Hello Can You Have One Breast Implant Replaced?

Question

Hello I had my breast done about 5 years ago and I've always dislike the feel of one of them. One breast is a little harder I think due to capsular contractor, then the other. The one breast looks like it isn't as low as the other but it's not obvious by glancing at them in a bikini top. I can see it when they are uncovered. This had really been bothering me and I'm definitely going to get the implant replaced but wanted to know if I could replace just one and not the other, which is perfect.

Kenneth Hughes, MD · Answer

If one side has capsular contracture or malposition and the other side has no issues, one side can be altered. Find the plastic surgeon with ELITE credentials who performs hundreds of breast augmentations each year. Kenneth Hughes, MD Los Angeles, CA

Gregory A. Buford, MD, FACS · Answer

To answer your question, it really depends.  If you have mild capsular contracture on one side, then removal of the capsule on that firmer side along with implant exchange may give you a result that is more symmetric.  However, keep in mind that by removing the capsule, you actually free up the breast tissue a bit and so change the dynamic of that breast so that it may not look as similar to the un-operated breast.

	 

	That being said, I would suggest starting out simply with revision to the one side and seeing how everything settled out of time.  It will take a good 6 months to see the final result and a little patience may prove very helpful here. 

	 

	I encourage you to view my YouTube video below where I go into a little more depth on your question.

	 

	I hope that was helpful!

Paul Vitenas, Jr., MD · Answer

Of course, you can have just one implant replaced if it is asymmetric or has a capsular contracture or a leak.

Norman Bakshandeh Day, MD, FACS · Answer

Yes you can have only one side replaced or exchanged. However expecting perfect symmetry after this exchange may not be a possibility

Shaun Parson, MD · Answer

Thanks very much for your question. Sorry that you are having any of these issues. The short answer is Yes. You can always focus on just one of your implants at a time. At times this is the best option. It does sound as if you are having issues with capsular contraction. This is where your body makes increased scar tissue around an implant and the implant feels harder/firmer than it did before the scar tissue was present. You can often surgically release the scar tissue and correct both the firmness and position of the implant so that you are more symmetric. At 5 years from your original surgery I would agree with you to just focus on the one implant that is bothering you. Implants don't need to be exchanged typically for at least 15 plus years so don't do anything to the other side at this time.

Joseph C. Berardi, MD · Answer

You may have a mild capsular contracture on your side of concern. And this can be addressed with implant replacement, change in the texture of the implant, use of a acellular dermis or possible change in the plane of the implant. There are risks associated with a revision. If this truly is a capsular contracture, then you have a higher risk of this condition recurring. If you look great in clothing, then there always is the option of leaving it alone. As far as the other implant, there is no need to address it. If it were an older implant, say 10 years of older, then you may consider it. Good luck

Tom J. Pousti, MD · Answer

Thank you for the question.

	 It will probably be in your best interest to leave the  "perfect” breast implant alone ( as there is no indication to revise this breast).

	 Communicate your specific concerns with your plastic surgeon who hopefully has significant experience helping patients with revisionary breast surgery. Ask to see lots of examples of their work...

	 Best wishes.

Steven Wallach, MD · Answer

I think it is OK to leave the one that is not a problem and replace the other one, but this is dependent upon the exam.

Jeffrey Zwiren, MD · Answer

It is possible that one breast could be operated on and the other left alone. It is also possible that once that breast is corrected it may not look like the other side. Re-operative and secondary breast surgery can be difficult especially when symmetry is concerned.

Jourdan Gottlieb, MD · Answer

If the problem is just with one side, that is the only side that needs to have anything done. Discuss the particulars with your surgeon.

	All the best.

Hello Can You Have One Breast Implant Replaced?

Answers (12)

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