Breast Implant Revision: Q&A

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60 Years Old, Wanting to Replace 23 Year Old Breast Implants, Options? (photo)

23 years ago had McGhan implants. Size B & saggy. Had 320cc implanted. Contracture grade 3 & 4. Weighed 120 now weigh 145. Breasts went from C to DD. Would like to be full C or small D. Surgeons will not remove them without a lift. Wanted them exchanged because I am not concerned about saggy breasts. Would consider removing them but I am concerned about psychological problems. One surgeon suggested having them lifted and removed , leaving me with a B cup. I don't like that idea.

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7 Doctor Answers | Asked by VAW in Florida

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60 Years Old, Wanting to Replace 23 Year Old Breast Implants, Options?

It does appear that your implants are above the muscle (the outline of the implants in the upper and medial regions of the breast are very visible), you have severe capsular contractures, and severe ptosis (sagging). If you want to have implants, as removing them will leave you smaller than you want to be, and yet you want to be smaller than at present, you certainly can have smaller implants placed. There is no question that you are in need of a significant breast lift if you... more

60 Years Old, Wanting to Replace 23 Year Old Breast Implants

Thanks for your question and the attached photo. As you note, he had marked capsular contractures and marked ptosis, or sagging. If indeed you are not concerned about the ptosis, then addressing only the implant seems completely reasonable. he would be best served by replacing these with somewhat smaller implants and moving them below the muscle. After that surgery he may no longer agree with your preoperative assessment about the sagging in which case he could do a... more

Breast implant exchange

I do not think it is a good idea to just exchange the implants. You need a lift with the implant exchange. They certainly can be made smaller.

Steven Wallach, MD

13 reviews

Manhattan Plastic Surgeon

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Revision of Old Contracted Implants

Your 23 year old implants should be removed. They appear hardened by a capsule and at this point in time are likely to be ruptured. After that you may choose to have a lift or not, and choose whether or not to have a new implant. The lift will improve your shape. You likely have more breast tissue now than you did 23 years ago so you could see how you feel without implant replacement.. If you choose to have a lift and implants the size will depend more on... more

Options for replacement of implants

I am in agreement with your surgeon that, without a lift, the result will not be aesthetically pleasing and will look worse than if you removed the implants and went down to a B cup. The capsular contracture is severe and you will be at risk for capsules from any reoperation, although the risk is lower if the implants are under the muscle. As breast augmentation patients age and reach Medicare age, it is time to re-evaluate how to deal with implants, particularly if complications such as... more

Choose the option which is compatible with your aesthetic ideals and health

VAW: Thanks for the photo & question. I assume that your silicone gel implants were placed on top of the pectoralis muscles because this plane was associated with a higher rate of capsular contracture, which you have experienced. Do consult with a PS and discuss implant exchange (subglandular to subpectoral) for several reasons: a) improved superior pole coverage; b) more natural appearance; c) greater resistance to capsular contracture. However if you agree to the... more

Lavinia Chong, MD

22 reviews

Orange County Plastic Surgeon

www.chongmd.com

23 year old Implants

Thank you for the question and pictures. You will find that you have many options to consider. 1.Removal of implants/capsulectomy. 2.Removal of implants/ capsulectomy and breast lifting. 3.Removal of implants/capsulectomy/ breast lifting and breast reaugmentation. What you choose to do will depend on your goals. The more surgery you have done the greater the risks associated with the surgery and the greater potential that you will have complications... more

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Breast Implant Revision: Q&A

60 Years Old, Wanting to Replace 23 Year Old Breast Implants, Options? (photo)

60 Years Old, Wanting to Replace 23 Year Old Breast Implants, Options?