Breast Implant Removal, Lift & Fat Grafts

The good news is that if you are satisfied with the results of your breast augmentation, you can reasonably expect the implants to last for many years. The FDA estimates that breast implants should last at least ten years. However, studies have demonstrated that some implants last longer while others much less. Dr. Manuel Peña tells his patients that they are NOT intended to last for the patient’s lifetime as they will require replacement due to a variety of reasons.

If breast augmentation patients decide to replace their breast implants for aesthetic reasons or due to a rupture, Dr. Peña can help.

WHAT ARE SOME OF THE COSMETIC REASONS FOR A BREAST IMPLANT EXCHANGE SURGERY?

There are many reasons women desire to replace their breast implant. Some of the most common aesthetic reasons are as follows:

• Desire to switch the type of implant you have to a different type, silicone, saline or structured implant
• Desire for a larger size implant
• Desire for a smaller size implant due to changes in lifestyle
• Dissatisfaction with the appearance due to weight changes, pregnancy, aging, Desire for smaller breasts especially if the breasts enlarged during and after menopause.
• Desire not to have an implant for any reason but desiring a nicely shaped breast after removal

During your consultation with Dr. Peña, he can address your concerns and provide you with a recommendation to achieve your breast implant exchange aesthetic goals.

WHAT ARE SOME OF THE MEDICAL REASONS FOR A BREAST IMPLANT EXCHANGE SURGERY?

Some of the common medical reasons a breast augmentation or breast reconstruction patients are as follows:

• Repair a breast implant rupture
• Fix capsular contracture (thick layer of scar tissue)
• Fix an implant complication (rippling, malposition, double crease, or bubble)
• Correct an unsatisfactory result from a previous surgery

It should be noted that silicone breast implant shells are very sturdy. Today’s silicone implants contain a cohesive and stable material which minimize leaking after a rupture as the silicone remains in the shell. Studies demonstrate that the risk of a rupture has been decreased recently. However, the FDA does recommend periodic imaging to ensure that the implant shell hasn’t ruptured.

With respect to saline breast implant ruptures, the sterile saline solution will leak causing a deflated appearance of the breast. There is no danger as the solution is naturally and safely absorbed by your body. However, most patients want to replace the implant to restore a pleasing and symmetrical appearance. Timing is important as the capsule or space that the implant lives in your body shrinks quickly and may have to be recreated surgically if the wait after deflation is more than a couple of weeks. This will make your recovery a bit more significant.

(Read the Breast Implant Associated-Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma (BIA-ALCL) Advisory Update From ASPS and ASAPS.)

WHAT IS THE SURGICAL PROCEDURE FOR A BREAST IMPLANT EXCHANGE?

Dr. Peña advises his patients that a breast implant exchange surgery is more complex than a patient’s first breast augmentation procedure. This is due to the presence of scar tissue, thinning of tissue and skin in the breast area, and changes in the blood supply to the nipple. Since every individual presents with a different set of circumstances the methods Dr. Peña recommendations will vary.

WHAT IS THE FAT GRAFTING PROCEDURE FOR BREAST LIFT AND AUGMENTATION?

For appropriate candidates, Dr. Peña may recommend a fat grafting procedure to replace the traditional breast implants. This technique uses your body’s own fat to enlarge and uplift the breast instead of implants. Patients are advised that a moderate increase of the breast can be achieved with fat grafting. Fat is harvested from areas such as your tummy, hips, or thighs or whoever there is extra fat. There is a noticeable enhancement with approximately 50%-70% of the fat remaining in the treated areas after the first 2 to 3 months.* This procedure produces minimal scarring as the incision site is very small but is often combined with a lift that does involve a pattern of scars needed to achieve the lifting. Discuss with Dr. Manuel Peña any questions you may have about breast augmentation with implants, breast reduction, and/or breast lift.

At Peña Plastic Surgery, our commitment is to your health, safety, comfort, and satisfaction. Dr. Peña offers open and honest information about what you can expect before, during, and after breast augmentation to make sure your procedure and recovery are as simple as possible.

*Individual results may vary. Consult with Dr. Peña to see if you are a candidate.