Removal or Change of Implants

The principles of these operations are simple – where a patient has previously had breast implants, the implants can be either removed or swapped for new ones. This can be done in conjunction with a release of the breast implant scar tissue/capsule surrounding the old implant (a capsulotomy), or a removal of the capsule (a capsulectomy).

Breast implants don’t last forever – eventually, they will degrade (though we’ve no strong evidence of harm as a result of this). Many companies therefore recommend changing implants around every 10 years. Furthermore, sometimes they may rupture, or the breasts change or the patient’s opinion changes, and a different sized implant is sought. There is also a group of patients who have implants which have been associated with health scares, such as the PIP implants.

As is often the case, if there is sag after breast augmentation, then simply changing the implant won’t help, a lift maybe needed too.

Implant chng1 before

Before

Implant chng1 after

After

This lady in her late 40s had previous breast augmentation. She had developed capsular contracture, most notable on the left side where it caused a degree of deformity of the breast. She had an exchange of implants and removal of the breast capsules (capsulectomy).

Implant chng2 before

Before

Implant chng2 after

After

This lady in her late 30s had previous breast augmentation with PIP implants. She was essentially happy with the appearance, but simply wanted the implants to be changed. She had an exchange of implants and release of the capsule (capsulotomy).

Implant chng3 before

Before

Implant chng3 after

After

This lady in her early 60s had previous breast augmentation. She had previously had implants over the muscle (subglandular), and also had some capsular contracture. In order to improve the appearance, she had an exchange of implants, removal of the breast capsules and the plane of the implants was changed to partially under the muscle (dual plane)


Before


After

This lady in her early late 20s had previous breast augmentation. She wanted to have her implants removed but was concerned about the emptiness and sag that would result afterwards. She therefore had a combined procedure to remove the implants and an uplift to address the sag.

  • Surgical Time

    Around 1 hour
  • Hospital Stay

    Daycase or overnight (depending on whether there is a capsulectomy)
  • Shower

    Day after
  • Woundcheck/Suture Removal

    1 week
  • Back To Work

    1-2 weeks
  • Full Recovery

    Usually by 6 weeks
  • Exercise

    After 6 weeks
  • Other Notes

    Post-operative sports bra 6 weeks

Find us

Renacres Hospital,

Renacres Ln,

Halsall,

Ormskirk

L39 8SE

Contact

Information

Website by Beachshore