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Not Possible to Replace Breast Implants After Rupture?

asked 2 years ago by 5280anon in Phoenix
Latest answer by Arian Mowlavi, MD
Question viewed 1,072 times
Tags: silicone implant, Mentor, rupture

I have 19 yr. old Mentor Replicon Silicone implants that are now ruptured & all the doctors tell me explantation is my only choice but they all 3 have different opinions on if I can get new ones put back in or not. One surgeon says no way & wants to take the old ones out through my nipple & leave me with no new breasts. Another says he can take them out under the breast & put new ones in with no lift. what is the truth, what will I look & feel like?

15 answers to Not Possible to Replace Breast Implants After Rupture?

Silicone gel implant replacement after rutpture

I replace ruptured silicone gel implants several times a month and have always been able to put new implants in immediately. There can be significant scarring with capsule formation, calcification and soft tissue granuloma but this does not affect the placement and healing of new implants. Drains may be required for a few days and there may be more swelling with a little bit longer healing time but patients seem to tolerate it fine. I would remove ruptured gel implants through an incision... more

Daniel R. Knight, MD
Shreveport Plastic Surgeon

Replacing implants

Ruptured implants may be removed and excess silicone cleaned out without any trouble. There should be no reason why new ones can't be placed back in.

Arian Mowlavi, MD
Laguna Beach Plastic Surgeon

Implant replacement

If your implants are ruptured, you obviously need them removed as for replacing them with or without a lift has to be decided based upon your exam and discussion in person.

Steven Wallach, MD
Manhattan Plastic Surgeon

Breast implants and rupture

These are normally not very easy procedures. I have removed many ruptured devices. You have to be care about placment of new devices and lifts. Lifts at the same as any kind of capsule work can lead to problems withthe healing and viability of the nipple areolar complex.

Robert Whitfield, MD
Milwaukee Plastic Surgeon

Ruptured silicone implants

There should be abolutely no reason why, after removing the free silicone as well as possibly doing an open capsulotomy, that you could not have silicone implants replaced. Whether you would need some sort of an uplift would depend on how your breasts look and if you have ptosis.

Edward J. Domanskis, MD
Orange County Plastic Surgeon

Breast Revision Surgery

Difficult to answer your question without an exam and some more information. Sometimes it is prudent to remove the implants and come back later with replacement and/or lift. Other times it is safe to remove the implants and go behind the muscle if the implants are in front and replace with new implants. Good luck.

Farbod Esmailian, MD
Orange County Plastic Surgeon

Implants can usually be replaced after rupture

Although the exact implants you received 19 years ago are not available, in my opinion the new silicone implants are an improvement on the old models. I am not sure why one of the surgeons refused to replace your implants. Even if there is silicone within the tissues outside the capsule, it is usually possible to replace the implants after removing the capsule, the old implants, and as much free silicone as possible. Without seeing a photo, I cannot give an opinion on whether or not the... more

Bruce Genter, MD
Abington Plastic Surgeon

Replacing Ruptured Breast Implants

In most cases breast implants can be replaced. Depending on the type of implants and location of the implant, the capsule may need to be removed along with the implant. A breast lift maybe needed to restore the natural position of the nipple and shape of the breasts. However, depending on the amount of breast tissue you have, your physician may recommend performing a breast lift during a second operation.

Ankit Desai, MD
Jacksonville Plastic Surgeon

Remove and Replace

I would certainly have your old silicone implants removed and I would recommend replacement with silicone gels. The approach will differ from surgeon to surgeon. It really depends on the desired size and shape you want to try to achieve. Good luck. Dr. ES

Earl Stephenson Jr., MD, DDS
Atlanta Plastic Surgeon

Replacing Ruptured Breast Implants

Eventually, all man-made devices (such as cars,planes,roof shingles etc) fail due to cracks. With breast implants, their contents leak from the implant into the surrounding scar capsule. Saline becomes rapidly absorbed while silicone stays there and is associated with a mild deflation and vague if any symptoms at all. Deflated implants will not harm you but to improve the appearance of the breasts, they are removed along with their capsule and are replaced with other implants best chosen... more

Peter A. Aldea, MD
Memphis Plastic Surgeon

Differing recommendations among plastic surgeons.

Your question is nearly impossible to answer without knowing more facts such as the size of the implant, extent of rupture, degree of ptosis, placement under or over, etc. Different surgeons have different approaches that come from differing experiences.

Otto Joseph Placik, MD
Chicago Plastic Surgeon

Ruptured breast implants can be replaced.

Hi. 1) Almost always, breast implants can be replaced. Hard to tell you much more without knowing your anatomy. 2) Revision breast augmentation generally includes removing implants and surrounding capsule, inserting new ( probably silicone) implants, and doing a breast lift with a scar around your nipples if there is sagging.

George J. Beraka, MD
Manhattan Plastic Surgeon

What are your revision options

There is no way to be able to give you advice on what to do unless we have the benefit of examining you, going over your previous breast surgeries, and knowing more about your health. Posting a photograph is sometimes helpful but cannot replace an in-person exam. I would recommend you chose the board-certified plastic surgeon who you felt the most comfortable with and come up with a plan that you both agree on. I wish you well. Dr Edwards

Michael C. Edwards, MD
Las Vegas Plastic Surgeon

www.medwardsmd.com

Ruptured breast implants

You should have ruptured implants removed, and replacement should generally be an option. I'm not clear as to why one surgeon refused to place new implants; you may want to ask the physician directly for his or her reasoning on this. It's hard to assess whether or you you'll need a lift in addition to implants, without the benefit of an examination and photos. Good luck, /nsn.

Nina S. Naidu, MD
New York Plastic Surgeon

Implant Replacement after Rupture

I routinely replace implants following the explantation of ruptured implants unless the patient decides herself that she does not want replacement. There should be an attempt to place the implants in a new location, especially if there is a concurrent capsular contracture present.