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Changing / removing breast implants

Implantatwechsel

Implant change

Duration of the OP
2 - 3 hours
Aftercare
Inpatient operation with 1 overnight stay, rest for 2-4 weeks, suture removal not necessary
Sociability
approx. 7-10 days
Sport
approx. 4- 6 weeks
Pain
medium

Women who have had breast augmentation with silicone implants often wonder when it is necessary to replace them. Most modern manufacturers of breast implants now state that the implants do not need to be replaced after a certain period of time. This is basically correct, but even modern implants should not remain in the body for longer than 40 years. Even if the wearing time is not limited, it may be necessary to replace an implant over time.
Capsular fibrosis is the most common reason for implant replacement. Capsular fibrosis is a restructuring of the connective tissue fibres in the layer around the implant. Each implant forms a capsule consisting of a specific collagen. If this capsule becomes hard and presses on the implant or even deforms it, this is known as capsular fibrosis or capsular contracture.

The desire for a different breast shape or size, sagging of the implant, slippage or natural changes due to pregnancy or weight fluctuations can also make replacement necessary. New implants may have a different shape, size or position.

Women make the decision to have their breasts enlarged with implants at a certain stage in their lives. There are also cases in which the decision is changed later or a stage of life follows in which women prefer more naturalness or a smaller breast. Some women therefore want their natural breasts back and have the implants removed. This is possible at any time. Under certain circumstances, the removal can be combined with an autologous fat transfer or a breast lift to improve the shape.

Breast Implant Illness
Breast implant illness is an increasingly relevant concern for women with breast implants. Symptoms such as fatigue, headaches and muscle pain may indicate a possible link between breast implants and health problems. Our experts specialise in providing comprehensive information and personalised solutions for women affected by Breast Implant Illness. With a focus on safety, transparency and health, we offer a variety of resources and treatment options to ensure the well-being of our patients. Learn more about the symptoms, diagnosis and treatment of Breast Implant Illness and schedule a consultation today to put your health first.

 

For further information, please see the bottom of the page. This is where the advantages and disadvantages of the procedures are presented and the risks and side effects are explained. However, this cannot replace a personal consultation (also via video), in which these aspects are explained and adapted individually. We therefore look forward to a personal consultation with you!

Who is it for?

There are usually two different reasons for changing breast implants: In many cases, it is a medically necessary breast implant change, such as capsular fibrosis or capsular contracture, slipped or twisted breast implants, or even if the implants have been in the body for many years and a change is needed or desired. The second group are women who are considering an implant change because they want a different shape or size of breast. It may be that the implants were chosen at the age of 23 or 24 in a size that is no longer considered optimal after the birth of two children at the age of 35 or 40. The implants can then be enlarged or reduced in size, and the breast can be tightened and reshaped at the same time. Just like taste, body perception changes over the decades, so it is important to know that the size and shape of a breast can still be changed and adjusted in the course of life.

Details

The strategy for a breast implant change depends on many individual factors, including the current breast shape, the breast implant originally used and its position, the patient's wishes and, of course, the condition of the connective tissue. Customised. Taking all these factors into account, we work with you to plan the breast surgery, which involves either removing or replacing the implant. In addition, we can also work with autologous fat. If desired, it is even possible to completely replace artificial implants with autologous fat. If necessary, a breast lift can be performed at the same time as the implant replacement. If you would like to hear our suggestion for an optimal procedure, please send us appropriate photos, let us advise you or arrange a short video consultation.

After Treatment

After changing the breast implants, the downtime is not as intense as with an initial breast augmentation. The tissue is already accustomed to the implant, so the pain and healing phase are not intense. However, a downtime of around one week should be taken into account. Appointments can be attended after a few days, light sport is possible after two weeks.

Results & risks

An implant exchange removes a palpable or painful connective tissue capsule or a defective implant, achieves a desired change in shape, enlargement or reduction of the breast and possibly simultaneously tightens sagging tissue. The risks are comparable to the original breast augmentation and include, for example, post-operative bleeding, haematoma formation, asymmetry, slippage or wrinkling as well as implant defects, capsular fibrosis with subsequent palpability and changes to the shape of the breast.

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