If One Implant is Leaking, Should They Both Be Replaced?

Hi, I've had my implants for 11 yrs and I noticed my right breast is very soft & jelly-like. Since the implants are old, should they both be replaced? Is the revision surgery after 10yrs as extensive as the 1st time? I have mentor textured round & the valves are still in (underarm incision).

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6 Doctor Answers | Asked by flower2010 in Maryland

Doctor Answers (6)
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Implant leakage

If you have a leaking implant that is more than 11 years old, I would probably recommend to have the other one exchanged at the same time.

Steven Wallach, MD

12 reviews

Manhattan Plastic Surgeon

Remove and Replace Implants

Since it has been 11 years, I would recommend removing and replacing both imlpants and not just the one that is leaking. The revision surgery is typically less painful because the space is already there where the implants are and the muscle has already stretched out in this area.

VIDEO: Breast implant remove and replace

Generally speaking the valves are typically retained for only 6 months after surgery. At this point in time, it would be my opinion that both implants be replaced. Eleven years with textured surface implants is considered reasonable and it is likely that these will be exchanged for either smooth saline or silicone implants. The recovery is generally less thant the initial procedure for a straightforward remove and replace. see video

Otto Joseph Placik, MD

32 reviews

Chicago Plastic Surgeon

Breast implant replacement

Breast implants may rupture or leak after implantation, and are usually replaced if that occurs. Since you are already undergoing surgery for the leaking implant, you may wish to have both replaced with the newer implants that are currently available.

Replacement Breast Implants After Eleven Years

Every situation is different, therefore personal consultation is your best first step. In general, if you are dissatisfied with enough about your current result, and the surgeon determines he or she can likely solve or improve upon the problems about which you are complaining, it is worth having the augmentation revised, and yes, after eleven years, new prostheses should probably be part of the revision plan.

Breast implant reoperation

Being that it has been 11 years, I would consider removal and replacement of both. However, this is no guarantee that you won't experience a recurrent rupture. Typically after 10 years, there are appearance changes that have happened with the breasts, and often times additional work or reshaping of the breast is indicated for cosmetic reasons. Reoperation can be more complicated and more expensive than initial surgery, as scar tissue, preexisting pockets, as well as overlying... more