Breast implants are not designed to last forever, so at some point you will be faced with the choice to exchange or remove your implants. Dr. Jeannie MacDonald offers breast implant and capsule removal in Vancouver, BC, with individualized planning for patients who want to remove old implants, replace them with newer implants, or restore a more natural breast appearance. You should think ahead about whether you would prefer implant removal and implant exchange so you can plan next steps that fit your aesthetic goals.
How Do I Know If My Breast Implant Need to Be Removed Or Exchanged?
Breast implant removal or exchange may be needed when implants become uncomfortable, change shape, leak, rupture, or no longer match your goals. Since breast implants are not lifelong devices, Dr. MacDonald recommends removing or exchanging implants within 10 years to support breast comfort, implant integrity, and long-term well-being. Some patients seek surgery because of a medical concern, while others simply want a different look.
Common reasons for removal or exchange include:
- Hardened scar tissue causing discomfort
- Pain from implants
- A leaking or ruptured implant
- Implant migration or position concerns
- Desire to update implant type, size, or style
You may also decide you no longer want implants at all. A consultation can help you determine whether your concern is related to the implant, the capsule, breast tissue changes, skin quality, or a combination of factors.
Breast Implant Removal vs. Implant Exchange: What's the Right Choice?
The right choice depends on whether you want to live without implants or maintain breast volume with a newer implant. Breast implant removal takes out the existing implants and may also include removal of the surrounding scar tissue capsule. This option may be best for you if you no longer want implants, feel discomfort from your current implants, or want to return to a more natural breast shape.
Implant exchange may be better for patients who want to:
- Replace older implants
- Correct implant rupture or leakage
- Improve breast shape or feel
- Change implant type or style
- Maintain or adjust breast volume
Dr. MacDonald customizes implant and capsule removal procedures based on each patient’s anatomy, implant concerns, and goals. When new implants are placed, the old implants are safely removed, and the new implants are inserted using a touchless approach.
Can Breast Implant Size Be Changed During Implant Exchange?
Breast implant size can often be changed during implant exchange. You may choose a larger implant, smaller implant, different shape, different style, or different implant material than what you had before, depending on your goals and tissue support. Implant exchange can be helpful when your original implants no longer feel right for your lifestyle, body proportions, or cosmetic preferences.
If you’re planning implant exchange, you may want to consider:
- Your current breast implants and shape
- Your desired breast implant size and shape
- Quality of your breast tissue and skin
- Your mammogram results and health history
- Your previous surgeries or breast treatments
Some implant companies may cover the replacement implant cost for the first 10 years if there is an issue with implant integrity. You should still expect the full surgical plan to depend on your specific implant, warranty details, breast tissue condition, and whether capsule removal or additional contouring is needed.
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What Breast Contouring Options Are Available After Breast Implant Removal?
Breast contouring after implant removal depends on how your breasts look once implant volume is removed. Some patients have enough natural breast tissue and skin elasticity to achieve a soft, natural shape with removal alone. Others may notice loose skin, reduced fullness, stretched tissue, or contour changes that benefit from additional reshaping.
Your options after breast implant removal may include:
- Implant removal alone
- Implant and capsule removal
- Implant exchange with newer implants
- Breast lift for loose or stretched skin
- Updated implant type, size, or style
Dr. MacDonald typically places discreet incisions along the lower breast fold to remove implants and the capsule using techniques appropriate for your anatomy. Recovery often includes a wrap or binder you will wear full-time for 2 to 4 weeks, about two weeks spent away from work, and avoiding activities that raise the heart rate or use the chest muscles for 4 to 6 weeks.
Ready to Schedule a Consultation for Breast Implant Removal or Exchange with Dr. MacDonald Today?
Dr. MacDonald brings Royal College-certified plastic surgery training, artistic breast surgery planning, and individualized care to breast implant removal and exchange in Vancouver, BC. Ready to explore breast implant removal or implant exchange in Vancouver, BC? Schedule a consultation with Dr. MacDonald today.