Breast augmentation is considered successful if it brings long-term satisfaction.
The most common reasons for breast implant replacement are capsular contracture, implant displacement, implant rupture and seroma. In some cases the patient wants a larger implant or is not satisfied with the shape of her breasts, which have changed over time due to weight fluctuations and sagging. Removing implants without a well-defined reason is rare.
The following options are offered to patients who have problems after breast augmentation:
- Monitoring only (clinical and ultrasound);
- Removal of the implants, with or without mastopexy (breast lift);
- Removal of the implants and placement of new implants (with or without capsulectomy);
- Removal of the implants, placement of new implants (with or without capsulectomy) and mastopexy.
The general principles of secondary augmentation (implant replacement) rest on the following pillars:
- patient selection;
- informing the patient;
- preoperative planning and implant selection;
- meticulous surgical technique;
- proper postoperative care.
Surgical technique:
Removing the implants, capsulectomy (removing the implant capsule), changing the implant pocket and placing new implants is the gold standard in treating capsular contracture. Placing the implants under the muscle is associated with a lower rate of capsular contracture.
The choice of surgical technique in the secondary operation depends on the reason for the reoperation, the implant pocket used in the primary augmentation, the individual features of the soft tissues and the model of the new implant being placed.
Recovery period
The patient stays in hospital for two days. The recovery period is 1-3 months. In the first month after the operation, it is recommended to limit physical effort, wear an elastic corset and sleep on your back.
Reducing movement in the first weeks has been shown to lower the likelihood of capsular contracture.
