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How is Breast Implant Replacement Surgery Done?

asked 3 years ago by Vero in san diego, ca
Latest answer by Tom J. Pousti, MD
Question viewed 3,681 times
Tags: replacement, technique

I have textured silicone implants in a subglandular placement and want to replace them with smooth silicone implants under the muscle. Will the new implants be placed in at the time of removal of the textured ones? Or will it have to be done in two separate procedures so I can heal from the first surgery first. I hate to have to walk around with deflated boobs for months.

20 answers to How is Breast Implant Replacement Surgery Done?

Replacing and Repositioning Implants Can Be Done in One Procedure

In my practice, older textured subglandular implants can be replaced with smooth implants under the muscle in one procedure.

Paul C. Zwiebel, MD
Denver Plastic Surgeon

Implant exchange under the muscle - silicone breast implants

There are a number of very valuable reasons to exchange your implant position to one that is under the muscle. I perform these implant exchanges in one operation ,unless significant nipple repositioning is planned.

Raffy Karamanoukian, MD
Los Angeles Plastic Surgeon

Replacement of Breast Implants to Submuscular Position?

Thank you for the question. Generally, it is possible to replace implants under the pectoralis muscle (dual plane). I usually do this procedure (removal of sub glandular implants and replacement in the submuscular position) in a single stage. However, the major issue of concern is the overlying breast tissue and skin and whether further surgery will be necessary to achieve the aesthetic results desired. For example, some patients who have implants replaced... more

Tom J. Pousti, MD
San Diego Plastic Surgeon

Removal and replacement of breast implants

In almost every case, the removal of subglandular and replacement with submuscular implants is done as one procedure. Consult with an experienced, board certified plastic surgeon. Upon examination, your surgeon will be able to discuss the risks and benefits of performing these procedures as one. Best wishes!

Christine Sullivan, MD
Columbus Plastic Surgeon

Exchanging implants

When you have implant removl and exchange they are usually done in the same operative setting.Placing under the muscle is easy and the other pocket can be closed.

Steven Wallach, MD
Manhattan Plastic Surgeon

How is Breast Implant Exchange Done ?

For the majority of cases, breast implant exchange is done in one procedure where the old ones are removed and the new ones placed in the same or different position depending upon the reason for the exchange. For example, if there is no significant capsule and the patient wants a larger size, then the same pocket above the muscle (subglandular) or below the muscle (submuscular) can be used. On the other hand if, for example there is a capsule problem then the same pocket might be... more

Fredrick A. Valauri, MD
New York Plastic Surgeon

www.drvalauri.com

Silicone implants may make your breasts more attractive

Our patients are often happy with the implants replaced at the time of removal. Experience matters. I individualize breast enhancement procedures based on over 10,000 plastic surgery assessments. Most of our patients have done exceptionally well doing both at the same time. Silicone implants often result in a softer, more attractive outcome.

George John Alexander, MD
Las Vegas Plastic Surgeon

Breast implant revision surgery

I typically recommend removal and replacement with smooth silicone implants in the submuscular position for patients that present with subglandular implants. If you need a lift, it can be done at the time of surgery, or in a delayed fashion. I recommend up-sizing the implant about 75 cc when switching to the submuscular plane- this position tends to 'blunt' the volume of an implant.

Scott Sattler, MD
Bellevue Plastic Surgeon

Implant replacement in one operation

Most of the time, the exchange of breast implants is done in one operation. This is true for changing implant location (from sub-glandular to sub-muscular), implant texture or implant composition (saline to silicone). There are some situations in which your surgeon may suggest removing the old implants and waiting to place new implants, but these are usually related to specific patient characteristics or infectious issues. Start with a consultation with a... more

Jason Brett Lichten, MD
Columbus Plastic Surgeon

Removal and replacement of implants usually accomplished with one operation.

Your problem is fairly simple. The implants are easily removed and replaced at the same time. I'm not sure why you want to put the new implants in a different location, but if there is good reason, it is easily done.

Vincent N. Zubowicz, MD
Atlanta Plastic Surgeon

You can remove and replace implants at the same time

There is no need to wait months between having your implants removed and having new ones placed. I often do this very surgery at the same time. The old pocket is removed and/or closed down, the new pocket is created, the new implant placed, a drain is left in the old pocket space to prevent fluid collections after surgery, and a lift is done (if needed). All in one surgery.

Carmen Kavali, MD
Atlanta Plastic Surgeon

How do you replace breast implants? What is the procedure?

When you replace breast implants, what you do varies. You can change the fill of the implant (gel to saline) change the plane of the implant (above or below muscle) change size change width and projection (profile of implant) change shape (round or anatomic) change shell surface (textured or smooth) do pocket work to move where the implant sits (particularly useful if bottomed out or it has migrated down and out) do breast... more

Lauren Greenberg, MD
Palo Alto Plastic Surgeon

Removal and Replacement

Vero- You can have your implants exchanged at the same time. This is a very common procedure. It is important to consider the cost difference in this exchange. In many cases the removal and replacement of implants is more expensive than the original breast augmentation. Subglandular or sub pectoral placement should not affect the price. Talk with your surgeon about your best options before deciding on surgery.

Joseph G. Bauer, MD
Alpharetta Plastic Surgeon

Techniques for breast implant replacement

Typically, when it is time to replace an implant the surgeon usually uses the incision that was made at the time of breast implant insertion. This minimizes the number of incisions on your body and can help the surgeon access the implant easily. If it is not possible to use this, the surgeon may elect to create another incision in an area that will not be conspicuous such as the bottom of the areola or the crease at the bottom of the breast.

B. Pat Pazmino, MD
Miami Plastic Surgeon

Breast Implant Exchange Surgery

Unless there are other factors in play, an implant under the breast gland CAN be changed for an implant under the muscle at the same time. The silicone filled breast implant under the breast gland would be removed by the surgeon developing and trying to stay in the space between the scar around the implant, the capsule and the overlying breast gland all the way around. Then, the space under the capsule would be developed all the way across hoping to be able to remove the implants (which are... more

Peter A. Aldea, MD
Memphis Plastic Surgeon

Sometimes can remove and replace implants in one operation

In most cases implants can be removed and replaced in one operation. There might be a higher chance since you are changing the pocket location that the new implants could slip back into the old pocket if both things are done in one operation however. Ask your surgeon what he or she thinks is best. Best Regards.

John P. Di Saia, MD
Orange Plastic Surgeon

Removal, Replacement & Repositioning: One Operation

Removal of your textured implants and replacement with smooth silicone implants in a new pocket should usually be done in one operation. However, if you have very little native breast tissue and require an extensive total removal of the breast capsule (capsulectomy), then it may be necessary to wait in between the removal and the replacement.

Kevin Brenner, MD
Los Angeles Plastic Surgeon

No reason to wait for breast implant replacement

There is no reason to stage these procedures. In almost all cases this operation can be done at one time. Many plastic surgeons specialize in revisionary or re-do breast surgery, I suggest that you find one in your area.

Jeremy Waldman, MD
Manchester Plastic Surgeon

Redo surgery

There is no reason to wait. The textured implants are removed and a new subpectoral plane (under the muscle) is made and the area between the muscle and the previous pocket where your implants were are closed and the implant is placed under the muscle. Good luck.

Farbod Esmailian, MD
Orange County Plastic Surgeon

Breast implant replacement can be done in one procedure

The standard procedure would be to remove your current implants and place the new implants under the muscle in one operation. There is no reason to do this in two operations.