OK to Have Mismatched Breast Implants?

asked 3 years ago by jcandace in dallas, tx
Latest answer by Otto Joseph Placik, MD
Question viewed 396 times

I had breast augmentation abroad and the submuscular, Mentor cohesive gel implants used are not yet available in the U.S. I now need another breast surgery (capsulectomy), but I'd rather not travel back to Costa Rica.

My question is, if I decide to have the capsulectomy done in the U.S. and the surgeon decides the implant needs to be replaced, will it be OK for me to have mismatched breast implants, as the kind I have in my left breast is not available here?

6 answers to OK to Have Mismatched Breast Implants?

Consider replacing both implants

My recommendation would be to replace both implants. While the cost will be a bit more, it will not change your recovery time, and in the long run I think you would have a much nicer, more balanced result. There are a number of excellent Board Certified Plastic Surgeons in Dallas-- I would set up a consult with a few of them and get their thoughts, but I think replacing both gives you the best chance at the results you're looking for. Good luck! Dr. Salemy

Shahram Salemy, MD
Seattle Plastic Surgeon

Mismatched implants.

If the implant needs to be removed and a new one put back in, your best bet will to replace both. see video

Otto Joseph Placik, MD
Chicago Plastic Surgeon

Keep the same breast implant

It is not possible to tell the exact condition of the implant, but it is probably still in good condition. If this is the case, then the capsulectomy can be done and the same implant put back into the pocket. When the surgery is done, a contingency plan will need to be in place in case the implant is not good. The contingency plan can be another gel implant of similar size and shape on the one side or both sides. If you replace one implant, the different implants may not feel exactly the... more

Marcus L. Peterson, MD
Saint George Plastic Surgeon

I'd change them both

It would be best to change them both otherwise you will have an asymmetry just from the implant mismatch. Best not to do this unless it is done right.

Richard P. Rand, MD, FACS
Seattle Plastic Surgeon

Might need to change both implants

If you have a tight capsule your plastic surgeon might advice you to change your implant in addition to the capsule work. While it could be ok to change only one implant, if you have any capsule tightness on the other side you should change both. Hope that helps!

Hisham Seify, MD, PhD
Los Angeles Plastic Surgeon

Exchange both gel implants

I would most likely exchange both breast implants if one is cohesive and needs to be removed, because they both will definitely feel and perhaps look differently.

Steven Wallach, MD
Manhattan Plastic Surgeon

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