Can implant exchange increase capsular contracture risk?

I have had implants for 7.5 years with no problems that I am aware of! However, they are def larger than is proportional with my frame as my rib cage is very small and they make me a 32DD when I was a small B before. I would ideally like them to be a C- cup and to maybe sit a tiny bit lower and am therefore considering having smaller implants put in.

Would you advise keeping the implants in the same position or moving placement? They are currently placed above the muscle as I am a personal trainer and aerobics instructor and didn't want any of the muscle jumping etc... associated with under the muscle placement.

However I am mainly concerned with keeping the likelihood of capsular contraction down to a minimum- is using the original pocket for a new smaller implant going to increase the chances of this occuring do you think? Thanks in advance!

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10 answers to “Can implant exchange increase...”

A: Capsular Contracture and Implants

Farbod Esmailian, MD

At this point you would simply remove and replace your implants with mainly silicone as your implants are in front of the muscle.  I would leave things be as far as not going under the muscle right now as you are doing fine and you have not had a capsule formation in 7 years of having subglandular... more

A: Smaller breast implants should be OK

John P. Di Saia, MD

Hello, The only thing I would consider to reduce your risk of capsular contracture is to place the implants under the Pectoral muscles which you have said you don't want. You may develop contracture later, but if you haven't in the last 7 years or so, it shouldn't be any time soon.

A: Stay where you are

Richard P. Rand, MD

If your implants have no evidence of capsular contracture now, changing to smaller ones in the same pocket should not increase this risk.  I personally prefer submuscular implants even in body builders and personal trainers, but I wouldn't recommend you change to submuscular if you are having no problems... more

A: Stay with your current implant placement

Sutton Graham II, MD

Amelie82: I agree with your concern that subglandular implants could develop capsular contracture.  In addition, new operation / re-operation may possible lead to contracture (but so could sub-muscular repositioning).  I do not think the chances of contracture would be higher to use the same pocket... more

A: Replacing your implant with a smaller one in the same pocket should be fine if using a gel implant.

Sanjay Grover, MD

Replacing your implant with a smaller one in the same pocket should be fine if using a gel implant.  If you are thin with little breast tissue, you will want to avoid a saline implant in the subglandular position to avoid rippling.  With regards to capsular contracture, you should be fine keeping... more

A: A smaller implant is fine in the same pocket

Shain A. Cuber, MD

Since you have no problems with your implants currently, if you want to go smaller, then I would keep the implants in the same pocket. The body does a good job of ridding itself of extra space, and since your capsule is currently in good shape, it usually will continue to be after explant/reimplant surgery.... more

A: Keep the implants in the same pocket.

David Shafer, MD

Amelie82, Unless you have some problem with the shape or level of the implants, you should have the new implants placed in the same pocket. If you change pockets, it will require more dissection and a longer surgery and may not end up looking as good as they do now. Good luck with your surgery.

A: No

Scott E. Kasden, MD

You should be fine with just changing to a smaller implant, within reason. Of course, there is no guarantee that you won't get a contracture as a result of the surgery. On the other hand, if you change to submuscular position, this may cause the need for a breast lift due to the stretching of the tissue above... more

A: You can use the same pocket for breast implant replacement

George J. Beraka, MD

To Amelie82, Hi! You should definitely get smaller implants. Huge implants don't age well. You can use the same pocket, and it may have to be made a little smaller with internal sutures (capsulorrhaphy) to accomodate the smaller implants. If the very large implants have stretched out your breasts, you may want... more

A: No increase in capsular contracture risk with smaller implant placement

Brooke R. Seckel, MD

Amelie82, Placing a smaller breast implant into a large pocket should not per se increase your risk of capsular contracture. The smaller implant in a larger pocket will drop the implant a bit, which is what you want. If you want to reduce the chance of capsular contracture to the minimum possible then I would... more

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