Do I Have to Replace Them? | All About Breast Implant Replacement in Southlake

There are a few reasons why you and your doctor might decide it’s time to switch out your implant originals for version 2.0. As your implants age, there is a slight risk that they rupture or migrate, which would mean breast implant replacement. It’s also possible you might wish to swap them out for a smaller or larger size. 

There are a lot of things to think about when undergoing any type of breast augmentation. Whether you’re getting exceptional care should not be one of them. At Southlake Plastic Surgery, our excellent, board-certified plastic surgeons take pride in guiding you through your surgery from beginning to end. 

Read more to discover if it’s time to get a breast implant replacement in Southlake.

So how long do they last?

The most recent research indicates that implants can last well over a decade, sometimes even two. Implants don’t have a lifetime warranty, but they are meant to be enjoyed for a long time (Most implant manufacturers warranty their implants for 10 years).

The chance of rupture does go up with each year you have them, so it is not uncommon for women to replace their implants with the latest versions after 10 to 15 years. 

Reasons for breast implant replacement

Whether medical or cosmetic, there are a variety of reasons why you might have a breast implant replacement in Southlake. These are some common ones:

• Desire to change the size of the implant

Many women, after years of enjoying their implants, decide to change the size of their implant. This can be due to lifestyle changes, or it could be to create more proportional breast size as the body naturally changes with age. 

• Concern about rupture

During the lifetime of the implant, the silicone that encases the implant may tear or rip. This can happen to either silicone or saline implants, but with the saline implant there are no health risks. This is because saline can easily be absorbed by the body. 

If your saline implant were to tear, you would immediately notice a change in the size and shape of your breast. It would appear deflated, which is a good indicator that something is amiss. If this happens you can reach out to us to schedule your breast implant replacement in Southlake.

With a silicone implant, a rupture can occur without anyone knowing about it. This is called a silent rupture, and it happens because silicone has a very firm texture. If the casing bursts, the silicone inside remains in its original form. 

Although your breasts might stay the same shape, overtime this can cause health issues, as additional scar tissue could form, causing pain and irritation. 

• Change to a different type of implant

New and improved styles emerge in every field, and breast implants are no different. Each type of implant has its own distinct benefits, and many women decide after some time with their implants that they would prefer to have a different style. Some people get saline implants, and after a while decide they would like to enjoy the more natural feel of silicone.

Steps to the breast implant replacement procedure

The procedure will be relatively similar to your initial breast augmentation. 

Step 1: Anesthesia

Your medical team will administer a general anesthesia before beginning the procedure. 

Step 2: The incision 

Prior to your procedure, you and your surgeon will discuss the incision options. At Southlake Plastic Surgery we typically use the inframammary incision (under the breast) due to its low infection rate, ease of implant placement, and low visibility scarring. 

Step 3: Replace the implant

If you’re going with the saline implant, your surgeon will insert the empty implant and then use an attached device to achieve the desired size. 

If you are getting the silicone implant, the surgeon will insert the implant using a non-touch device. The medical team might reposition the implant to make sure it sits correctly under the muscle. 

Step 4: Recovery

Just like a breast augmentation, this is an outpatient procedure, which means you’ll be able to go home that same day! After your procedure, we will monitor you closely until you can be released into the care of a friend or family member who can take you home.

Take the next step!

If you’re considering a breast implant replacement in Southlake, or you’re interested in breast augmentation surgery, schedule a consultation with us! We absolutely love answering your questions and guiding you towards the right treatment plan for you.