone implants, but a patient can be more prone if the implant is placed above the chest muscle or if they have minimal breast tissue covering the implant.
Apart from breast implant complications, other complications of a breast procedure can also require a breast implant revision or replacement. These can include haematoma, seroma, infection and when the implant visibly moves along with certain muscle movements.
If you experience breast implant complications, your surgeon will advise you on the steps to take to address the complication and explain how you can move forward with an implant revision or replacement.
Reason 2: Your breast tissue has naturally changed
Breast tissue can naturally change over time. Changes caused by weight fluctuations, pregnancy, or natural ageing can sometimes cause the breasts to look or feel different.
While these changes don’t typically require an implant replacement, some patients may choose to undergo the procedure for personal reasons, due to aesthetic preferences.
A breast implant replacement can help to make further adjustments after these changes occur. Different types, sizes, or shapes of breast implants may be placed, and the changes in the tissue may also be surgically addressed.
When the breast tissue has naturally changed, a breast implant replacement may focus on increasing or reducing the size of the breasts, addressing asymmetry and more.
Sometimes, a breast lift may also be included in the procedure, particularly if there is skin laxity or excess skin and a change in the position of the nipples.
Reason 3: Your aesthetic preferences have changed
Just like changes in natural breast tissue, changes in aesthetic preferences do not necessarily require a breast implant replacement, but it can be the right option for patients who want to make changes.
While you may be happy with the results of your breast augmentation initially, you may have a personal change in preferences later. For example, some patients want to make changes to the size of their breasts after deciding that the implants may be too small or too large.
Some patients may also seek adjustments to improve comfort levels, achieve a more tailored fit to their body’s natural shape (particularly if their body shape has changed), or address any new physical needs that have arisen over the years.
When is a breast implant replacement a requirement?
While a breast implant revision to remove the implants is a requirement if a complication has occurred, it is technically not a requirement to replace the implants.
The decision to replace your breast implants is entirely up to you, however, encountering complications generally requires a removal, which would require a replacement to maintain your results.
A natural change in breast tissue or a change in aesthetic preferences does not necessarily mean that you must have a breast implant replacement, but the option is there should you want to make changes.
See Specialist Plastic Surgeon A/Prof Magnusson in Gold Coast & Toowoomba
A breast implant replacement procedure should always be performed with the skill level and experience of a qualified plastic surgeon.
During a consultation for an implant replacement, plastic surgeon A/Prof Magnusson can help you decide which implants to choose and make a plan to achieve your desired changes.
Contact our team to arrange your consultation in Gold Coast or Toowoomba.