Breast Implant Replacement and Revision Surgery

It is an operation performed after previous breast surgery to correct a complication, improve breast shape, reposition or replace implants, or remove them when that is the most appropriate option.

Common reasons include capsular contracture, rupture, implant malposition, breast asymmetry, double-bubble deformity, breast sagging, and a wish to change implant size or type.

The capsule is scar tissue that the body naturally forms around every breast implant. Under normal conditions it remains thin and flexible.

Capsular contracture is abnormal thickening and tightening of the capsule around an implant. It may make the breast firm, painful or distorted and, when significant, may require further surgery.

Yes. Revision surgery can remove a damaged implant and, depending on the circumstances and the patient’s choice, replace it with a new implant or remove it without replacement.

Yes. Revision surgery may change implant volume, shape or other characteristics, taking into account the existing tissues and the intended result.

It can. The technique depends on the cause and may require correction of the implant pocket, implant repositioning and treatment of the breast tissues.

Yes. Removal without replacement is possible, although the final breast shape depends on implant volume, skin elasticity and the available tissues. A mastopexy or fat grafting may sometimes be useful.

Yes. When there is breast sagging or excess skin, a mastopexy may be required to reshape and reposition the breast during revision surgery.

There is no automatic replacement based only on the passage of time. When no complication is present, the decision depends on clinical assessment, implant condition, the tissues and the patient’s goals.

The usual operating time is approximately 1.5 to 2.5 hours, depending on the complexity of the revision and any associated procedures.

The procedure is usually performed under general anaesthesia.

The procedure may be performed as day surgery or with one night in hospital, depending on the extent of surgery and the immediate recovery.

The existing scar can often be used. In some situations it may need to be extended, or an additional scar may be required to perform the correction safely.

Recovery depends on the operation performed. Many patients can return to work after about 5 to 7 days if their work does not involve exertion, while more intense exercise is usually resumed after 6 weeks.

Yes. Capsular contracture can recur even after surgical correction. The risk depends on individual factors, tissue quality, the previous history and the characteristics of the new operation.

It may be technically more complex because of the capsule, previous scars and altered tissues. A previous complication may also indicate a greater tendency to develop the same problem or other complications in the future.

BIA-ALCL is a rare lymphoma associated mainly with textured-surface implants and usually develops in the capsule or fluid around the implant. Persistent late swelling, a seroma, a mass or pain should be medically assessed.

Not automatically. In patients without symptoms, routine preventive removal is generally not recommended solely because of concern about BIA-ALCL. The implant history and the risks of surgery should be assessed individually.

Yes. Breast implants are not lifetime devices, and further changes may affect either the implants or the tissues. Another removal, replacement or correction may be needed during a patient’s lifetime, particularly after surgery at a young age.