Revision Surgery After 6 Years...Should I Replace One Implant or Both? (photo)

After 6 years, I want a revision of my right saline implant due asymmetry (its smaller than my left). One surgeon recommends replacing both implants, another surgeon recommends operating only on my right breast using the existing implant and adding 30ccs to even me out and give me a fuller, rounder look. My implants are currently filled 360cc on the left, and 345cc on the right. I want to be even but not go bigger. Should I have revision on one breast or replace both implants?

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asymmetry 5 years post-op

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9 Doctor Answers | Asked by Oakland1669

Doctor Answers (9)
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Replacing one versus both implants

Hi there- Clearly there is no answer that is absolutely right or wrong. Both options are open to you. On the other hand, I would answer your question by posing another (go with me here...): If you only had one replaced now and had the volume in the other adjusted as one surgeon is suggesting, then 1-2 years from now the one that was not replaced ruptures and you need ANOTHER operation (at additional expense), how will you feel about your decision? Bottom line- if you were my... more

Implant Options In Breast Revisional Surgery

The decision to operate on one breast vs. both breasts for breast implant revision is largely an economic one in your case. The least invasive method, and the one with less cost, is to simply add volume to the smaller implant only. How long these existing saline breast implants will last after this type of revision is unknown. Exchanging both implants for new saline vs silicone implants is a consideration given that you are considering revisional surgery. This will buy greater longevity... more

Breast Implant Asymmetry

Hello Oakland 1669, Enless the photographs you posted are tricking me, I think that you'll need more than 30cc to make your breast size symmetrical. Although you did not post what your implant size is, I can assume it is a 330, filled to 345 on the right and 360 on the left. Even if 30cc more in the right would create symmetry in volume, your right implant would be over filled by 15 cc, or 15 cc more than the recommended volume. Your right implant will now be firmer... more

Replacing one implant....or two

Both opinions are reasonable so you will have to make the ultimate decision. Personally, unless you are switching from saline to silicone, I would not waste the money and would replace only the implant on the right side. Every time you operate on the breast, there is a risk of infection or postoperative problems so, if the left side is doing fine, why look for trouble? On the other hand, if you are now considering silicone implants, which were not available at the time of your initial... more

Unilateral revision of breast implant

Based on your photos, the asymmetry appears quite minimal. I think you need to contemplate your ability to accept imperfections and asymmetries since it is nearly impossible to produce symmetrical breasts. A small volume increase may not show much in the overall size of the breast and might change other characteristic such as projection, width, or fullness. Often it is smarted to accept minor asymmetries than to "chase the imperfection." Robin T.W.Yuan, M.D. more

Robin T.W. Yuan, MD

4 reviews

Beverly Hills Plastic Surgeon

Revise one implant or both

It is so simple to replace a saline breast implant that is it very resonable to replace both if you plan a revision. The leak rate is about 8% at ten years and starts to increase, so a replacement now is a small investment for the six year advantage. The current implant should not be reused or filled further, new is best. Best of luck, peterejohnsonmd.com

Revision Surgery After 6 Years...Should I Replace One Implant or Both?

If the left implant is doing well, I would consider just working on the right side. If the implant can tolerate more fill (you don't say what your implant sizes are, just their fill volume), then adding more saline to the right side may be the answer. If the right implant is smaller in size and you add excessive volume to it, it will become somewhat firmer as it is overfilled, and sometimes develops some edge "scalloping", which are wrinkles you feel around the edges of a... more

Breast revision

Since the implants are 6 years old, it may be worthwhile to have both changed and fill them to the desired amount. At this point, you also may want silicone if you are eligible?

Steven Wallach, MD

12 reviews

Manhattan Plastic Surgeon

Revision Breast Surgery?

Thank you for the question pictures. Although I can see both surgeons' logic behind the recommendations I would have suggested revisionary surgery only on the right breast if you are pleased ( and there have been no complications) with the left breast. Keep in mind, that every time you enter the breast implant pocket you are exposing a breast implant to the environment and the potential risks of complications. For example, operating on the left breast in... more