Breast implant replacement

Your Experts on Breast implant replacement

Dr. med. H. M. Pult
Dr. med. S. Zimmermann

There are many reasons for replacing breast implants. Capsular fibrosis (hardening of the breast) or age-related changes in shape and breast asymmetries may require a replacement. Even when no symptoms are present at all, older generation implants should be replaced after 10 to 15 years to avoid risks to your health.

Procedure

The operation is similar to when first placing the implants, but, depending on the baseline situation, is generally more laborious. Where possible, we’ll use the scars from your previous operation and correct them at the same time if needed. Under certain circumstances, it may be necessary to make another incision in the inframammary fold, resulting in another scar. If scars are already present, we’ll use them as the incision points.

If capsular fibrosis has developed, the hardened tissue is first removed. To allow the tissue to regenerate, the new implant must often be placed in a different place, either above or below the pectoral muscle.

If the connective tissue in the breast has changed due to age, a somewhat larger implant or an additional breast lift may be indicated.

Useful information on implant replacement

The operation itself usually takes between 2 and 4 hours.

Treatment is done under general anesthesia. Stay in the clinic for 1 to 2 nights.

A special bra is worn for approximately 6 weeks. We use dissolving sutures, so there’s no need to remove them later. You’ll be able to return to work after 1 to 2 weeks (depending on occupation). Able to resume normal social activities after 7 days. Sports after 6 weeks.

We use only the highest quality implants. Unlike older implants, they do not need to be replaced after 10 or 15 years. You’ll receive a corresponding implant certificate from us.