Compared to the first versions of breast implants, today’s modern-day implants are silicone-based or saline-based. Now even though they are long-lasting, that doesn’t mean that they will last forever. A general rule in cosmetic surgery is that each implant should last up to 10 years before you need to do breast implant exchange. Now this is not a particularly strict rule and some patients have their original implants for much longer than that.
The skin and soft tissue in your breast are just line any other part of your body and at some point you’re doing to have to do breast implant exchange but that time can be different for every individual patient.
Now, breast implant exchange doesn’t always happen because you had your implants for a certain time. Sometimes the replacement has to happen because you develop some complication or there is surrounding capsule around the implant which requires revision surgery. But generally speaking, in the majority of cases, breast implant exchange is necessary only because of esthetical reasons.
Why should you have breast implant exchange?
Breast implant exchange is a surgical procedure with a lot of moving parts and there can be many reasons why someone might need it. Some patients want to replace silicone implants with saline ones or vice versa. And other patients might want to go through with the procedure because:
- Breast implant rupture
- Implant malrotation or
- Capsular contracture
If you have saline-based implant and it rupture, it will become evident since your breast will deflate. With silicone-based implants that’s less visible. Because of this, it’s important that you have annual follow-up exams with your cosmetic surgeon so he could make sure that your implant is still in the right position and that it’s intact.
Capsular contracture happens when the protective tissue that has formed around the implant (this formation occurs around every foreign device in our body) hardens. When this happens, it can be both painful and can lead to deformities in the shape of your breast.
During implant malposition or malrotation, the implant moves out of its original placement. This can happen due to weakness if the surrounding breast tissue. There are different types of malrotations or malposition e.g., below the inframammary fold, drifting towards the armpit etc. Malposition or malrotation is most common for women who got a larger implant than their anatomy can handle and support. There’s just not enough natural room and the implant can’t stay in the right position.
Breast implant exchange due to different aesthetics
The most common cause for breast implant exchange is change in your breast aesthetics. Someone who got their implants in their 20s and is now in her late 30s or early 40s, they might not want to have the same look when they originally got the implants. Taste and fashion changes as we age.
Furthermore, there are other factors that can change the way we look such as:
- Age
- Menopause
- Pregnancy and
- Breastfeeding
Another thing that can change the way how we look is weight fluctuation. Most women, when they gain weight, they gain it in their breast area and they might no longer require breast implants as big so they want to go for a breast implant exchange for something a bit smaller.
Consultation is important
Just like when you started your breast implant surgery and you had to visit your chosen cosmetic surgeon for a consultation, it’s highly advised that you repeat the process when it comes to breast implant exchange.
We highly recommend that you schedule an in-person consultation. The replacement surgery might sound simple and pretty straightforward, but it’s not. During the breast implant exchange consultation, the surgeon will assess:
- The status of your natural breast tissue
- How the nipple position has change (if it has changed)
- What is your current skin tone and elasticity
- The status of your natural breast tissue
Based on the information obtained through this consultation and examination, your cosmetic surgeon will recommend the best course of action and also present you with a virtual presence on how your new look would look like.
If you’ve gone under breast implant surgery and for some reason you would like to do a breast implant exchange procedure, make sure to contact Dr. Kotoske and schedule your consultation.
