Breast Implant Exchange

The most common problem with breast implants is hardening (called encapsulation or capsular contracture). This varies from 7 to 20 percent, depending on the type and placement of the implant. When encapsulation occurs or there is distortion of the breast because of previous surgery, then additional surgery is needed to correct the firmness or distortion.

Once the capsules have been removed for encapsulation, there is a 50 percent or greater likelihood that re-encapsulation can form in the same breast. If the original implants were placed under the gland of the breast, we often place the new implants under the submuscular pocket. This technique sometimes has a better chance of keeping the breast soft over time. Another strategy to maintain a soft breast it to exchange saline implants for silicone or vice-versa. All the old scar tissue must be meticulously removed. These procedures are performed under general anesthesia.

Sometimes removing the implants altogether is preferable. Normally this is a simple operation in which the fluid and silicone bag are removed from the pocket through the old incisions. Most women who have their breast implants removed return to their appearance prior to the augmentation; the skin shrinks back over the smaller breast. With extreme encapsulation or very thin, saggy breast tissue, lifting of the breast is required.

Before and After Photo Gallery