Complications of Breast Implant Replacement After 23 Years?

I have had breast implants for 23 years and developed capsular contracture on one side after 18 years, after starting to play volleyball. I need to replace them and I want to go smaller. I have 410cc's sub-muscular, low profile, silicone. I would like to use a higher profile for less width and go with something in the low 300cc/high 200cc. My ribcage is fairly small. What are the complications of this type of revision after this amount of time? I have a very small amount of ptosis, and my implants sit pretty high because they are so big. Will or can higher profile implants sit a bit lower to blend with my natural breasts?

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capsular contracture complication

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9 Doctor Answers | Asked by Gardenpath in Massachusetts

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Replacing worn silicone gel implants is important

Most silicone gel breast implants that have been in place 23 years will have developed a leak into the capsule surrounding the implant. The leak can present itself as a drawing or tender sensation in the breast, calcifications around the and within the capsule, and very often capsule contracture or a firming up of the implant. The contracture can set in slowly and will cause the implant to round up and sit high on the chest just as you describe. Patients who have had an augmentation over... more

With capsulectomy and smaller implants, adjustment of the pockets will be necessary

When we remove implants from that era, it is common to find that one or both implants have leaked, and this is likely related to the firmness that has developed in your breast. It would be very reasonable to remove both implants along with the surrounding dense capsules, and place new smaller implants. The size, shape, texture, profile, and even saline vs silicone would be decided based on careful assessment of your remaining breast tissue, chest wall shape and dimensions, and your... more

Revision breast surgery

You situation is fairly common. Certainly you can have surgery to remove the capsule and replace your implants. Going to a smaller implant may warrant a lift.

Steven Wallach, MD

12 reviews

Manhattan Plastic Surgeon

Correcting capsular contracture and wants to go smaller

Hi Gardenpath. In this situation I like to use the style 410 implants from Allergan. These are available through an FDA approved study by plastic surgeons who are investigators for the study. These are silicone implants that are more cohesive than the currently available silicone gels. Early results show low leak rates and less capsular contracture. They come in many widths. As for high profile silicone implants, this is an option for you, as it will help the ptosis intially. ... more

Implant exchange and capsular contracture

When you have a capsular cntracture, the scar tissues need to be released and removed and the implant replaced. You can replace both implants, staying under the muscle and go smaller if you desire and you can increase the profile and narrow the base as long as it is still appropriate for your body. At that point, the best scuplting surgeon can taylor your lax skin and lift the breasts to give the best final result possible for you.

Implant remove and replace

SEE VIDEO BELOW FOR SAMPLE OF IMPLANT REMOVAL WITH REPLACEMENT: When capsular contracture occurs, this in and of itself, can make the implants appear higher riding. The simple act of doing a capsulectomy will lower the impants. If you require further lowering of the implant pocket, this can be accomplished during the procedure as well. There are risks to crossing the street or flying in an airplane and, of course, there are risks to any surgical procedure. These risks can occur regardless... more

Otto Joseph Placik, MD

32 reviews

Chicago Plastic Surgeon

Breast Implant revision after 23 years

From the information you have given I would suspect that a low 300 cc high profile implant may fit your needs. It sound like you would be best served to have a sizing done at the time of the surgery to se what size and shape will work best to fill your desires. Sometimes you just don't know before the surgery. Under those circumstances we have a sizer available at the time of surgery along with a variety of sizes and styles of implants. the surgeon then tries to match what the desires the... more

Breast implant replacement after 23 years

Several facts to consider - After 23 years with silicone filled breast implants - - you would have lost a varying amount of breast tissue. This becomes very noticeable when the implants are removed. - the odds of one or both implants having silently leaked is quite high ( and MAY account for the capsule) - the act of partially or completely removing the scar around the implant(s) (Capsulectomy) with the implant would result in creation of a larger pocket under the breast. Such a pocket... more

What can I expect after Capsulectomy and Implant Exchenge

Hi there- Your questions are way too specific for responsible answers to be given without an examination... I believe very strongly that the implant used for any particular patient should NOT be chosen based (solely) on the patient's goals for shape and size. Rather, the best outcome will be achieved when an implant that is appropriate for the patient's body type, dimensions, chest wall diameter, and breast diameter is used. Determining this requires a careful examination. Your best bet is to fi more