Breast Implant Replacement

Conveniently located to serve the areas of Lake Forest and Chicago, IL

Breast implant replacement, also called revision breast augmentation or implant revision, is an outpatient surgical procedure that removes existing breast implants and replaces them with new ones or removes implants entirely. This procedure addresses various needs, such as changing implant size or type, correcting complications like rupture or capsular contracture, or managing breast sagging.

Dr. Michael Howard is a board-certified plastic surgeon who has served patients in the Chicago area for more than twenty years. With an emphasis on personalized care and patient safety, Dr. Howard delivers restorative, natural-looking results in every procedure. To explore your breast implant replacement options with Dr. Howard, call his Lake Forest office at (224) 271-4250 and schedule a personal consultation.

About Breast Implant Replacement

Breast implant replacement requires fine surgical skill and an aesthetic eye. Unlike primary breast augmentation, a revision procedure can often be more complex because it involves working with altered tissue and addressing pre-existing conditions or complications. (1) The procedure may involve removing the old implants and scar capsules (a process known as capsulectomy), adjusting the implant pockets, and then placing the new implants. In the case of explant surgery, patients do not receive new implants after removal, and a breast lift is often required.

Reasons for Breast Implant Replacement

Patients undergo breast implant replacement for a variety of reasons, and Dr. Howard works closely with each individual to address their unique concerns and deliver optimal revision results.

  • Aesthetic Changes: Over time, a patient’s preferences for size or shape may change, or the breasts may naturally shift due to aging, weight fluctuations, or pregnancy. This can lead to a desire for larger, smaller, or differently shaped implants.
  • Complications: The most common complications requiring revision include capsular contracture, (2) when the scar tissue around the implant hardens and tightens, causing pain and distortion; implant rupture, where the shell of the implant tears; and implant malposition, where the implant shifts from its intended position and causes a visible imbalance.
  • Implant Lifespan: While modern implants are durable, they are not lifetime devices. Many surgeons recommend replacement after 10-15 years, even without present complications, to proactively address the potential for issues that increase with implant age.

Benefits

A breast implant replacement can provide remarkable improvements in both aesthetic appearance and physical and emotional well-being.

Key benefits include:

  • Improved Appearance: Replacing old or damaged implants can restore the visual appeal of the breasts, correcting asymmetry, distortion, or sagging. The procedure can also allow patients to update the size or shape to reflect their current aesthetic preferences.
  • Correction of Complications: Revision surgery is the definitive solution for implant rupture, malposition, and capsular contracture, relieving both physical and aesthetic issues.
  • Relief from Discomfort: Correcting conditions like capsular contracture can alleviate tightness in the chest.
  • Enhanced Confidence: Achieving one’s desired breast contour can boost a patient’s self-esteem and body image.
  • Peace of Mind: Replacing older implants provides reassurance and minimizes the risk of future complications.

Candidates

Potential candidates for breast implant replacement surgery are women in overall good health who wish to revise their current implants because of complications, implant lifespan, or aesthetic reasons. These women should be nonsmokers (or prepared to quit), maintain a stable weight, and have realistic expectations about the outcome while also understanding the potential risks and recovery process. Dr. Howard will officially determine your candidacy during your personal consultation.

Personal Consultation

This one-on-one meeting starts with a thorough review of your original augmentation: the type of implants, incision sites, placement, and a clear accounting of any complications you may have faced since. Dr. Howard then carefully examines your breasts’ current condition, assessing the skin’s quality and elasticity, measuring the degree of any sagging, and evaluating the existing implants and the surrounding capsule tissue.

You will tell Dr. Howard what you hope to achieve with this revision—whether it’s a simple size adjustment, the correction of a long-standing issue, or a decision for complete implant removal. Dr. Howard will take this information and create your personalized treatment plan. The goal is for you to leave this comprehensive meeting feeling informed, prepared, and excited to embark on your breast implant revision journey.

To schedule your personal consultation with Dr. Howard, call the office at (224) 271-4250.

Preparation

To prepare for your breast implant replacement procedure, you may need to undergo blood tests, a mammogram, or an MRI to assess the condition of your existing implants. Patients over a certain age may require medical clearance from their primary care physician. Dr. Howard will provide more specific instructions during the consultation phase.

General advice includes:

  • If applicable, stop smoking completely 4-6 weeks before the procedure
  • Suspend use of any blood-thinning medications or supplements
  • Arrange transportation and personal assistance for the procedure day and 24-48 hours after
  • Schedule time off from work and other physical commitments
  • Prepare a comfortable recovery space
  • Fill all necessary prescriptions

Procedure

Dr. Howard performs each breast implant replacement surgery as an outpatient procedure that typically takes one to three hours, depending on the complexity. You will receive general anesthesia to keep you comfortably asleep throughout treatment. To start, Dr. Howard typically makes incisions following existing surgical scars to minimize new scarring. He carefully removes the existing implants and, if capsular contracture is present, he releases the surrounding scar tissue. This is called a capsulectomy, and Dr. Howard may perform it en bloc, meaning he removes the implant with the capsule to address scar tissue. In some cases, he will send scar tissue samples to a pathology lab for analysis, giving you deeper insight into your personal health profile.

Next, he adjusts the pocket to accommodate a new size or type of implant. Dr Howard then places the new implants, carefully positioning them and ensuring symmetry. He closes your incisions with fine sutures and applies sterile dressings and a compression garment to support the area and minimize swelling.

Recovery

The recovery period for breast implant replacement is generally similar to, though sometimes slightly longer than, primary breast augmentation. You can expect some initial soreness, swelling, and bruising. Rest is essential, especially during the first week. Avoid lifting, pushing, or pulling anything heavy. You must wear the specialized support garment as directed. You may feel tight across the chest, especially if Dr. Howard changed the implant position or performed a capsulectomy.

You can return to desk work and light activity after the first week. Avoid strenuous activity until Dr. Howard gives clearance, typically around 4-6 weeks. Be sure to attend all follow-up appointments so Dr. Howard can monitor your healing progress and address any concerns.

Results

You will notice a change in the shape and feel of your breasts immediately, though initial swelling will mask the final appearance. Once swelling resolves, your breasts will appear more symmetrical and appealing, reflecting the size and profile you chose with Dr. Howard. In the case of complication correction, you will feel a sense of physical relief and restored comfort.

Corresponding Procedures

Dr. Howard may perform a breast lift (mastopexy) to support the new breast implants or to help reshape and elevate remaining tissue after a complete explant. During this procedure, he removes excess skin and tightens the breast tissue to restore a more youthful position and shape.

Cost of Breast Implant Replacement in Chicago, IL

The cost of breast implant replacement varies, but it is generally a slightly larger investment than a primary augmentation, due to the increased complexity of the procedure. You will discuss all of the considerations in detail with Dr. Howard during your initial consultation, and he will provide you with a comprehensive price list that corresponds to your treatment plan.

Start exploring your breast implant replacement options and schedule your personal consultation with Dr. Howard by calling the Chicago-area practice at (224) 271-4250.

FAQ

Is revision surgery more or less painful than the initial augmentation?

You will receive general anesthesia to eliminate discomfort during the procedure itself. Many patients report that recovery from revision surgery is generally comparable or sometimes less painful than their initial augmentation, especially if the new implant goes in the same pocket. However, if a complete capsulectomy or a major change in the implant pocket is necessary, or if you include a breast lift, the recovery may be more intense and slightly longer. Dr. Howard and his team will ensure you have an effective pain management plan.

How long will my new implants last?

The FDA suggests that the longer a woman has implants, the greater the likelihood she will need another surgery. Studies show that roughly 20% of primary augmentation patients will require a revision within 10 years. Therefore, while new implants can last for a long time, you should remain vigilant about follow-up care and prepare for the possibility of another revision procedure in the future.

Can I opt for smaller implants or have them permanently removed?

Yes to both. Breast implant replacement offers the flexibility to change to a smaller or larger size. If you opt for an explant, Dr. Howard will likely recommend a simultaneous breast lift to remove stretched-out skin and reshape the remaining breast tissue, preventing a deflated or sagging appearance.

References

  1. Denney BD, Cohn AB, Bosworth JW, Kumbla PA. Revision Breast Augmentation. Semin Plast Surg. 2021 May;35(2):98-109. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8186996/
  2. Kühn S, Georgijewitsch MA, Wehle A, Billner M, Küenzlen L, Rothenberger J, Rieger UM. Implant Replacement or Removal: What Happens after Capsular Contracture? A German Study Examining Breast Implant Revision Surgery and Patient Choices in 946 Cases. Breast Care (Basel). 2021 Aug;16(4):350-357. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8436706/