Breast implant replacement

There are many different reasons for necessity of breast implant replacement. Firstly, if the implants are placed in breasts for a long time or in a case of capsular fibrosis. Other situations are when mammography is showing changes in the outer layer or rupture of implant, infection or danger of perforation. Besides, replacement is possible, if you want to change the size of the implant or the implant is dislocated (subluxation).

Prof. Davor Mijatovic, M.D., Ph.D.

Esthetic plastic surgery , Cosmetic surgery
National coach for breast reconstruction and cosmetic breast surgery, Croatian Breast Academy, Allergan Foundation
Head of Regional Education Centre for breast reconstruction (Poland, Czech Republic, Slovakia, Hungary, Romania, Bulgaria, Croatia, Bosnia, Serbia, Montenegro, Greece)

How is breast implant replacement surgery done?

An inframmamary incision is made for implant replacement. If there already is a scar from a previous surgery, the incision can be done on the existing scar. Only in exceptional situations we make a new incision in the area of areola or armpit. If a capsule has appeared around the implant, it must be removed partially or fully. In some cases it is possible to remove the capsule together with the implant, and in rare cases the implant is separated from the capsule. There is a possibility of damage to the outer layer of the implant during removal. The new implant can generally be placed into existing cavity in the breast, but in some situations it must be placed into a new cavity, which can be above or under the breast muscle. We place drainage for wound secretion in order to reduce the possibility of capsular fibrosis. The incision is sutured, the breasts are wrapped and you must wear a compression garment. Besides, in case of saggy breasts you can combine breast lift surgery. In that case, skin quantity is reduced, and the nipple is moved to a higher position.

What happens before breast implant replacement surgery?

During extensive consultation with your doctor, you will be informed about the procedure that best suits your needs and whishes. You should avoid coagulants at least one week before and after the surgery (consult your general general practitioner). You will be instructed not to eat or drink in the six hours preceding the surgery.

What happens after breast implant replacement surgery?

Bruising , swelling and soreness of the breasts regularly appear after the surgery, but disappear within a few days. In the following 5 - 10 days there is a higher risk of thrombosis. The drainage is removed after 2 - 7 days, and the sutures, depending on the type of the suture, are removed 7 - 14 days after the surgery. You may take a shower or a bath only after the sutures have been removed. Loss of sensation in the breasts and the nipples can last for a few weeks and usually returnes to normal. Swelling can be present for a few weeks after the surgery. You must avoid exercises causing breast vibration (e.g. horseback riding, running, aerobics and similar) for at least 6 weeks after the surgery, and after that period you must wear compression garment. Sports including breast muscle stress can be exercised at the earliest 3 months after the surgery. You must also avoid all external heat sources (sauna, solarium, sunbathing and similar) for at least 2 months, i.e. until the scars heal completely and the swelling disappears.

What are the results of breast implant replacement surgery?

All breast correction surgeries are done to improve the shape, size and firmness of breasts, with invisible scars. With breast implant replacement we expect better form and firmness of the breasts. Depending on the situation, breast implant replacement surgery can be somewhat more demanding, than it was during the first surgery of implant placement. Breast asymmetry can be completely corrected with a surgical intervention. The final result will be visible in 2 - 3 months.