Breast Implant Replacement
Breast augmentation with implants is one of the most common procedures in cosmetic surgery. It allows women to improve the volume, shape, and firmness of their breasts to harmonize their silhouette. It requires the renewal of implants after a certain period, although this time varies depending on the generation of breast implants used. Breast implant replacement is a procedure that helps to maintain and sustain the results of a breast augmentation.
Changing breast implants : what does it involve?
Changing a breast implant is a fairly common procedure, as prostheses are subject to wear and tear over time. An implant is therefore often not for life.
Replacing an implant is a straightforward procedure if carried out as a preventive measure, or a more complex one in the event of a complication such as implant rupture or capsulitis. In this case, it is often necessary to modify or remove the capsule surrounding the implant (capsulectomy). This increases the risk of bleeding compared to the first surgery.
In some cases, when the patient no longer wishes to have implants, we simply remove them. This procedure can also be combined with a fat transfer to partially replace the implant volume, or with a breast lift to lift the breasts.
Do I need to change my breast implants?
The main reasons for changing breast implants are: shell formation (capsular contracture), implant rupture, implant malposition and the patient’s desire for a change in volume. Preventive replacement is also possible, to reduce the risk of rupture due to implant wear.
Implants used before 2000 should generally be replaced after 10 years. This is not necessarily the case with today’s prostheses. At present, we do not recommend preventive replacement after a fixed period of time. We recommend a post-prosthesis follow-up by monthly self-examination, followed by ultrasound or mammography 3-5 years after your surgery, and then every 2 years. As the latest-generation breast implants have very little risk of rupture to date, the recommendation for a change may change over the coming years.
Depending on progress, and on the advice of your surgeon, a change may be proposed before the onset of an indurated, painful shell, or at best before implant rupture.
What is the procedure for changing breast prostheses at Leman Aesthetic Clinic?
Duration: 1-2.5 hours
Anesthesia: General
Hospitalization: Outpatient, sometimes 24h
Time off work: 5 to 10 days
Breast implant replacement takes between 1 and 2 hours. During the procedure, the surgeon removes the existing prostheses and, if necessary, the periprosthetic capsule. The new implants are then inserted. Incisions are made on the old approach or occasionally in different areas. In all cases, incisions are made to minimize scar visibility. A breast lift (mastopexy) can be combined with prosthesis replacement to achieve firmer, younger-looking breasts.
Recovery time after breast implant replacement
The post-operative period following breast prosthesis replacement is usually shorter than that following initial implant surgery. Pain, which is a little more marked in the first few days, is relieved by painkillers. Swelling and bruising diminish spontaneously. We recommend wearing a support bra day and night for 4 to 6 weeks-a month. This will improve edema resorption and stabilize the prosthesis. A 7- to 14-day leave from work is recommended. Sports activities are not recommended for 2 months.
Results after changing breast implants
The aim of changing breast implants may be to maintain the result of a previous breast augmentation, or to modify the volume and/or position of the breasts. In all cases, this cosmetic surgery procedure offers highly satisfactory results. Results are assessed after 3 months, when the new implant has taken its definitive place and edema has completely subsided.
How much does it cost to change breast implants at Leman Aesthetic Clinic?
The removal of a breast implant that has ruptured or developed a painful shell is a procedure usually covered by Swiss insurance companies.
However, the cost of fitting new implants is borne by the patient.
The cost of breast implant replacement depends on the type of implants chosen, the complexity of the operation and the associated procedures (breast lift, breast lipofilling…). A detailed estimate will be provided during your initial consultation.