What Are Your Options If It’s Time to Replace Your Breast Implants?

If you’re happy with the breast implants you received, then congratulations are in order. But you also have to take into account that even the best breast implants aren’t supposed to be permanent. They won’t last forever. 

It’s true that with modern advances, the best breast implants can last for a long while. Some silicone implants can last for 10 years, or even longer. But eventually, they have to be replaced once they go past their designated shelf life. 

If you don’t, then the consequences can be unpleasant. Your health may be in danger, if the implant has ruptured. The scar tissue around the implants can be come hard, and form a capsular contracture that can change the shape of your breast. You may even feel pain. 

When that happens, you need to consult with your breast implant doctor or plastic surgeon to determine whether you can still keep the implants, or if it’s time to change them. What are your options?

Exchange

With this option, you simply remove the old implants and have new ones put in. This is a great option when you have a ruptured set of implants or if you have some problems or damages with the current implants. You just get rid of the old set and the new set won’t have any problem. 

Of course, you don’t have to settle for the same size of implants as before. You may opt for something bigger if you wish. It’s also possible that you may want a smaller set instead, especially if you now think your previous breasts were too large. 

When you do exchange an old set with new ones, most people comment that their breasts after the breast implant exchange are now “perkier’. 

Revision

This is the option when you’re not totally happy with the size or look of your breasts. The breast implants are replaced with new ones, but the goal here is to improve the shape of the breasts. 

This, too, involves changing the size of the breast implants, with either smaller or bigger options. But the plastic surgeon may also reshape the pocket of the breasts. That way, the breast implants may be positioned more properly to fit your aesthetic preferences for your breasts. 

Removal

In some cases, women may simply decide that they don’t want the implants anymore. One of the benefits of this option is that they then won’t have to worry about getting new implants after 10 years. They’re done with the whole thing. 

This is one of the options you should consider when you encounter serious complications with implants for some reason. Also, you may have realized that having larger breasts may have repercussions you didn’t realize before. You may no longer want to deal with the strain that goes with having breast implants. Other women may also decide for simple removal if they no longer want the extra attention that a larger set of breasts sometimes attract. 

Breast Lift

This is an option that may be offered after removal, or even after a breast implant exchange. This procedure is also known as mastopexy. You may want to go with this option (with or without the implants) if you think your breasts are drooping, or if they’re not symmetrical. It’s also an option when your nipples are pointing downwards or the areolas are too large. 

The procedure involves lifting the underlying breast tissue to improve the firmness and contour of the breasts. The surgeon may also change the position of the nipple and areola to a more natural height. In some cases, the doctor may also reduce enlarged areolas by cutting off some skin at the perimeter. Removing excess skin also compensates for some loss of elasticity. 

However, there’s also a time limit for the results of the breast lift, like with the implants. Factors like the aging process and the accumulated results of gravity will see to it. 

The good news is that you can enjoy the pleasing results for about 10 to 15 years. Some cases even last for a longer time. 

In addition, you can take several steps to help make sure your breast lift results last for a very long time. These steps include:

  • Keeping your weight steady. Weight fluctuations can affect the state of your breasts. 
  • Deferring surgery until after having enough children. It doesn’t really make much sense to have a breast lift when you’re planning on having children soon after. The pregnancy and nursing the child will change the breasts. 
  • Wearing supportive bras. While breast lifts can give you “perky” breasts, you may want to use supportive bras to counter the effect of gravity over time. 
  • Don’t smoke. Smoking can lead to breast cancer. 

Discuss all these options with your plastic surgeon so that you can determine the best way to deal with implants that need to be removed.

Category: Top Liposuction

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