Posted on: July 3, 2023
Breast implants are a popular cosmetic surgery procedure that can help improve the size, shape, and overall look of your breasts. However, there may come a time when you feel it is necessary to replace or remove your breast implants. This could be due to a variety of reasons, such as changes in lifestyle or body shape, complications from the original surgery, or simply wanting different results than what you currently have.
At Chicago Liposuction by Lift Body Center, located in Schaumburg, IL, we understand the importance of making an informed decision when considering changing your breast implants. That’s why we provide a comprehensive overview of the process to ensure our patients are aware of all their options and know what to expect before and after their implant replacement surgery.
Breast implants are medical devices designed to enhance the size and shape of a woman’s breasts. They are typically filled with either saline (salt water) or silicone gel and come in various sizes and shapes depending on the desired outcome. Breast implants are either placed directly behind the breast tissue or beneath the chest wall muscle for added support.
There are many reasons why women may choose to replace their existing breast implants with new ones or even remove them altogether. In some cases, women may want larger or smaller implants than they originally had; in other cases, they may be experiencing complications such as capsular contracture (hardening of the scar tissue around the implant) or implant rupture which could lead to health risks if left untreated. Some women may also decide to change their implants due to changes in lifestyle or body shape over time that require different results than what was achieved with their original procedure.
Before undergoing breast implant replacement surgery, it is important to have a comprehensive evaluation by a board-certified plastic surgeon. During the consultation, your plastic surgeon will discuss your medical history and previous surgeries, as well as any medications or supplements you may be taking. It is also important to discuss your desired results and expectations for the outcome of the procedure.
During the consultation, your plastic surgeon will assess your overall health and determine if you are an appropriate candidate for breast implant replacement surgery. Your plastic surgeon will ask questions about your medical history, including any previous surgeries, medications or supplements you may be taking. They will also examine the current state of your breasts and discuss what type of results you would like to achieve from the procedure. This information will help them determine which type of breast implant replacement surgery is best suited for you and your goals.
Your plastic surgeon may perform a physical examination of your breasts to assess their size, shape, symmetry, skin texture, and existing scarring from prior procedures. Depending on the condition of your breasts, they may recommend additional imaging tests such as mammograms or ultrasounds to evaluate the condition of the tissue surrounding the implants. These tests can help your plastic surgeon make an informed decision about which type of implant replacement surgery is best for you.
It is important to discuss with your plastic surgeon what goals you would like to achieve with breast implant replacement surgery and what results you expect from the procedure. For example, some patients may want larger implants while others may want smaller ones; some patients may want to reduce sagging while others may want more natural looking results; some patients may want to correct asymmetry while others may want improved cleavage; some patients may want a more youthful appearance while others may just want a slight enhancement in size or shape. Your plastic surgeon can help you determine which type of procedure will best meet your needs and expectations for optimal results.
Comprehensive evaluation by a board-certified plastic surgeon is important before breast implant replacement surgery. Discuss medical history, desired results, physical examination, imaging tests and goals.
Breast implant replacement surgery is the process of removing an existing breast implant and replacing it with a new one. The type of procedure used will depend on the patient’s individual goals and circumstances. Common types of breast implant replacement surgeries include capsulectomy, implant exchange or removal only, breast lift with implant exchange or removal, revisionary augmentation surgery, fat grafting with implant exchange or removal, and combination procedures.
Capsulectomy is a procedure that involves removing the scar tissue capsule surrounding the breast implants without replacing them. This procedure is typically performed if there is evidence of capsular contracture (hardening) around the implants or if the patient experiences pain in their breasts due to the presence of scar tissue. It may also be performed to remove any calcification that has developed around the implants over time. During this procedure, the surgeon will make an incision in the skin near the affected area and then carefully remove all of the scar tissue capsule surrounding the implants. The implants are left in place during this procedure and no additional implants are placed.
Implant exchange or removal only is a procedure in which an existing breast implant is removed and replaced with a new one without any additional changes being made to the breasts. This type of procedure may be recommended for patients who have experienced complications such as rupture, deflation, capsular contracture, infection, or other issues related to their current implants. During this procedure, the surgeon will make an incision near where the existing implant was placed and then carefully remove it from its pocket before inserting a new one in its place.
A breast lift with implant exchange or removal is a procedure that combines two different operations: a breast lift and an implant exchange or removal. This type of procedure may be recommended for patients who have experienced sagging of their breasts due to aging, weight loss, pregnancy, breastfeeding, etc., as well as those who require an implant exchange or removal due to complications related to their current implants. During this operation, the surgeon will make incisions near where the existing implant was placed and then carefully remove it from its pocket before inserting a new one in its place. They will then perform a breast lift by making additional incisions around each nipple before lifting and reshaping each breast into its desired shape before closing up all incisions with sutures.
Revisionary augmentation surgery is a procedure that combines both an implant exchange/removal as well as other aesthetic changes to enhance overall results from previous surgeries involving breast implants. This type of surgery may be recommended for patients whose results from previous surgeries have been unsatisfactory due to under-correction (not enough volume), over-correction (too much volume), asymmetry between breasts, etc., as well as those who require an implant exchange/removal due to complications related to their current implants. During this operation, the surgeon will make incisions near where existing implants were placed and then carefully remove them from their pockets before inserting new ones in their place according to each patient’s individual goals and expectations for size and shape enhancement prior to closing up all incisions with sutures.
In addition to exchanging/removing existing implants during revisionary augmentation surgery, other aesthetic changes can also be made such as repositioning nipples higher on each breast for improved symmetry or reshaping/resizing areolas for improved appearance.
Fat grafting with implant exchange/removal is another popular option for patients seeking both volume enhancement as well as correction of any unsatisfactory results from previous surgeries involving breast implants. This type of procedure combines both fat transfer (grafting) techniques as well as an implant exchange/removal depending on each patient’s individual needs and goals for improvement prior to closing up all incisions with sutures.
During fat grafting with implant exchange/removal surgery, excess fat cells are harvested from areas such as abdomen, hips, thighs using liposuction techniques prior to being purified and re-injected into areas around each nipple where volume enhancement is desired.
This technique helps improve overall results by providing natural looking fullness while also correcting any asymmetry between breasts that may have occurred due to previous surgeries involving breast implants.
In addition to fat grafting techniques during this type of surgery, an existing breast implant can also be exchanged/removed depending on each patient’s individual needs prior to closing up all incisions with sutures.
Combination procedures are another option available for patients seeking both volume enhancement as well as correction of any unsatisfactory results from previous surgeries involving breast implants.
This type of surgical approach combines multiple procedures such as capsulectomy (scar tissue capsule removal), fat grafting techniques (harvesting excess fat cells via liposuction prior to being purified & re-injected into areas around each nipple where volume enhancement is desired), nipple repositioning (higher on each side for improved symmetry), reshaping/resizing areolas (for improved appearance), etc., depending on each patient’s individual needs prior to closing up all incisions with sutures.
Combination procedures offer many benefits including improved overall aesthetic results while also correcting any asymmetry between breasts that may have occurred due to previous surgeries involving breast implants.
| Type of Breast Implant Replacement Surgery | Description |
| Capsulectomy | Removing the scar tissue capsule surrounding the breast implants without replacing them. |
| Implant Exchange or Removal Only | Removing an existing breast implant and replacing it with a new one without any additional changes being made to the breasts. |
| Breast Lift with Implant Exchange or Removal | Combines two different operations: a breast lift and an implant exchange or removal. |
| Revisionary Augmentation Surgery | Combines both an implant exchange/removal as well as other aesthetic changes to enhance overall results from previous surgeries involving breast implants. |
| Fat Grafting with Implant Exchange or Removal | Combines both fat transfer (grafting) techniques as well as an implant exchange/removal depending on each patient’s individual needs and goals for improvement prior to closing up all incisions with sutures. |
| Combination Procedures | Combines multiple procedures such as capsulectomy, fat grafting techniques, nipple repositioning, reshaping/resizing areolas, etc., depending on each patient’s individual needs prior to closing up all incisions with sutures. |
After undergoing breast implant replacement surgery, it is important to follow the instructions provided by your surgeon for post-surgery care. This will ensure the best possible outcome and reduce the risk of any complications.
It is important to attend all follow up appointments with your surgeon after your breast implant replacement surgery. During these appointments, your surgeon will check for signs of infection or any other complications that may have arisen since the procedure was performed. Your surgeon will also provide you with detailed instructions on how to care for yourself during the recovery period and what activities you should avoid while healing.
Your surgeon may also prescribe antibiotics or other medications to help reduce inflammation and pain. It is important to take these medications as prescribed in order to speed up the healing process and reduce discomfort.
In addition to following your doctor’s instructions, there are several things you can do at home to help speed up your recovery from breast implant replacement surgery:
By following these tips and taking proper care of yourself after breast implant replacement surgery, you can ensure that you achieve optimal results from your procedure and enjoy beautiful results for years to come!
| Activity | Recommendation |
| Follow up appointments | Attend all follow up appointments |
| Take medications | Take prescribed medications as directed |
| Cold compresses | Apply cold compresses to reduce swelling |
| Avoid strenuous activity | Avoid for at least two weeks |
| Wear supportive clothing | Wear a supportive bra/sports bra |
| Healthy diet | Eat a healthy diet |
When considering breast implant replacement surgery, it is important to consult with a board-certified plastic surgeon and discuss your goals and expectations. The surgeon can then recommend the best option for you based on your individual needs.
At Chicago Liposuction by lift body center, we provide a multitude of different liposuction technologies under one roof. Our board-certified plastic surgeons are highly experienced in all types of breast implant replacement surgery, including capsulotomy, implant exchange or removal only, breast lift with implant exchange or removal, revisionary augmentation surgery, fat grafting with implant exchange or removal, and combination procedures.
We understand that undergoing any type of surgery can be intimidating. Our team of professionals is here to guide you through the entire process from pre-surgery evaluation to post-surgery care. We strive to ensure that you are comfortable and confident throughout your journey with us.
If you have any questions about breast implant replacement surgery or would like to schedule a consultation at our office in Schaumburg, IL, please contact us today!
