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

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.

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

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