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Estimated reading time: 15 minutes and 20 seconds
Are you considering breast implant replacement surgery? Maybe you had breast augmentation years ago, and now it’s time for an update. Perhaps you’re experiencing complications with your current implants and need them replaced. Whatever your reason may be, it’s essential to understand the process and what to expect from this procedure. In this article, we’ll cover everything you need to know about breast implant replacement surgery.
What is breast implant replacement surgery?
Breast implant replacement surgery is a surgical procedure that can be used by people who have previously undergone breast augmentation with breast implants (prosthesis) but have had problems with these prostheses. In this article, we will examine the answers to the question of why breast implant replacement surgery is performed. The answer is sometimes our aesthetic expectations that have been reshaped over the years, and sometimes it is due to a medical necessity. Regardless of our reasoning, our priority should always be to have our surgery performed by an experienced surgeon who is an expert in his field in an operating theatre environment.
Let’s take a closer look at the common reasons for breast implant replacement surgery:
Prosthesis Replacement
Breast prostheses are soft and flexible materials and may wear out and deform over time. In the advanced stages of wear and tear, it may be necessary to replace it for reasons such as leakage of the gel or liquid inside, ie breast prosthesis replacement surgery. Most companies now offer a lifetime guarantee for breast prostheses made in recent years. However, of course, it is still possible to experience problems with prostheses due to manufacturing defects or surgical errors. In the case of silicone rupture, which is generally known as “rupture of the prosthesis” or “silicone explosion”, the prosthesis must be replaced. In some cases, we see that the silicone prosthesis slips and displaces over time. In such cases, if the existing prosthesis can be used, it is sufficient to reposition it.
Size and Shape Changes
Remember that not only silicone prostheses, but also general aesthetic tastes may change over time. We may now want a larger or smaller breast implant. Even if we are satisfied with the size, we may want to change the shape of our implants: for example, a drop model instead of a round model or vice versa.
Even if there is no problem with all these, we may want to change our silicone implants due to physical change. For example, there may be deterioration in the result obtained by surgery due to weight gain, weight loss, pregnancy and childbirth after surgery. In such cases, the implants may need to be replaced with implants that are more compatible with the current situation.
Complications
Complications that occur under breast implants may require breast implant replacement surgery. These complications may include implant displacement (prosthesis dislocation), capsular contracture (tissue hardening around the silicone prosthesis), fluid leakage or infection. In the event of such complications, an immediate surgical intervention is required.
Aesthetic Corrections
The final appearance of the implants placed in our breast augmentation surgery after the swelling and oedema have completely disappeared may not be aesthetically pleasing. Therefore, the implants may need to be replaced to achieve a better aesthetic result. Over time, due to the effect of gravity, a sagging may have occurred independently of our breast implants. In such cases, if we have decided to have breast lift surgery, we may also want to have breast implant replacement surgery while we are ready to undergo surgery for this operation.
New Technologies and Materials
Technological advances, of course, continue non-stop in the field of aesthetic surgery. As such, breast prosthesis technology is constantly developing and renewing itself. Of course, the silicone implants used years ago are not the same as those used now. Therefore, we may want to replace our old silicone prostheses with newer and more advanced prosthesis models.
Breast prosthesis replacement surgery is an important but not difficult surgery that can be performed by an experienced surgeon in a suitable operating theatre environment. Regardless of the reason for having surgery, we should definitely have our surgery performed by an experienced and successful surgeon and in a hospital environment in order to avoid any complications.
Types of Breast Implants
Saline and silicone. Saline implants are filled with a saltwater solution and are known for their firmness. Silicone implants are filled with a silicone gel and are known for their natural look and feel. Both types of implants come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and textures.
Surgery
Breast implant replacement surgery performed under general anaesthesia is an operation that must be performed by a professional plastic surgeon and in an operating room environment. The surgical process begins with an interview in which the doctor will evaluate the results by requesting a breast ultrasound or breast MRI. If the surgery is performed for aesthetic reasons rather than a medical necessity, then we tell the doctor what kind of result we want during our interview. Our doctor will plan our surgery accordingly.
Silicone breast implant replacement surgery is performed under general anaesthesia. If the surgery will only consist of a prosthesis replacement procedure, that is, if it will not include a breast lift or recovery procedure, the incisions are made from these lines using the surgical scars left from the previous surgery, no new incisions are made.
With these incisions, the point where the implant is located is reached, the ruptured implant is removed and the pocket where the implant is placed is cleaned from the gel residues that have spread out. In addition, if there is a capsular contracture, this is also intervened. If there is no condition that will prevent the placement of a new breast prosthesis in the area, the new prosthesis is placed, the incisions are closed and the breast prosthesis replacement surgery is completed.
Recovery Process
Recovery time varies from person to person, but most people can return to work within one to two weeks after surgery. You will likely experience some pain, swelling, and bruising in the first few days following the procedure. Your surgeon will provide you with specific instructions on how to care for your incisions and when you can resume normal activities.
Is silicone breast implant rupture dangerous?
First of all, it is useful to say the following: Although silicone prostheses that are very durable and even have a lifetime guarantee have been produced recently, the ideal is to change these prostheses every 10 years on average. Even if there is no problem with the prosthesis, 10 years is a long time for a human life. During this time, we may have gained or lost weight. Even if there is no change in our weight, sagging may occur in our breasts due to the effect of gravity. This can negatively affect the aesthetic appearance of our prostheses.
If we have a problem with our prostheses, of course, we must first recognise this problem in order to intervene. We can realise the problem of prosthesis rupture in a short time by experiencing severe pain, and sometimes the symptoms of prosthesis rupture may not appear for a long time. Silicone prosthesis rupture is a condition in which the breast prosthesis ruptures and the silicone gel or saline fluid inside it spreads out. Although it sounds like a very dangerous problem, this condition does not carry any systemic risk. If a saline breast implant was used in our first breast surgery, the fluid inside the implant is absorbed by the body when the implant ruptures. This fluid is essentially a kind of sterile salt water. As the fluid is absorbed by the body, the implant area is rapidly emptied and a significant reduction in breast size is observed. Thus, the rupture of the implant is more easily recognised. However, if cilijon gel was used in the first operation, it is more difficult to notice the rupture. Because the gel inside the implant tends to stay in the area. Therefore, even if the implant is ruptured, since the gel inside is still in the area, no serious change in our breast size is observed and we may not notice that the implant has ruptured.
The absorption of the saline fluid by the body does not pose a serious health problem. However, due to the change in breast size, the existing implant must of course be replaced with a new one. The situation is slightly different for gel implants. If the implant rupture in this case is not intervened in a short time, the gel leaking from the implant penetrates into the surrounding tissues during the non-intervention period. Therefore, for an easier surgery and a faster healing process, it is useful to clean the area where the rupture occurred and replace the silicone prostheses without wasting time. In such cases where we cannot always recognise the symptoms of silicone prosthesis rupture early, mammography and breast MRI scans that we should have at regular intervals are of great importance for intervention to be performed without losing time.
Duration
With the developing technology in the field of aesthetics, lifetime guaranteed silicones are now produced by many companies. Therefore, there is no certain time limit in which silicone prostheses must be replaced. If our regular breast MRI scans do not show any problems, we can continue to use our prostheses with the knowledge of our doctor.
However, even if there are no complications, our silicones may sag over the decades, both due to our weight gain or weight loss and due to the effect of gravity. Another possibility is that our aesthetic tastes change over time. Therefore, the ideal is to change our silicone prostheses every 10 years, even if there is no problem with our implants.
How can you recognise a problem with a breast implant?
The quality of the breast prosthesis used during breast augmentation surgery, the fact that the prosthesis does not contain a production defect and the surgeon performing the surgery is an experienced surgeon in this field greatly minimise the problems that may be experienced with the implant placed after surgery. However, it is still not possible to guarantee that there will never be a problem with the prosthesis. For this reason, we should always keep in mind that we may have a problem with our implants.
Early diagnosis is important in case of any problems with our breast prostheses or with our breast health in general. For early diagnosis, we should regularly examine our breasts in front of a mirror every month from our 20s onwards and have a mammogram once a year from the age of 35 onwards. In this way, it will be possible to prevent health problems that we may experience not only with our breast prostheses but also with our breast health in general.
How to recognise a problem with breast implants is a question we receive from many of our patients who have undergone breast augmentation surgery. Below we note the most common symptoms. If we have such complaints, we may have problems with our implants.
- Swelling or changes: If we notice abnormal swelling or shape changes in our breast implant area,
- Pain: If there is constant or severe pain, discomfort or a feeling of tightness at the site of the breast implant,
- Skin problems: If we have problems such as redness, irritation, rash or scarring on the skin in our breast prosthesis area,
- Breast tenderness: If we feel an abnormal sensitivity or pain in our breast prosthesis area, if we have an ongoing tingling and burning sensation,
- Fluid leakage: If fluid is leaking from our breast prosthesis area or if we notice leaks or cracks in our prosthesis sutures,
- Breast softness: Our breast prostheses should normally have a natural softness and mobility when touched, but if we feel hardness when we touch them,
- Mass: If we feel a mass when we touch it that we have not noticed before,
- Breast asymmetry: If there is a significant asymmetry between the breast where our breast prosthesis is located and the other breast,
- Sensory change: If we experience numbness or sensory changes in our breast prosthesis area, these symptoms indicate a problem.
If we notice these symptoms, we should immediately contact the surgeon who performed our surgery or another breast surgery specialist. With a professional examination and, if necessary, imaging tests, the problem will be diagnosed and an appropriate treatment plan will be created for us. Regular check-ups of our breast prostheses will help early diagnosis of possible problems we may experience.
Risks and Complications
As with any surgical procedure, breast implant replacement operation comes with some risks and complications. These may include:
- Infection
- Bleeding
- Scarring
- Capsular contracture
- Implant rupture
- Changes in nipple sensation
It’s essential to discuss these risks with your surgeon before deciding to undergo breast implant replacement surgery.
How much does the surgery cost?
On average, the cost can range from $5,000 to $10,000 but remember that it can vary according to the procedure, consult with Aktif International.
Is breast implant replacement surgery right for you?
Deciding whether breast implant replacement surgery is right for you is a personal decision. It’s essential to have realistic expectations and to understand the risks and benefits before making a decision. Schedule a consultation with a board-certified plastic surgeon to discuss your options and determine if breast implant replacement surgery is right for you.
Breast implant replacement surgery at Aktif International
If you’re considering breast implant replacement surgery, Aktif International is an excellent place to start. Our experienced and skilled team of board-certified plastic surgeons has performed countless breast implant replacement surgeries, and we understand the unique challenges and considerations involved.
At Aktif International, we take a personalized approach to every patient’s needs and desires. During your consultation, we’ll discuss your goals and concerns, examine your current implants, and develop a customized treatment plan to help you achieve the best possible outcome.
We offer a wide range of implant options, including saline and silicone implants, as well as the latest techniques to minimize scarring and improve your recovery time. We use only the highest quality implants from trusted manufacturers, and our surgical facilities are state-of-the-art, ensuring your comfort and safety.
We understand that undergoing surgery can be a stressful experience, and we’ll do everything we can to ensure that you feel comfortable and confident every step of the way.
If you’re ready to learn more about breast implant replacement surgery at Aktif International, we invite you to schedule a consultation today. Our team is here to answer your questions, address your concerns, and help you make an informed decision about your health and well-being. Contact us today to get started.
Frequently Asked Questions
Breast implants are not designed to last forever and may need to be replaced at some point. The average lifespan of breast implants is around 10 years, but this can vary depending on several factors, such as the type of implant and your body’s natural aging process.
Breast implant replacement surgery is typically performed under general anesthesia, so you will not feel any pain during the procedure. You may experience some pain, swelling, and bruising in the first few days following the surgery, but this can usually be managed with pain medication and proper care.
Breast implant replacement surgery will leave some scarring, but our surgeons use advanced techniques to minimize scarring and ensure that it is as discreet as possible. With proper care, the scars should fade over time.
Yes, breast implant replacement surgery allows you to choose a different size or type of implant if desired. During your consultation, our team will help you explore your options and choose the implant that is best suited to your needs and goals.
Recovery time varies from person to person, but most people can return to work within one to two weeks after surgery. Your surgeon will provide you with specific instructions on how to care for your incisions and when you can resume normal activities.
For more information about this surgery, please visit the websites of our doctors listed below: