Breast implant replacement is a procedure that replaces your current breast implants with new ones. (1) Some patients undergo this procedure when their implants reach the end of their recommended use life, and others seek to adjust the shape, size, or type of implant to achieve their evolving appearance goals. This procedure is highly customizable, with several different types of implants to choose from.
In his practice, Dr. Gregory Fedele has helped many patients achieve exceptional results and peace of mind with customized breast implant replacement procedures. If it is time for you to replace your breast implants, we encourage you to schedule a consultation with Dr. Fedele so that he can help you explore your options.
Contact our Cleveland office online or call (216) 464-1616 to schedule an appointment and learn more!
About Breast Implant Replacement
While breast implants are typically long-lasting, all implants need to be replaced eventually. Breast implants tend to have a use life of about 10-15 years, with some patients having their implants last longer.
Many patients also choose to undergo implant exchange for aesthetic reasons. (1) Implants that are causing rippling or malpositioning can be replaced to restore a smooth, natural look to the breast. If you have become dissatisfied with the size of your implants, replacement is also the most effective method for adjusting the volume.
Whether it is time to replace your implants or your aesthetic preferences have changed, implant replacement can help you maintain or improve your breast projection, volume, and shape.
Implant Replacement After Weight Loss
Weight loss can affect the breasts, resulting in volume loss and/or excess skin. Some patients may want to change the size of their implants after experiencing weight fluctuations. In these cases, Dr. Fedele may recommend combining your breast implant replacement procedure with a breast lift to raise the breast mounds and remove excess skin for a smoother, curvier appearance.
Types of Implants
We offer several different types of implants. These include:
- Saline: Saline implants are made of a silicone shell filled with sterile saline. These can usually be placed through smaller incisions and then are filled once in place.
- Silicone: Silicone implants are made of a silicone shell and filled with a silicone gel that mimics the feel and density of natural breast tissue.
- Gummy Bear: Gummy Bear implants are a type of silicone implant with a highly cohesive gel filling, allowing for a more stable shape.
Implant Profile
Implant profiles include:
- Low: Low-profile implants can subtly enhance your breasts with less projection.
- Moderate: Moderate-profile implants can improve the size and shape of the breasts without major size increases.
- High: High-profile implants are ideal for those seeking significant increases in their cup size. (2)
Benefits
There are several benefits to implant replacement, including:
- Peace of mind: After replacing implants that have leaked or torn, patients can feel more at ease regarding the status of their implants.
- Restored natural look: If old implants had been causing rippling or malpositioning, placing new implants can restore a natural and smooth look.
- Adjusted breast volume: We can increase or decrease the volume of your breasts to meet your personal goals.
- Improved self-esteem: By receiving new implants and achieving aesthetic goals, patients often feel more confident about their appearance.
Candidates
Patients who have undergone a previous breast augmentation procedure with implants and have had their appearance preferences change or have experienced complications with their breast implants are often candidates for a replacement procedure. Patients should be in good general health and be willing to openly communicate with Dr. Fedele while planning their procedure.
Consultation
Your breast implant procedure begins with a personal consultation. During this appointment, Dr. Fedele will ask about your medical history, the details of your past augmentation procedure, your current medications, and your aesthetic goals. If your breasts have begun to sag due to aging, weight loss, pregnancy, or other factors, Dr. Fedele will discuss including a breast lift in your treatment.
Schedule your consultation today by submitting our online contact form. If you have any further questions or prefer to schedule over the phone, please call our Cleveland office at (216) 464-1616.
How to Prepare
Preparation for a breast implant replacement procedure will follow similar steps to your original breast augmentation preparation requirements. Patients who use nicotine products will need to quit for at least six weeks before and after their procedure. We also recommend that alcohol and any medications or supplements that thin the blood be avoided. We also ask that you arrange transportation home from your treatment and take sufficient time away from work or other responsibilities to recover. In addition to these guidelines, Dr. Fedele will provide additional instructions specific to your procedure and medical history, so please read through your instructions closely.
Treatment Process
Treatment will begin with the administration of anesthesia. Like breast augmentation, breast implant replacement procedures are usually performed with the patient under general anesthesia. Dr. Fedele will mark your skin for surgery and make an incision along the natural curves of your breasts. The incisions Dr. Fedele makes will typically follow the same incision pattern used in your breast augmentation procedure. (1)
After making incisions and gaining access to your current implants, he will remove them and then replace them with the new implants. If the breasts require lifting, Dr. Fedele will remove excess skin and tighten the breast tissue to raise the breast mounds. Once the necessary corrections are made, Dr. Fedele will close your incisions, and you will rest while being monitored by our team.
After Your Surgery
Breast implant replacement is an outpatient procedure, meaning that you can return home after your monitoring period. Recovering from your breast implant replacement procedure will be similar to that of your initial breast augmentation. You may experience some tenderness, soreness, bruising, and swelling in your breasts, though these side effects will fade as you heal. Resting is important, and you should limit your activities for several weeks, or as advised by Dr. Fedele. Dr. Fedele will let you know when you can return to your normal routines, including exercise. He will track your recovery progress at follow-up appointments.
Results
After breast implant replacement, you can enjoy the benefits of newer breast implants and feel more comfortable with your appearance. Implants last for an average of 10-15 years, so you will be able to enjoy your results for many years before your next replacement.
Corresponding Procedures
Breast Lift
A breast lift removes excess skin and raises the position of the breast mounds for a more youthful appearance. Weight fluctuations, pregnancy, aging, and other factors can result in a droopy breast appearance. When a breast lift is combined with implant replacement, patients can simultaneously rejuvenate the position of their breasts while benefiting from brand-new implants.
Breast Augmentation with Fat Transfer
A breast augmentation with fat transfer is a treatment that increases the size of your breasts with your own body fat. During the treatment, Dr. Fedele removes excess body fat from the abdomen, hips, and/or thighs and reinjects it into the breasts. This procedure has the dual benefit of reducing unwanted fat in one area and using it to shape your ideal breasts. A fat transfer can be incorporated into a breast implant replacement procedure to cushion the implants and lower the likelihood of visible rippling.
Cost of Breast Implant Replacement in Cleveland
The cost of breast implant replacement will depend on your specific treatment plan and whether you choose to undergo additional treatments to achieve your desired look. After meeting with Dr. Fedele, you will receive a comprehensive price quote. His practice also offers financing options to help make treatments more accessible.
Contact our Cleveland office online or call (216) 464-1616 to schedule your consultation and learn more about your breast implant replacement options.
FAQ
How long will the results of breast implant replacement last?
You can enjoy the results of breast implant replacement for several years. However, you will need to replace your implants again when they reach the end of their recommended use life.
Do I need to change the size and shape of my implants during breast implant replacement?
No! If you are happy with the current shape and size of your implants, we can replace them with similar implants to maintain your appearance.
Can I return to my normal activities after an implant exchange?
You will need to take some time away from work and intense physical exercise to heal.
How long does implant replacement take?
Breast implant replacement typically takes about 1-2 hours, but this duration may vary.
References
- Kühn S, Georgijewitsch MA, Wehle A, et al. Implant Replacement or Removal: What Happens after Capsular Contracture? A German Study Examining Breast Implant Revision Surgery and Patient Choices in 946 Cases. Breast Care. 2021;16(4):350-357. doi:https://doi.org/10.1159/000509598
- Wan D, Rohrich RJ. Making Sense of the Implant “Profile” in Breast Augmentation. Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery – Global Open. 2017;5(5):e1343. doi:https://doi.org/10.1097/gox.0000000000001343