Breast Implant Revision

Breast implants are generally safe and designed to be long-lasting, however, implants are not considered to be "lifetime devices."  On average, implants are designed to last more than a decade, with the chance of rupture increasing over time. So, the older your implants are, the greater your risk of rupture or other complications. Every patient is different, and the life of your implants will depend on your body and how you take care of your implants.

Reasons for breast implant removal or replacement

There are several complications that can lead to revision and replacement of your implants. 

• Capsular Contracture: This occurs when scar tissue hardens an implant. This scar tissue can cause tightness in the breast, discomfort, pain, tenderness and changes in breast size and shape.
• Saline Implant Rupture: When a saline implant ruptures, it will deflate and saline will leak out and be  absorbed by the surrounding tissue. As the saline leaks, the breast will decrease in size. The risk of a leak is rare in the first few years, but the risk increases over time.
• Silicone Rupture: With a silicone implant rupture, the thick silicone gel often stays within the implant or surrounding tissue. This can often go unnoticed as there may not be any visual or palpable changes in the breast and it is often difficult to tell when a silicone implant is ruptured. You may notice reduced breast size, uneven appearance, or changes in breast sensation, such as tingling, swelling, burning or numbness.
• Rippling: Occasionally, implants can develop wrinkles or ripples. You may be able to feel these ripples and, in extreme cases, the ripples may be noticeable through the skin.
• Malposition: Implants can occasionally shift in position over time. This can result in an asymmetry between the breasts.
• Personal Choice: Some women choose to change the appearance of the breasts after their initial surgery. This may involve a revision surgery with larger or smaller implants, sometimes a breast lift, or even the removal of the implants entirely.

Replacing or removing your breast implants

You have a few options for breast implant revision and removal.  Our plastic surgeons can tailor treatment plans based on your goals. Whether this involves simply removing the implants, removing the capsule around the implant, or replacement with a new implant with or without a breast lift, all these options will be discussed during your consultation. Based on your goals, anatomy, and existing breast implants we will help you choose what will work best for your desired results.