What's Involved in Replacing Old Implants with Bigger, New Ones?

Question

What are the procedures involving the removal of old implants with capsule contracture and getting bigger implants? Can it be done in one session? I'm a size C and would like to go to D. Under the muscle. Thank you.

Vivek Bansal, MD · Answer

This is possible, but you first need to see your Board Certified Plastic Surgeon, be evaluated, then consider the risks of the change, and whether the risks can be justified.  Bigger means, more risks, and risk of infection, asymmetry, and more.

Steven H. Williams, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question.

	Replacing existing breast implants with larger sizes is occasionally requested in our San Francisco Bay Area practice and the surgery is similar to the original procedure. Replacement implant size can be increased, decreased, or remain the same depending on the goals of the individual. Saline implants may be exchanged for either silicone or saline implants and silicone implants may be exchanged for either saline or silicone implants. Implants placed above the muscle may be replaced above or below the muscle (generally below). If present, capsular contracture (hardening of the tissue around the implant) can be corrected during the same procedure. Additionally the recovery period for breast implant exchange is generally faster and easier on patients than the original surgery.

	For additional information on breast implant exchange please visit the office of a board-certified plastic surgeon.

	I hope this helps.

Daniel Yamini, MD, FACS · Answer

Dear YG
Exchanging implants usually is very straightforward.  What can be extremely challenging is dealing with a high grade capsular contracture.  Managing this problem depends on the cause, the degree, and the number of times you have had a contracture.  There are several old and new ways to manage this and each has it's pros and cons.  Make sure you discuss a capsulotomy vs a capsulectomy, smooth vs textured implants, size of the pocket, and the possible use of an artificial dermal matrix to decide what treatment is best.  Best of luck.

Tom J. Pousti, MD · Answer

Generally speaking, the procedure is relatively simple. It involves incising capsule tissue to allow for placement of a larger implant. If encapsulation is present, some scar tissue excision may be necessary.

	On this site, I do my best to give advice without a physical examination but I want you to know that a physical examination by a board certified physician is always the best way to get the most accurate information.

Steven Svehlak, MD · Answer

Hi YG,

	A capsulectomy (removal of capsular tissue) and capsulotomy (release of capsular tissue) is done under general anesthesia.  Old implants are removed and new implants can be replaced during the same surgery. 

	Going to a larger implant is likely ok, as long as you have adequate tissue for coverage of a larger implant.  Usually, your old incision site can be used for the procedure, as long as it wasn't an axillary or transumbilical approach.  

	Dr. Svehlak

What's Involved in Replacing Old Implants with Bigger, New Ones?

Answers (8)

Answer: Replacement of your implants with larger implants

Answer: Replacement of your implants with larger implants

Answer: Breast Revision procedure for capsulotomy plus bigger implants

Answer: Breast Revision procedure for capsulotomy plus bigger implants

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Everything you need to know about Breast Implant Revision

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What's Involved in Replacing Old Implants with Bigger, New Ones?

Answers (8)

Answer: Replacement of your implants with larger implants

Answer: Replacement of your implants with larger implants

Answer: Breast Revision procedure for capsulotomy plus bigger implants

Answer: Breast Revision procedure for capsulotomy plus bigger implants

Browse related questions

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Breast Implant Revision

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.