Issues with Implants? It Could Be Time for a Breast Implant Exchange.

A frequent question we encounter in our patients with breast implants is, “When do I need to exchange my implants?” Many women have heard that implants only last 10 years and worry that they may be due for a breast implant exchange. After breast augmentation, you may need an exchange at some point, but a calendar won’t tell you when. Here are some general guidelines for determining if you need a breast implant exchange. For personalized advice, call and schedule an appointment with one of our board-certified plastic surgeons.

How Long Do Breast Implants Last?

Older breast implants are more prone to rupturing, and the standard suggestion was to preventatively replace them every 10 years. This is no longer the case with newer implants. If your implants aren’t giving you trouble and you’re happy with the way they look, we now recommend simply keeping them. Implants only need to be exchanged if there’s a problem (like deflation or capsular contracture), or if you want to change size, etc. Some women opt to exchange their older implants for newer, more cohesive gel implants. Modern implants are much less likely to rupture than older ones, and all carry a lifetime guarantee against deflation.

I Have a Leaky Implant. Do I Need to Exchange it?

Leaks and ruptures can happen with implants, and they do require a breast implant exchange. With a saline implant, you’ll know you have a leak rather quickly. As the saline solution leaks out, the side with the leak will start to deflate and you’ll quickly notice a change in the appearance of your breasts. Leaks aren’t as noticeable with silicone implants and are often “silent ruptures”. If a silicone gel implant rupture is suspected, imaging tests will aid in detection. If you have a leaky implant, it does need to be exchanged.

I Want to Change the Size of My Breasts. Is this Possible?

Another popular reason for an implant exchange is the desire to change breast size. Some women find that they want a different breast size post-pregnancy or as they age. This is easily accomplished with a simple implant exchange.

My Breasts Feel Hard and Misshapen. What’s Happening?

Capsular contracture occurs when the scar tissue surrounding the breast implants becomes excessive. This can leave the breast feeling hard and uncomfortable and, in extreme cases, it can even lead to breast shape distortions. If you have capsular contracture, we need to perform a complete capsulectomy (to remove the scar tissue), replace your implants, and possible place Strattice to minimize the chances of recurrence. This restores a more natural look and feel to the breasts.

My Breasts Look Uneven. What’s the Solution?

Natural breast volume can change over the course of your life and, thus, some women find that their breasts become uneven. This can be corrected with an implant exchange to balance out the size difference between the two breasts.

My Breasts Have a Rippled Appearance. Do I Need a Breast Implant Exchange?

Women with thin skin and saline implants sometimes develop a wrinkled, rippled appearance to the breasts. This is easily corrected by switching to silicone implants, sometimes with Strattice, which can help thicken the layer of tissue between the skin and your implant.

If you have concerns about your breast implants, call and schedule a consultation at Restora Austin. We can help you restore your breasts to their ideal appearance.