Breast Implant
Exchange

Yes, patients can choose to have an implant removal. Patients may choose this option for several reasons, such as implant complications or aesthetic preferences. A patient may choose to have a subsequent implant replacement or fat grafting to the breasts.

Today’s technology allows silicone breast implants to be considered the gold standard of implants for many reasons, including their longevity and durability. Many surgeons and patients have found that silicone implants can last decades. Depending on the time of breast augmentation, a patient may not need another surgery in their lifetime.

While implants do not directly cause breasts to sag over time, a breast will continue to age throughout life as it would even without an implant.

We recommend selecting a board-certified plastic surgeon to perform your breast implant removal procedure. Additionally, it is helpful to have access to any previous medical records from your previous breast surgeries, as well as information on your current implants. This will help your surgeon develop the best surgical plan for you and your aesthetic goals.

Breast implant removal and/or revision surgery can vary in price depending on the patient. These surgeries can involve an array of techniques, including breast lift (mastopexy) or implant exchange.

The best way to evaluate the integrity of a silicone implant is through an MRI. This is the only way to confirm a leak or rupture in a silicone implant. The FDA recommends patients receive their first MRI at 5-6 years after surgery, and every 2-3 years thereafter.

Implants are not like tires that require routine rotation over the course of a lifetime. We recommend following routine MRI screening to monitor the integrity of your implants. If there is a suspected leak or rupture, we recommend an implant exchange or removal soon after.

“Bottoming out” refers to a term given to implant displacement where the implant drops below the inframammary fold, or the crease underneath the breast. This can occur for various reasons, including excessive release of the fold during surgery or a patient’s overall collagen, skin, and tissue quality.

Some people may mistakenly compare implants to car tires, believing that they need to be “rotated” or changed periodically. Reasons that may warrant a breast implant exchange include a leak/rupture, severe capsular contracture, or change in aesthetic desires. While the Allergan implant warranty covers any leaks for 10 years, implants are designed to be long-lasting with today’s advancements. It is common for many patients to enjoy their implants for 15-20 years or more with proper maintenance. However, patients may decide to replace their implants for many reasons, as stated above. Because implants are not “anti-gravity” devices, a patient’s breasts may change due to weight fluctuations, pregnancy, or hormonal changes.

The procedure itself can vary in length of time depending on the degree of revision work that is necessary.

At CARE Plastic Surgery, we are considered out-of-network with all insurance companies. Oftentimes, patients may have implants under a warranty in which the implant manufacturer pays towards replacement implants and/or the cost of surgery. Every warranty is different and has various contingencies.