In brief
An implant exchange is usually carried out for aesthetic or medical reasons. Changes in breast shape, capsular fibrosis, an implant defect, weight changes, pregnancies or changed ideas about size and projection are among the most common reasons. Depending on the findings, the implants are exchanged, removed or combined with a breast lift.
Do breast implants have to be exchanged after a certain time?
Modern breast implants have no "expiry date". As long as there are no complaints and the implants are intact, a routine exchange is not necessary. What matters are regular specialist check-ups at which the individual situation is reassessed.
Reasons for an implant exchange
Common reasons are:
- wish for a different breast size
- change in breast shape over the years
- weight changes
- pregnancy and breastfeeding
- capsular fibrosis
- implant defect or implant rupture
- changing from older to modern implants
- wish to have the implants removed
Capsular fibrosis: the most common medical cause
After every breast augmentation a natural layer of connective tissue forms around the implant. This capsule is part of the normal healing process.
In capsular fibrosis this tissue thickens or hardens. The breast becomes firmer or may change shape. Sometimes capsular fibrosis causes discomfort. If that is the case, an implant exchange together with removal or treatment of the capsule can be advisable.
Implant exchange or breast lift?
Over the years the skin, connective tissue and mammary gland change. The breast may descend even though the implant itself is intact. In these cases an implant exchange alone is often not enough.
Depending on the situation we can combine an implant exchange with a breast lift. Shape, position and proportion of the breast can then be adjusted within a single procedure.
Larger or smaller implants?
Ideas change over the course of life. Some of our patients wish for more volume, others prefer a more natural breast shape with smaller implants.
Besides the volume, projection also plays a role. It describes how far the breast protrudes forwards. Two implants can have a similar volume and still look different. When selecting the implants we also take body build, tissue quality and breast width into account.
Is implant removal without new implants also possible?
Some patients deliberately decide against new implants.
A breast lift may additionally be possible; this decision also depends on the breast volume and the tissue quality. In individual cases autologous fat can be used. With autologous fat we can model certain areas or discreetly adjust the breast size.
How does an implant exchange work?
The procedure takes place under general anaesthesia. Where possible the existing scars are used, so no additional incisions are necessary. If required, we additionally perform a breast lift.
The duration of the operation varies from person to person. We discuss the procedure with you in detail at our practice in Zurich.
Healing after an implant exchange
After the operation, swelling, a feeling of tightness and temporary tenderness are normal. A special support bra assists healing and helps to stabilise the breast shape.
It takes several weeks to months until the final result becomes visible. The breast tissue needs time to adapt to the new situation.
Your treating specialist
At the Swiss Derma Clinic in Zurich, Dr. med. (I) Nunzioluca Chianese, specialist FMH for Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery, performs the implant exchange.
His focus includes aesthetic breast surgery, breast augmentations, breast lifts, breast reductions as well as corrective and revision procedures after earlier operations.
