Breast Implant Replacement

What is breast implant replacement

Breast implant replacement involves removing previously placed endoprostheses and placing new ones. At the same time, the repeat surgery does not necessarily fully repeat the primary breast augmentation.

The surgeon takes into account changes in the tissues, the condition of the skin, the position of the implants and the patient's wishes regarding the future size and shape of the mammary glands. Depending on the clinical situation, the extent of the intervention may include additional stages.

Replacement of silicone breast implants may be performed either while maintaining approximately the previous breast volume or with a change in the size of the endoprostheses. Replacing breast implants with larger or smaller ones is possible if this corresponds to the patient's anatomical features and the surgical plan.

If the patient wants to completely give up the endoprostheses, instead of replacement, their removal and another method of breast shape correction may be discussed.

Indications for breast implant replacement

The need for a repeat surgery is determined individually. The mere fact that a certain number of years have passed since the primary mammoplasty is not a sufficient basis for independently planning a replacement.

Reasons for a consultation with a plastic surgeon may be:

• a desire to change the size of the breast
• a desire to change the shape of the mammary glands
• a change in the position of the implant
• noticeable asymmetry
• a change in the condition of the surrounding tissues
• dissatisfaction with the aesthetic result of the previous surgery
• the need for a repeat intervention based on the results of diagnostics.

If after mammoplasty soreness, a pronounced change in the shape of the breast, lumps, swelling or other new symptoms appear, it is necessary to consult a doctor.

If there are postoperative scars, scar correction after mammoplasty may be considered separately. If gel materials were previously injected into the breast tissue, gel removal from the breast may be required. If the nipple-areolar complex needs to be changed, nipple and areola correction is performed.

The process of breast implant replacement

The approach to repeat mammoplasty depends on the reason for the visit, the condition of the tissues and the desired result.

Consultation and preparation

At the initial consultation, the plastic surgeon collects information about the previous surgery: when it was performed, which implants were placed and which changes are bothering the patient.

The doctor examines the mammary glands, assesses their shape, symmetry, the condition of the skin and the position of the implants. If necessary, additional studies are prescribed.

Before the surgery, standard preoperative diagnostics are performed. The specific list of tests and examinations is determined by the specialist.

If the patient wants to change the volume of the breast, the parameters of the new implants are discussed at the planning stage. The decision is made taking into account the anatomy of the chest, the condition of the tissues and the desired proportions.

The surgical intervention

The surgery is performed using anesthesia. The surgeon gains access to the previously placed implant and removes it.

The further course of the intervention depends on the condition of the tissues. After the necessary surgical stages, a new implant is placed, the parameters of which were determined during preparation.

Replacing breast implants with smaller ones may require additional tissue correction if an excess of tissue appears after the reduction in volume. When switching to a larger size, the surgeon also assesses whether the anatomical features allow the chosen endoprosthesis to be placed safely.

In some cases, the replacement may be combined with a breast lift or another correction. The possibility of a combined intervention is determined individually.

The duration of the surgery depends on its complexity and the number of surgical stages.

The rehabilitation period

After a repeat mammoplasty, swelling, bruising, moderate soreness, a feeling of tension and a temporary change in breast sensitivity are possible.

The patient must follow the surgeon's recommendations and attend follow-up examinations. During the recovery period, the doctor may recommend wearing special compression underwear.

In the first weeks, intense physical activity and significant tension of the upper body muscles are limited. The return to sports happens gradually after the doctor's permission.

The final result of the surgery is assessed after the swelling has decreased and the tissues have adapted to the new implants.

The cost of breast implant replacement at the Helyos medical center depends on the complexity of the repeat intervention, the chosen endoprostheses, the need for additional correction, anesthesia and other components of the treatment. The exact price is determined after a consultation and diagnostics.