I have 23 year old leaking silicone implants, do I need to wait after removal before having new implants

Question

I have had silicone implants for 23 years that are now leaking, my Doctor says that I have to wait 3 to 6 months to heal after having the silicone cleaned out before I can have new implants. Is this necessary I can't imagine having two surgeries ?P

Raffy Karamanoukian, MD, FACS · Answer

Removal of breast implants, intact or ruptured, may have positive implications if patients are symptomatic. A constellation of symptoms associated with breast implant illness, and autoimmune disease are considered when treating patients who have breast implants and are concerned about foreign body reaction. In our office, we begin this journey with a consideration of symptoms and exclusion of obvious autoimmune problems. In many of our patients, en bloc removal of breast implants with capsulectomy is important and beneficial. Further clinical evidence about breast implant illness is evolving and will continue to guide treatment. I would suggest removal if there is a possibility of foreign body reaction.

Best, 
Dr. Karamanoukian
Realself100 Surgeon

Tom J. Pousti, MD · Answer

You should be able to undergo breast re-augmentation after removal of the older silicone gel breast implants. This is routinely performed. You may wish to clarify with your plastic surgeon and/or seek second opinion consultation with board-certified plastic surgeons who can demonstrate significant experience achieving the types of results you are looking for. You may also find the attached link helpful to you. Best wishes.

Joseph Mele, MD · Answer

Leaking silicone implants should be removed sooner than later. I have included a link and a video below to help answer your questions. While newer breast implants have a gel that behaves more like a solid, the older implants have a thinner gel that is more likely to migrate. The good news is that the implant can almost always be replaced at the same operation. It is rare that you would have to wait. Most delayed replacements are due to infection rather than a leak. Find a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon in your area who has a wealth of experience with Breast Augmentation, and treating ruptured silicone gel implants.

Mel T. Ortega, MD · Answer

If there is no infection the replacement of the implant could be done in the same procedure. Have a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon evaluated you.

Samir Shureih, MD · Answer

In cases of leaking silicone implant, no infection. The implant can be removed with the capsule, enblock, and replace with new implant immediately. If there is infection, then one must wait about 6 months before using another implant.Samir Shureih MD. FACSsshureih@msn.com

I have 23 year old leaking silicone implants, do I need to wait after removal before having new implants

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Answer: I have 23 year old leaking silicone implants, do I need to wait after removal before having new implants

Answer: I have 23 year old leaking silicone implants, do I need to wait after removal before having new implants

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Everything you need to know about Breast Implant Removal

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I have 23 year old leaking silicone implants, do I need to wait after removal before having new implants

Answers (5)

Answer: I have 23 year old leaking silicone implants, do I need to wait after removal before having new implants

Answer: I have 23 year old leaking silicone implants, do I need to wait after removal before having new implants

Answer: Leaking silicone implant

Answer: Leaking silicone implant

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Recommended reading

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.