What is the expected recvoery time when replacing 13 year old breast implants?

Question

I had smooth round moderate profile 400cc Mentor implants placed halfway under the muscle 13yrs ago. Great result with no complications. I understand it is recommended to swap out after 10yrs. What would be the recovery for simply swapping out to an implant approx. 75cc smaller and placed within the same pocket? Willl recovery be less painful/time than first surgery?

Alejandro Nogueira, MD · Answer

Unfortunately you should not get (or accept proposal of getting) a simple swapping of implants, after 13 years the implants have been eroded biologically and particles of silicone, bacteriae and calcificications are present in the periprosthetic capsule, hence a total capsulectomy is the standard procedure that's mandatory in these cases to guarantee patient's health, radiological effectivity of future testing and survival of good looking new implants.

So the renewal of aging breast implants is always more time comsuming, difficult and costly than primary augmentation cases; recovery as the first time: 4 weeks at home with total immobility of arms (to your best), in order to provide lowest rates of complications.

So the renewal of aging breast implants is always more time comsuming, difficult and costly than primary augmentation cases; recovery as the first time: 4 weeks at home with total immobility of arms (to your best), in order to provide lowest rates of complications.

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear Ming521,

recovery time after implant replacement should be very short and with good preoperative and postoperative management it can pass smoothly. If you are considering surgery, I would suggest you consult a board-certified plastic surgeon. Only after a thorough examination, you will get more information and recommendations.

Daniel Barrett, MD
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Ted Eisenberg, DO, FACOS, FAACS · Answer

You do not have to swap out after 10 years. That is a myth.  But if you are interested in going smaller recovery is much easier because the pocket is already made. All you’ll feel is the incision. Consequently, you’ll likely need less medication for discomfort after surgery.
Shorter procedure time
This second surgery takes less time than your initial breast augmentation surgery, which means less anesthesia and a lower possibility of post-operative nausea and vomiting.
implantsShorter recovery time
You should still take it easy for a week, but you could probably get back to work on the third day because there is much less chance of bleeding. So if your surgery is on a Friday, you could return to work on Monday. Dr. Ted Eisenberg, Board Certified Plastic Surgeon and Author. RealSelf Distinguished Hall of Fame Inductee. Philadelphia, Pa., USA

Georgina Nichols, MD · Answer

Hi there! Thank you so much for your question and for sharing this here.
The idea that implants must be replaced every 10 years is actually a myth. Breast implants are not lifetime devices, but they don’t need to be changed at a fixed time interval if they’re intact and not causing any issues. The current FDA recommendation is to monitor implants with MRI or high-resolution ultrasound 5–6 years after placement, and every 2–3 years thereafter.
If your implants are healthy and you’re happy with the result, there’s no need to replace them just because of time. However, if you’re considering going smaller for aesthetic reasons, your surgeon will assess whether any pocket adjustment or skin envelope tightening is needed to maintain shape and prevent implant movement.
When simply exchanging to a slightly smaller implant within the same pocket, recovery is generally shorter and less uncomfortable than the original surgery, as there’s less tissue dissection involved. However, if significant pocket modification or plane change is required, recovery can be closer to your initial experience.
Every patient is unique &mdash; anatomy, history, physical exam, tissue quality, goals, skin elasticity, and surgical risk profile all change what is indicated/recommended. Because of this, this should not be taken as personal medical advice. The next step is always an in-person evaluation with a board-certified plastic surgeon that can examine you and discuss individualized plan options.
Hope this helps!
&mdash; Georgina Nichols, MD, FACS

What is the expected recvoery time when replacing 13 year old breast implants?

Answers (4)

More Breast Implant Revision Questions

Exchange 1000cc saline with 800cc silicone, over the muscle. Will this give more natural movement and feel? (Photos)

Less lateral mass, more properly placed nipples, less bottom heaviness - Is it possible? (photo)

11 months post augmentation, right side has not dropped . What will be best plan for revision? (Photos)

Currently a 30 DD. 4'11" and 92 pounds. - What is the largest implant size I can get without back pain?

Breast implant revision - went from 390cc to 495cc and there is not much change. Should I have gone bigger? (Photos)

Pocket enlarging breast implants revision - how can I make the right side match the left? (Photos)

WE SEND PRETTY
EMAILS