Breast Implant Removal of 20 Year Old Polyurethane Implants

Question

In 1988, I had breast augmentation using the Polyurethane implants. I have had no problems at all with them for the last 20 years. I am however now seriously thinking of having them removed.

	They were placed under the muscle and I am wondering how safe is it to remove them? And is it any more difficult a post op phase than the initial surgery? I would appreciate hearing from any of you who have removed these types of implants and your post op results, or responses from patients. Thanks.

Kevin Brenner, MD, FACS · Answer

Your old polyurethane breast implants should be removed. Any twenty year old implants have a high liklihood of having rupture, and therefore should be removed and possibly replaced. Since the polyurethane coating has been reported to be incorporated into the surrounding breast capsule, removal of the implants should be performed in conjunction with a total peri-prosthetic capsulectomy, if possible. This is a bit more complicated than a straightforeward exchange of implants.

Jed H. Horowitz, MD, FACS · Answer

Good day! Generally after explantation, the shape and size of the breast will be unpredictable. Result varies between patients and it will largely depend upon their age, duration and size of the implant, or previous state of their breasts like existing anatomy, deformity, previous surgeries, underlying personal and family medical conditions, nicotine use, pregnancy and other factors. There are options available such as a lift or a fat transfer for a more natural approach, if you are worried about the explantation result and doesn't want new implants. Do not hesitate to contact your surgeon about options designed for your needs and discuss realistic goals and expectations. Best of luck! #RealSelf100

Otto Joseph Placik, MD · Answer

In my opinion, I would first obtain imaging to confirm implant integrity of lack of it. In the former, the implant can be extracted alone if the capsule is thin. However, in the case of intra/extracapsular rupture, I would perform a capulectomy as well.

Farbod Esmailian, MD · Answer

They are no more different removing than regular silicone implants. I would bet though that these are ruptured and removing them along with the capsule as whole would be the procedure of choice to prevent any spillage.

	One way of determining if they are ruptured would be to have an MRI, between even then they can give a false reading.

	Good luck.

Steven Wallach, MD · Answer

Ther should be no problem to remove polyurethane implants.  If the implant is ruptured it would be best to remove it with the capsule intact.

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Answers (9)

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Answer: Removing poluurethane implants

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Everything you need to know about Breast Implant Removal

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