5 Years Post-op Silicone Implants. Small Leak. Can It Be Removed and Replaced Immediately?

asked 1 year ago by Durban golden dawn in Durban, 02
Latest answer by Richard Linderman, MD
Question viewed 741 times
Tags: silicone implant, leak, removal, replacement

my silicon breast implants are 5 years old. one has a small leak can the implant be changed and replaced at the same time? or do you have to explant and come back a few months later to implant the new ones?

9 answers to 5 Years Post-op Silicone Implants. Small Leak. Can It Be Removed and Replaced Immediately?

Breast Implant Leakage at Five Years

How was your leakage diagnosed? Did you have an MRI. If you have a ruptured implant, it can certainly be removed and replaced in one procedure. Most likely your implant manufacturer will cover some of the costs under their replacement warranty

Richard Linderman, MD
Indianapolis Plastic Surgeon

Ruptured silicone implants can be simultaneously removed and replaced

Ruptured silicone implants can be simultaneously removed and replaced at the same operative date. Capsulectomy is not necessary unless extensive rupture and silicone extravasation has occurred.

Otto Joseph Placik, MD
Chicago Plastic Surgeon

Replacing a leaking implant

You certainly can have a leaking implant removed and then exchanged with a new one at the same time. This is fairly common.

Steven Wallach, MD
Manhattan Plastic Surgeon

Replacement of a leaking silicone implant in one procedure

Unfortunately, silicone implants do not last forever,and will eventually have to be replaced. The leaking implant can be removed and replaced in a single procedure. I would recommend consulting with board certified plastic surgeon. Best regards, Andrew Lyos, MD, FACS

Andrew Lyos, MD
Houston Plastic Surgeon

Implant Exchange Only

Unfortunately these devices do not last forever. If you have a small leak then the implant can be replaced. No other operations needed. Dr ES

Earl Stephenson Jr., MD, DDS
Atlanta Plastic Surgeon

Silicone implant leak

When there is a leak, I would recommend that the implant be replaced. I almost always remove the broken implant and replace it as an outpatient. It is much less painful than the original surgery.

Edward J. Domanskis, MD
Orange County Plastic Surgeon

Removal/Replacement Silicone Implant Can Be Done in 1 Operation

There is no reason to delay the replacement of your leaking silicone implant to a later operation. In fact, there are reasons not to do so. The pocket which has already been created will likely contract if there is a significant delay between removal and replacement.

John Whitt, MD
Louisville Plastic Surgeon

A Leaking Breast Implant can be replaced in one operation

Regarding: "5 Years Post-op Silicone Implants. Small Leak. Can It Be Removed and Replaced Immediately? my silicon breast implants are 5 years old. one has a small leak can the implant be changed and replaced at the same time? or do you have to explant and come back a few months later to implant the new ones?" If you do not have other issues, the implant and the silicone are removed, the pocket is copiously irrigated with antibiotic solution removing all particulate... more

Peter A. Aldea, MD
Memphis Plastic Surgeon

The implant can be replaced at the time of explantation.

The leaking implant can be replaced in one surgery. Your incision is opened and all silicone material and implant capsule is removed. The new implant is replaced in the same position. There is no need for two operations.