Breast Implant Removal and Replacement is a procedure performed to replace breast implant. This can be done for a number of reasons. If your breast implants have been in place for a long time or you have a concern, implant replacement surgery may be a good option. It’s also a great way to remove and change the size of your implant if you’re unhappy with the size, shape, texture, or position of your current implant.
Breast Implant Replacement, at a glance
Target area: Size and shape of the breasts
Time off work: 1-2 weeks
Total recovery: 6-weeks
Compression garment: 2 weeks full-time wear, 6 weeks total
Scar position: Along the fold beneath the breast
Why You Need Implant Replacement
- Replace old breast implants
- Replace due to rippling breast implants
- Remove ruptured implant
- Remove due to Symmastia
- Correct the size, shape or texture of the implant
- Improve breast distortion due to implant movement over time
- Improve Breast Implant Illness symptoms
Breast Implant Replacement Options
Benefits
There are many benefits in breast implant replacement, these include: Smaller implants may improve posture and relieve back, neck and shoulder pain caused by heavy implants. If your breasts are different sizes or shape, replacing your implants can create symmetry. Removal of breast implants and their capsules can reduce the risk of ALCL, a type of cancer associated with capsules of textured breast implants, and the risk of developing breast implant illness. Breast implant replacement can attract Medicare and Health Insurance rebates.
Replacing Different Types of Implants
You can even choose to replace old implants with a new different types of implant.
Dr. Doyle will help you with this decision by giving you more information in the consultation session.
Textured
Textured implants are able to grip and stay firmly within the surrounding pocket, making them resemble anatomical breast shapes. These implants are more likely to wrinkle and pucker and are difficult to remove during revision surgery as they become attached to the surrounding tissue. Studies have shown that patients with textured implants face a higher risk of a rare form of cancer called breast implant-associated anaplastic large cell lymphoma (BIA-ALCL). Although textured implants were originally designed to prevent capsular contracture, it is now clear that capsules form readily around textured implants. Due to this, Dr Doyle now chooses to only implant using smooth implants. Some patients are seeking to remove their old textured implants and replace them with smooth implants.
Smooth
Smooth implants usually have thinner shells which means they can move more freely in the breast pocket. They are commonly used to replace textured implants in cases where the textured implant has wrinkled or buckled. Smoother implants tend to last longer than textured ones and have less risk of rippling. There is also no current evidence of patients with smooth implants associated with having BIA-ALCL.
Good Candidate for Implant Replacement
Breast shape changes for many reasons. Over time, gravity, pregnancy and fluctuating weight can have dramatic effects on the shape of women’s breasts. Because implants increase the weight of the breasts these changes can be more pronounced in women who’ve previously undergone breast augmentation surgery.
These changes can be corrected with a replacement of implants, or sometimes with a implant removal and lift. Speak to Dr Doyle about your issues and show him what you like or dislike most. Then, you can both determine the right decision for having your breasts corrected.
You may be a good candidate for breast replacement surgery if you:
- Wish to increase or decrease the weight and volume of your breasts implants
- Are unhappy with the appearance of your breast implants
- Have one or more ruptured implants
- Like to change old breast implants
- Want to achieve a more natural breast shape and look
- Have moved position implants and are too close together (Symmastia) or too far apart
- Have sagging breasts due to dropped implants
- Find breast implants fail like any infection, capsular contracture, asymmetry, displacement or leaking silicone.
- Suffer from breast implant illness
Dr Mark Doyle always conducts a preliminary examination to advise you on the best course of action. This procedure may be subject to Medicare and Health Insurance rebates.
Breast Implant Replacement Before After
Breast Replacement Surgery: Procedure and Recovery
The En Bloc Implant Removal technique is one which Dr Removes the breast implant and its surrounding scar tissue (capsule) in one piece. Removing the breast capsule and implant together reduces the risk of any fluid or silicone surrounding the implant from leaking into your breast tissue. Dr Doyle is an expert at En bloc Removal and can discuss your suitability for this technique.
“My preference is to remove implants in an “en bloc” type of procedure whenever possible as it limits the patients exposure to the implants and its surface and potential silicone exposure if their implants are ruptured,” says Dr Mark.
After removing old breast implants and capsule, Dr will replace them by the new ones. This may involve changing the position of the implants from on top of the muscle to beneath the muscle or vice versa. From here, internal sutures are often used to help reshape the breasts and hold the new implants in place.
“I have a strong commitment to maintaining absolute sterility at all times. I always change my surgical gloves any time I am handling a new breast implant to prevent the risk of contamination,” says Dr Mark.
How Long Is Recovery for Breast Implant Replacement Surgery?
Most patients leave the hospital on the day of their surgery. For the first 2 to 3 weeks you should take it easy, with no exercise or heavy activity. After this time, you should be capable of returning to work. However, we recommend you to consider another 3 weeks for breast implant removal and replacement recovery, before recommencing exercise.
Breast Implant Replacement Cost
Breast implant removal and replacement prices are vary based on factors such as the specific procedure, the type of implants chosen, the surgeon’s expertise, and the geographic location of the medical facility but starting point is $19,400. It’s recommended to consult with a Dr. Mark Doyle to receive an accurate estimate tailored to your individual needs and circumstances.
FAQ
What Happens to Breasts When Implants Remove?
Generally, the removal and replacement will take place during one surgery. However, in some instances, patients may need two separate surgery. If an infection is one of the reasons you want to remove your implants then you will need to wait a month or two before replacement surgery. Some patients even use this time to see how they would feel with a smaller bust.
Also, If your breasts have begun to sag slightly or the nipples are pointing down, considering a breast implant removal and lift is a better option.
Does Medicare Cover Ruptured Breast Implant Removal?
Health insurance policy might cover the cost of breast implant removal when it meets the policy’s criteria for medical necessity, like implant rupture symptoms like leaking silicone or severe capsular contracture that causes breast pain.
Replacement procedures will only attract a small Medicare rebate if the removal alone would cause unacceptable deformity.
What Are the Breast Implant Complications?
Like any major surgery, breast implant replacement surgery poses a risk of bleeding, infection and an adverse reaction to anaesthesia.
- Unfavourable scars
- Changes in nipple or breast sensation (temporary or permanent)
- Wrinkling of the skin over the implant
- Seroma (fluid accumulation under the skin or around the implant)
- Capsular Contracture
- Implant leakage or rupture
- Development of capsular contracture
- Breast implant rupture
- Implant malposition or movement
- Development of breast implant illness symptoms
- Potential Risks of ALCL cancer
Book a Consultation
If you believe you are a candidate for Breast Implant Replacement surgery, book your appointment by calling 07 5598 0988.
About Dr Mark Doyle FRACS (Plas) – Queensland Plastic Surgeon
Servicing patients in Gold Coast, Brisbane, Sunshine Coast, Cairns and New South Wales NSW – Northern Rivers, Byron Bay, Ballina, Lismore and more.
Dr Mark Doyle is a Specialist Plastic Surgeon with over thirty years of experience performing Breast, Body, Face and Nose surgery. Dr Doyle is a fully qualified Specialist Plastic Surgeon with 30+ years of experience. He has completed all required training and only carries out approved surgical practices. There are absolutely NO undertrained doctors or cosmetic doctors acting as surgeons in our clinic.
As a highly esteemed plastic surgeon, Dr Mark is committed to achieving the best possible results for all his breast, body, face and nose patients, both men and women.
