Breast implants may not last you forever but when or how do you know if they need to be replaced? Breast implants can last a long time – decades or more – but should not be expected to last indefinitely. There may be signs that you notice that your implants may need to be replaced. In addition, there may be signs on breast imaging such as mammograms that tell you it’s time to replace your breast implants.
We will explore the process of breast implant replacement, offering guidance to help you be aware of the breast changes over time that may indicate the possible need for breast implant replacement.
Board certified plastic surgeon Dr. Adrian Lo can recommend a breast implant replacement treatment plan to meet your goals. Schedule a consultation today.
Why Breast Implants May Need Replacement
Deciding to go through breast implant replacement is the start of a journey toward improving your breast aesthetics and self-confidence. While your breast augmentation procedure was all about creating your desired look, replacing your implants is about maintenance and improving your breast appearance that has changed with life such as weight changes, pregnancy and the aging process.
Breast implants like any medical device may necessitate replacement over time. Despite the advanced design and materials of today’s implants, they are still subject to factors that may impact their longevity.
Age and Wear of Implants
Implant materials may degrade, much like how fabric loses its original vibrancy after repeated wear. This is especially true of earlier generation silicone implants. However the 3rd generation highly cohesive silicone implants known also as the gummy bear implants have a much longer lifespan.
Most silicone and saline implants have a stated lifespan of 10-15 years, although much longer lifespans of 20 or 30 years is very common. Some patients report the need for replacement sooner due to active lifestyles or implant issues.
While modern implants are designed with durability in mind, it is important to have regular medical evaluations to monitor implant integrity and be aware of when replacement might be needed.
Implant Rupture or Leakage
Silent signs of breast implant failure can occur that may not be immediately apparent and it is important to recognize these earlier and be proactive in breast implant replacement.
Potential signs of compromise include changes in breast shape or size and subtle discomfort. With saline implant leakage, the most common sign is loss of the breast volume as the saline is absorbed by the body. With the cohesive silicone and gummy bear implants, regular mammogram or other breast imaging is the best way to diagnose and determine implant rupture. This is normally ordered by your primary doctor or plastic surgeon if breast implant leakage is suspected.
Changes in Personal Preferences
Trends in body aesthetics, such as a shift towards more natural-looking enhancements, can drive the desire for replacement. Women may desire a change in breast size whether smaller or larger. With a breast implant replacement procedure, it is normal to consider adding a breast lift procedure to correct breast sag or droop that has occurred over time. A breast lift procedure will lift the breasts to a higher position on the chest and can enhance your breast implant replacement procedure.
Breast implant replacement offers you an opportunity to update your old implants with modern breast implants. Modern implants are more durable, stronger and have a more natural feel. What felt perfect years ago may not align with your current beauty goals or lifestyle. Replacing your breast implant allows you to realign your external appearance with your internal vision.
Related: Is It Time for a Breast Implant Removal?
Signs Telling You It May Be Time to Replace Your Implants
Knowing when to replace breast implants depends on many factors, including implant age and physical changes. Below are some signs to be aware of when considering the need for breast implant replacement.
Physical Changes in Breast Appearance
Observable changes can signal potential implant issues.
Asymmetry, unusual rippling or wrinkling, implant position changes or visible deformations are some physical changes that warrant professional medical evaluation. Your breast shape may have changed and your breasts may not feel like they did before. Loss of breast volume if you have saline implants is a strong indicator that your saline breast implants need to be replaced.
These physical indicators can vary significantly between individuals, underscoring the importance of an assessment with your plastic surgeon. These visual cues are your body’s method of communicating underlying concerns that need attention and possible breast implant replacement.
Discomfort or Pain
While not every instance of discomfort indicates an urgent issue, persistent or worsening pain should not be ignored.
Factors such as hormonal changes or a more active lifestyle can also play a role in how discomfort feels. It is advisable to consult a health professional to help determine whether the pain is temporary and normal or may be implant-related.
Capsular Contracture
Capsular contracture is a significant consideration in implant health and typically requires breast implant revision with total capsulectomy and replacement of the implant. This is called en bloc capsulectomy.
This medical condition occurs when scar tissue surrounding the implant becomes unusually thick and tight. Capsular contracture symptoms include increased firmness, potential breast shape changes and occasionally pain.
The Consultation Process
Medical Evaluation
The process of breast implant replacement starts with careful evaluation through a detailed screening that involves a thorough medical history review, comprehensive physical examination, and diagnostic imaging. The gold standard for breast implant evaluation will involve mammograms, breast ultrasound and MRI of the breasts.
This can also include blood tests to assess overall health, ensuring patients are well-prepared for surgery. This is a necessary step so you and your plastic surgeon will gain a complete understanding of your unique physiological landscape and take these into consideration before proceeding to the next steps.
Discussing New Implant Options
Modern implant technologies offer a variety of implant options that a woman could choose depending on their personal goals.
During your consultation, you will likely discuss silicone vs saline replacement options that best suit your body and goals. Some women may also consider alternative options like implant-free augmentation or fat transfer procedures.
Your plastic surgeon will guide you through implant selections, considering factors like feel or softness, projection, shape, and the type of implant that best compliments your anatomy.
Creating a Surgical Plan
Every breast implant replacement journey considers your breast anatomy and aesthetic preferences.
After your evaluation and selection of the preferred implant, your plastic surgeon will thoroughly explain the technique that will be used in the procedure – including the different types of incisions. You will explore options such as implant placement in your current breast pocket, or a possible pocket change, breast pocket revision and possible breast lift procedure with your breast implant replacement surgery.
Your plastic surgeon will discuss the pre- and post surgical process to give you a complete understanding and realistic expectations.
If you decide to remove your breast implant without replacing them, this is also an option. Breast implant removal cost can vary depending on the procedure recommended and individual patient needs. Dr. Adrian Lo has made plastic surgery more affordable than ever, offering financing options for any procedure to make it more accessible to anyone wanting to improve breast aesthetics and boost their confidence.
Related: 7 Benefits of Choosing the Transaxillary Incision for Your Breast Implant Surgery
The Replacement Surgery Process
Anesthesia and Procedure Duration
Typically, breast implant replacement requires approximately one to two hours under general anesthesia. The exact time frame depends on your individual situation and the surgical techniques that will be used to meet your goals and give you the best aesthetic outcome.
Removal and Replacement Techniques
Surgical approaches vary based on individual needs.
Some patients might benefit from en bloc capsulectomy, while others require less surgical intervention. The surgical plan often reflects the patient’s specific health concerns and past surgical procedures. Your plastic surgeon will determine the most appropriate surgical plan during your comprehensive preoperative visit.
Same-Day Recovery
Proper breast implant exchange recovery involves following your plastic surgeon’s specific post-operative instructions.
It is important to note that not every patient has the same timeline for recovery. Some patients may experience minimal discomfort and can resume light activities within a few days. Other patients might need a longer time to recover from the procedure especially if the breast implant replacement was more extensive depending on the patient’s situation.
Patients can typically return home the same day, with specific instructions for breast implant replacement care, graduated activities and return to work timeline.
Related: What is Recovery Like After Breast Reduction Surgery?
Choose the Right Plastic Surgeon: Dr. Adrian Lo
Ready to take the next step toward achieving your aesthetic goals? Trust Dr. Adrian Lo, a leading expert and award-winning plastic surgeon, to deliver safe, beautiful results for your breast implant replacement procedure!
With his artistic vision and advanced surgical techniques, Dr. Adrian Lo provides the personalized care you deserve. Treating patients across Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Delaware, Dr. Lo and team will guide you through your personal transformative journey.
Schedule your consultation today and discover the difference that Dr. Lo’s expertise can make!