Breast Implant Replacement or Implant Exchange is a secondary cosmetic surgical procedure aimed at replacing or removing existing breast implants. Initially, you may have chosen Breast Augmentation to enhance body shape, balance asymmetry, or restore volume either after pregnancy or weight loss. However, with time, the reasons for holding onto the same implants might change. This is where Breast Implant Exchange comes into play.
Your reasons and goals for the exchange are unique. Some might wish to change the size – opting for larger or smaller implants than their original choice. Others might want to switch from saline to silicone implants or vice versa, each offering different feels and looks. The need for an exchange can also arise from medical concerns such as capsular contracture, implant rupture, or displacement.
Breast Implant Exchange is a viable option for those who have previously undergone Breast Augmentation but are now looking to change or replace their implants.
The concept of breast enhancement has been around for decades, evolving with advancements in medical technology and surgical techniques. The initial decision to get breast implants often comes from a desire to enhance one’s figure or to regain volume lost due to ageing, weight fluctuations, or childbirth. However, as time passes, your needs and desires can change. What was once a perfect fit might no longer align with your current body image or lifestyle.
Breast Implant Replacement offers a solution. It’s not merely a corrective procedure for problematic implants but also a personal choice for those who wish to alter the size, shape, brand or type of their implants to better suit their current life stage or aesthetic goals.
Consultant Plastic Surgeon Anthony MacQuillan performs Breast Implant Replacement procedures for his patients who wish to change their implants to align with their current desires,
1 to 1.5 hours
General
Day case typically
4 to 6 weeks
Your breasts may feel different and higher than expected at first but after 6 months your implants will settle into position.
Benefits of the Breast Implant Exchange Procedure
Opting for a Breast Implant Replacement comes with a host of benefits, addressing both physical and psychological aspects of well-being. These benefits are varied and can have a profound impact on your quality of life:
- Aesthetic Enhancement: One of the primary benefits is the ability to modify your breast’s appearance. Whether it’s changing the size, shape, or type of implants, this procedure allows you to achieve the breast profile you desire.
- Improved Comfort: For some, the original implants may cause discomfort, especially during physical activities. Switching to a different size or type of implant can enhance your physical comfort and quality of life.
- Correction of Medical Issues: Breast Implant Exchange is crucial for addressing medical concerns like implant rupture, leakage, capsular contracture, or displacement. By replacing old or problematic implants, individuals can alleviate pain, prevent potential health risks, and restore the natural appearance of their breasts.
- Psychological and Emotional Well-being: This procedure can have a positive impact on an individual’s self-perception and emotional health. By aligning their physical appearance with their current self-image, individuals often experience renewed confidence.
- Access to Advanced Implant Options: With continuous advancements in implant technology, individuals can benefit from the latest developments, including more natural-feeling materials and improved safety features.
- Combined Procedures for Enhanced Results: Often, a Breast Implant Exchange can be combined with other procedures like a Breast Lift, to address sagging and achieve a more youthful and lifted breast profile.
Who Needs Breast Implant Exchange?
Breast Implant Exchange is an important option for a diverse group of individuals. The ideal candidates for this surgery are those who have already experienced Breast Augmentation but now find their current implants no longer suit their needs or desires. This need for change can arise from various factors, be it personal, aesthetic, or medical:
- Personal and Aesthetic Reasons: Over time, personal preferences and aesthetic ideals can evolve. What once seemed like the perfect choice in terms of size, shape, or type of implant might no longer resonate with your current taste or body image. Women who initially opted for a significant enhancement might seek a more natural look as they age, or vice versa. Changes in lifestyle, such as increased physical activity, might also prompt a desire for more comfortable or differently sized implants.
- Physical and Medical Concerns: In some cases, the need for an implant exchange is driven by physical discomfort or medical concerns. Complications such as capsular contracture (where scar tissue forms around the implant, causing discomfort and altering the breast’s appearance), implant rupture, or leakage (particularly in the case of older implants) are common reasons. Additionally, changes in the breast tissue due to ageing, weight fluctuations, or hormonal changes like menopause can affect how the implants sit and look, necessitating an exchange.
- Preventive Measures: You can opt for an implant exchange as a preventive measure, particularly if you have had them for a long duration. With advancements in implant technology, newer options might offer better safety, comfort, or aesthetic appeal.
To be a suitable candidate for Breast Implant Exchange, it’s essential to be in overall good health, have realistic expectations about the outcomes, and understand the risks involved. It’s also important that candidates are not currently pregnant or breastfeeding, as these conditions can affect the surgery and its results.
How Is the Breast Implant Replacement Performed?
The Breast Implant Exchange procedure is a sophisticated surgical process that requires precision and expertise. Here’s a detailed look at how the procedure is carried out:
- Consultation and Planning: Before the surgery, a thorough consultation is essential. During this phase, Anthony assesses the current implants, discusses your goals, and plans the type, size, and shape of the new implants. This stage may also involve discussing the possibility of combining the exchange with other procedures, such as a Breast Lift.
- Anaesthesia: On the day of the surgery, you are placed under general anaesthesia to ensure comfort and safety throughout the procedure.
- Incision: Anthony often uses the same incision sites as the original breast augmentation to minimise additional scarring. Common incision sites include under the breast fold, around the areola, or under the arm.
- Removal of Old Implants: The first step in the actual surgery is the careful removal of the existing implants. Anthony assesses the breast pocket and makes necessary adjustments, such as removing scar tissue or reshaping the pocket to accommodate the new implants.
- Insertion of New Implants: The selected new implants are then carefully inserted into the breast pockets. Anthony ensures they are correctly positioned for optimal appearance and symmetry.
- Closure of Incisions: Once the new implants are in place, the incisions are meticulously closed, often using sutures that dissolve over time.
- Immediate Postoperative Care: After the surgery, you are taken to a recovery area where you are closely monitored as you wake from anaesthesia.
The entire procedure can take between one to three hours, depending on the complexity and whether additional procedures are performed simultaneously.
Recovery after Breast Implant Replacement Surgery
Recovery is a crucial phase following the Breast Implant Exchange procedure. It is a period that requires careful management to ensure a smooth healing process and optimal results.
Here’s what recovery involves:
- Initial Recovery Phase: Immediately following the surgery, it’s normal to experience some soreness, swelling, and bruising. Anthony may prescribe pain medication to manage discomfort. You can generally go home the same day, although some may need to stay overnight.
- Activity Restrictions: For the first few weeks, it’s essential to avoid strenuous activities, heavy lifting, or any actions that could strain the chest area. This helps in preventing complications and ensures proper healing of the breast tissues.
- Supportive Garments: Wearing a supportive surgical bra or a sports bra is often recommended. These garments provide support to the new implants, help reduce swelling, and maintain the shape of the breasts during the healing process.
- Follow-up Visits: Regular follow-up appointments with Anthony are important to monitor the healing process and address any concerns. These visits are also an opportunity to get guidance on when it’s safe to resume normal activities and exercise.
- Long-term Care and Observation: Even after the initial recovery phase, it’s important to continue monitoring the breasts for any changes or signs of complications. Regular self-exams and possibly follow-up mammograms (as recommended by Anthony) are important for ongoing health.
How Much Is Breast Implant Replacement Surgery in the UK?
The cost of Breast Implant Replacement surgery in the UK can vary depending on several factors, including the type of implants chosen, the complexity of the procedure, the surgeon’s experience, the facility where the surgery is performed, and any additional services or procedures required. On average, Breast Implant Replacement surgery in the UK may range from £6,000 to £25,000.
To obtain an accurate price quote for Breast Implant Replacement surgery tailored to your needs, it’s recommended to schedule a consultation with a qualified plastic surgeon. During the consultation, the surgeon will assess your medical history, discuss your goals and expectations, and provide you with a personalized treatment plan, including a detailed cost breakdown.
FAQs
Find out more about your surgical journey
How long do breast implants last, and when should I consider an exchange?
Breast implants are not lifetime devices and typically last between 10 to 15 years, although this can vary. It’s recommended to consider an exchange if you experience changes in breast appearance, discomfort, or any signs of implant failure, like deflation or rupture.
Regular check-ups with Anthony can help determine the right time for an exchange.
Will I experience a change in breast sensation after the exchange procedure?
You may experience temporary changes in nipple or breast sensation following a Breast Implant Exchange. This is usually due to the surgical process affecting the nerves.
In most cases, sensation returns to normal over time, but there is a small risk that changes in sensation could be long-term or permanent.
Is it possible to combine a Breast Implant Exchange with other breast surgeries?
Yes, it’s common to combine a Breast Implant Exchange with other procedures like a Breast Lift (Mastopexy) to address sagging.
This combination can achieve a more comprehensive improvement in breast appearance.
Anthony will assess your situation and advise if a combined procedure is suitable for you.
How should I prepare for a Breast Implant Replacement?
Preparation for a Breast Implant Exchange includes having a detailed consultation with Anthony, undergoing any necessary medical evaluations, and following pre-surgery instructions, such as avoiding certain medications or fasting before the procedure.
It’s also important to arrange for someone to drive you home post-surgery and help you during the initial days of your recovery.
What are the risks of Breast Implant Exchange procedure?
While Breast Implant Exchange can offer benefits, it’s important to understand the associated risks. Being aware of these risks helps you make informed decisions and prepare adequately for the procedure. Some of the risks involved are:
- Surgical Risks: As with any surgery, there are general risks such as bleeding, infection, and adverse reactions to anaesthesia. These risks, though relatively rare, require careful monitoring during and after the procedure.
- Scarring: Incisions are necessary for implant exchange, leading to scars. While these scars are well-concealed and tend to fade over time, their severity can vary based on your healing processes and surgical technique.
- Capsular Contracture: This is a risk where scar tissue forms tightly around the new implant, causing discomfort and altering the breast’s appearance. It may require additional surgery to correct.
- Implant-Related Complications: New implants, like any foreign body, carry risks such as rupture, leakage (especially in the case of saline implants), or displacement. These complications might necessitate another surgery.
- Changes in Breast Sensation: You may experience changes in nipple or breast sensation post-surgery. While this is often temporary, it can be permanent in some cases.
- Asymmetry: There’s a possibility that the breasts may not look completely symmetrical post-surgery, although Anthony strives to achieve the best possible symmetry.
- Additional Surgeries: In some cases, additional surgeries may be required to address complications or to achieve the desired outcome.
It’s vital for anyone considering a Breast Implant Exchange to discuss these risks in detail with Anthony. Understanding the potential complications and how they are managed is a part of preparing for surgery.
Medical References about Breast Implant Replacement
- What is breast implant revision surgery? – American Society of Plastic Surgeons
- Is it time for a breast implant exchange? – American Society of Plastic Surgeons
- Want to go bigger or smaller? Maybe you need a breast implant exchange – American Society of Plastic Surgeons
- The Case for Breast Implant Removal or Replacement Without Capsulectomy – PubMed
- What you need to know about breast augmentation – Medical News Today
Reviews
Patient satisfaction is the top priority for Anthony. You can find how patients feel about his work below.
27 Year Old Implants Removed and Replaced and Both Breasts Reconstructed!
The original implants had hardened and ruptured and were causing a lot of pain and discomfort, I could no longer cuddle my grandchildren without pain! Even pursuing normal everyday activities such as driving would be uncomfortable and sometimes unbearable! Added to that the left breast tissue had been damaged beyond saving and was continuing to bleed out causing swelling and bruising and incredible pain!
Much Needed Breast Replacement – Sorted by a Fabulous Surgeon. Bristol, GB
Having researched and visited some cosmetic surgery providers in my area, I made an appointment with Anthony MacQuillan from The Spire’s team of experienced plastic surgeons. From my first consultation, I realised that he was a perfectly sound choice.
He carefully read the report from Southmead Hospital’s MRI scan of my breasts, which demonstrated a left and possibly right breast intracapsular rupture. My lymph nodes also contained silicone from the gel implant leak. With a kind, unrushed and approachable manner, he addressed all my concerns (no matter how daft). He asked me about the look I wanted to achieve and addressed the different options I was considering. I’m 54 and was hoping for a more natural look so was asking about different more natural shapes, maybe a smaller size etc. He offered great advice and gave me all me the pros and cons about these options. He gave me clear information about the procedure, about the implants he uses, and was completely transparent about the risks involved. He even addressed the fact that my breasts were asymmetrical (a problem I was told could not be addressed by another company) and he felt something could be done about that too.
I left the appointment feeling like a weight had been lifted from my shoulders. Mr MacQuillan had taken my problem on board like a true professional and made it HIS problem! I felt supported, encouraged, answered and confident. Any mysticisms surrounding the procedure had been expelled.
We met twice prior to the operation, the second so that I would have had time to absorb the information from the first, address any further questions I had etc. I was offered further pre-op appointments if needed however, and was totally unhurried – how refreshing!
I was worried about the operation as I had only been under once before (for the first implants). I knew Mr MacQuillan only had sketchy information from my MRI scan results about what he would be dealing with. Again, he gave me courage and completely reassured me.
Everything went well. I cannot rate Mr MacQuillan and his abilities highly enough – he is amazing. It was a longer procedure than predicted as my gel implants were in rather a bad state and Anthony took a great deal of care in removing them, cleaning out the pockets of any silicone, and replacing them with new Natrelle 410 implants under the muscle as before. It was considerably less painful than the first augmentation as Anthony had indicated – and my recovery has been without complications.
I am delighted with the results – my breasts are softer, look more natural and – yes – now pretty much aligned! Since my op, I’ve had 2 follow ups so far. I also feel completely confident that I can contact him easily through his efficient secretary Margaret at any point should any issues arise because of their unique aftercare programme.
Why Choose Anthony?
Anthony’s expertise in breast surgery is complemented by an all-inclusive approach to patient care. We understand the importance of listening to your concerns, desires, and expectations, ensuring a journey that is as comfortable and reassuring as possible. From the initial consultation through recovery, our team is dedicated to supporting you every step of the way.
State-of-the-Art Techniques and Facilities: We use the latest surgical techniques and technologies to ensure optimal outcomes and minimal downtime.
Personalised Care: Each procedure is tailored to meet the individual needs and goals of our patients, ensuring results that are both beautiful and natural-looking.
Comprehensive Support: Our team provides comprehensive care, from pre-operative education to post-operative support, ensuring your experience is positive and fulfilling.
Getting Started
Your journey toward confidence and well-being begins with a consultation. During this meeting, Anthony will discuss your aesthetic goals, evaluate your health, and recommend the best treatment options for you. Together, we will craft a personalised plan that aligns with your vision and lifestyle.
To learn more about our procedures or to schedule your consultation, please contact us today.
Further Reading about Breast Surgery with Consultant Plastic Surgeon Anthony MacQuillan
Learn about other procedures Anthony preforms, including;
