Breast Implant Revision: Q&A

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For 4th Surgery, Should I Removing an Encapsulated Saline Implant and Replace W/ 'Gummy Bear' Implant?

47 yr old, healthy with recurrent encapsulation in right breast. I am considering a 4th surgery to replace my saline, submuscular 350cc implant with a cohesive silicone, gummy bear implant. Am I wasting my time and need to just explant? which I do not want to.

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6 Doctor Answers | Asked by GF in NC in Raleigh, NC

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Explant and then later replace implants

Hello, If the encapsulation is persistent, you might consider explantation followed by an interval without implants. This frequently allows the tissues to soften allowing implant replacement later. Not everyone will go for replacement later of course. It is a choice. :) Best Regards, John Di Saia MD see video

Recurrent capsular contracture

Recurrent capsular contracture is a difficult problem. The best regimen I have found us complete capsulectomy, implant exchange and a placement of acellular dermis like Strattice. The data is currently anecdotal but very strong. There are a number of peer reviewed articles now showing the benefits of this approach

Recurrent capsular contracture and options

Dr Sherman makes very good points below about when to say enough is enough. It is difficult for you as a patient with additional expense, recovery time and then the emotional let down with a recurrent capsular contracture. I have personally had good experience for recurrent capsular contracture patients with the use of an acellular dermal matrix such as Strattice. This is a materiel derived from porcine (pig) skin that allows a new coverage for at the least a portion of the implant ... more

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Consider implant removal and fat grafting

As the surgeons before me have indicated; after multiple recurrences of capsular contracture, you should seriously consider removal of the implants. But all is not lost, I routinely perform fat grafting on women who have had implants removed after complications, with excellent results.

Time to bail out

When patient comes to me at the age of 47 has had four operations on her breasts the immediate question must come into mind, "when do we stop this." Your financial and psychological investment in the previous procedures has been substantial and the change and adjustment without implants might be difficult. But it appears that you are on the train of no return, destined to repeat these surgeries. It takes an honest surgeon to tell you this, and an experienced surgeon who realizes... more

Multiple capsular contractures

Some folks do not respond well to implants and their bodies repeatedly make capsular contractures. Saline below the muscle has the lowest rate of this and silicone is higher. So you already have had the best chance of success and it failed. Strattice or Alloderm is getting some press about reducing capsules but this is just anectodtal at this point and not something to base your decisions on. Maybe either leave them alone or take them out.

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Breast Implant Revision: Q&A