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Breast implants, unfortunately, do not last forever. To continue to look your best, the old implants will need to be removed and replaced with new ones. Breast implant revision is also an option if you are dissatisfied with the outcome of past breast augmentation. We offer several choices for patients considering breast implant exchange. Our breast specialists are here to help you navigate the process, make choices that are right for you, and help you feel confident again.
The breast implant revision surgeons at Illuminate Plastic Surgery strive to deliver the best breast implant revision Palo Alto and San Jose have to offer, and have decades of combined experience in cosmetic sub-specialties, including breast implant removal and replacement. We can help you make sense of your options and create an action plan to give you the beautiful breasts you deserve.
Breast augmentation revision is a secondary procedure that removes and replaces the original breast implants. Breast implants do not last a lifetime. They are subject to aging, and it’s possible for them to leak over time. Even when your implants are in good shape, you may develop second thoughts about the size or style chosen during your initial breast augmentation. In these cases, an expert consultation and breast implant revision in San Jose and Palo Alto may be the right decision for you.
There are many good reasons to pursue breast implant revision. For example, you may feel dissatisfied with the results of your previous breast implant surgery, or you may be rethinking your chosen implant size. You could also be experiencing implant rupture or cosmetic irregularities, such as the implant shifting out of the pocket. Lastly, there may be signs of capsular contracture or hardening around the implant that can cause pain and deformity. Regardless of your reason for wanting breast implant revision, our care team can fully assess your needs so that your new implants will better fit your preferences and address any issues or irregularities. Most Palo Alto & San Jose Breast Implant Revision patients experience significant relief after the procedure.
Anyone who has had previous breast implants may be eligible for the procedure. You may be interested in changing your implants for a new size or style or from saline to silicone. Patients with complications such as implant-related illness, migration, capsular contracture, or ruptured implants may also be considered for revision surgery. We can help you to decide the best course and set realistic expectations. We’ll also advise you of any health issues, such as smoking, that could lead to complications.
When you come to our offices to discuss a breast implant revision, we’ll help you determine which options, including breast implant removal or breast implant replacement, will best address your needs and desires. Before proceeding with the surgery, we’ll also ask you to schedule a breast imaging exam. Diagnostic imaging, such as an MRI, can show whether there is any leakage in your saline or silicone implants and confirm whether capsular contracture is present.
You can keep the same size, go smaller, or opt for a bigger implant–the choice is yours. We will, however, help you by measuring your chest wall and offering professional recommendations in line with your overall body proportions and aesthetic goals.
Breast implants come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and styles. Our surgeon will assist you during the implant selection process to ensure your expectations are met and you are satisfied with the outcome.
Before 1996, most patients received saline implants. This was often due to safety questions. Today, medical advances have made silicone just as safe as saline, and many individuals have made the switch from saline to silicone.
Silicone implants look and feel much more like natural breast tissue. They are also more durable and hold their shape in the rare event of a rupture. If a saline implant is ruptured, it is more likely to leak, creating a very obvious asymmetry. Silicone implants cost slightly more than saline implants, but the price difference is negligible, considering the long-term advantages and overall patient satisfaction.
Smooth implants have a smooth outer shell that helps them move more naturally with your body. Textured implants have a grippy texture to keep them in place. Compared to smooth breast implants, the textured surface is associated with lower rates of capsular contracture.
Teardrop implants contain a dense silicone gel with a gummy bear-like texture. The highly cohesive gel allows the implant to retain a teardrop shape that mimics the slope of real breasts. Palo Alto & San Jose Breast Implant Revision patients desiring a more natural-looking option typically prefer teardrop implants over traditional round implants, which have volume distributed equally on the top and bottom.
The profile of a breast implant refers to the base width of the implant and how far the implant projects forward when viewed from the side. High-profile implants are narrower and taller, providing a dramatic result since they offer the most forward projection. Moderate-profile implants have a more natural look but have less fullness and projection. Low-profile implants are the shortest and widest, and fullness is much more subtle.
During the breast implant revision operation, the original implants are carefully removed from the breast pocket while you are under general anesthesia. If you are exchanging your old breast implants with new ones, your surgeon will place the new implants into the breast pocket and make adjustments for the perfect fit before closing the incision.
There are four main types of breast implant incisions: inframammary, transaxillary, periareolar, and transumbilical. Each type of incision has its own benefits and drawbacks that you should discuss with Dr. Boudreault before making a decision.
After your breast implant revision, you will remain in our private recovery room until you feel well enough to go home. As with any surgery, you can expect swelling, bruising, and tenderness. Any discomfort is usually well-controlled with prescribed medications. Most women feel better within a few days of surgery, but your body may take up to six weeks to heal completely. During this time, you should avoid strenuous activity and lifting heavy objects. You should also avoid lying on your stomach or putting pressure on your chest. You should be able to return to light activities, work, and driving within one to two weeks. Dr. Boudreault will give you specific instructions on how to care for your incisions. It is important to follow these instructions carefully to minimize the risk of infection and other complications.
You will likely need to wear a surgical bra or sports bra for the first few weeks after surgery. You may also need drains to help remove excess fluid from your body. The drains can be removed between 24 to 48 hours later. You will return to the office to see Dr. Boudreault for routine follow-up visits. These appointments help to monitor your recovery and ensure your breasts heal properly. As the swelling subsides, your final results will begin to show. Nearly 75 percent of the inflammation resolves within three to four months, although it can take up to a year for all of the swelling to go down. The scars will soften and fade during the first 12 to 18 months. You should schedule a mammogram every two years to detect implant rupture. Breast implants do not expire, but they eventually must be removed and replaced. Most patients have breast implant revision within the first ten years, although some women get several decades of use from their implants.
Voted “Best of Palo Alto” As a board-certified plastic surgeon, countless patients have turned to our founder, Dr. David Boudreault, for exquisite breast augmentation results. Drawing on his vast plastic surgical expertise, he can assist in treating problems such as capsular contracture and implant malposition, no matter the complexity of your case. He will listen to your concerns and work closely with you to choose new implants that are an ideal fit.
Call or email Illuminate Plastic Surgery today to discuss your breast implant revision options.
In most cases, breast implant revision is an outpatient procedure. Patients generally leave the surgical center the same day and will require a ride home.
Costs will vary depending on your individual goals and concerns. We are happy to provide several financing options to meet your needs and will work with you with sensitivity and efficiency to make the process as simple as possible.
Insurance plans may cover breast implant revision if it is medically necessary, although restrictions apply. It’s best to contact your insurance company in advance so they can go over your coverage with you.
Most saline and silicone implants retain their look and structure for a decade or more. Most breast augmentation patients only have one to two breast implant revisions in their lifetime. Generally, if your implants are not causing problems and you are satisfied with their appearance, you do not need to replace them.
Breast imaging, such as an MRI, should be done every two years after receiving silicone breast implants to detect rupture. Silicone ruptures may not be obvious to the naked eye. However, saline breast implants tend to deflate rapidly over 24 to 72 hours, so it will be very apparent if an implant rupture occurs.
Breast implants are considered very safe today, and ruptures are still mostly rare. Unless you have a traumatic injury that requires immediate medical care, you do not need to go to the hospital to address a leaking implant. You should, however, reach out to us as soon as possible to discuss your options for breast implant revision.
Most surgeons, including Dr. Boudreault, recommend replacing both implants at the same time, even if the other implant is intact. This will allow both implants to age at the same rate and reduces the need for a future breast implant revision procedure.
At Illuminate we’re with you during every step of your journey toward greater self-confidence. Schedule a consultation with us today and let Illuminate’s expert team listen to your concerns and guide you through treatments and procedures to help you reach your individual goals. We look forward to seeing you and celebrating your renewed appearance and realized potential.
