Changing or removing breast implants – When is this surgery performed?

A change or even the removal of breast implants may be necessary in rare cases. For example, if a capsular fibrosis causes discomfort. Capsular fibrosis is the formation of a hard, connective tissue-like and usually painful capsule. This can lead to deformation of the breast. If the discomfort increases, a follow-up operation is necessary. During surgery for capsular fibrosis, the existing capsule is partially removed and partially cut so that a new breast implant can then be inserted loosely and without tension.

One capsular rupture. i.e. a cracking of the breast implant, can rarely occur. Most breast implant manufacturers offer a guarantee on the implant for the first ten years.

The change of size request can be a reason for exchanging breast implants. When changing to a much smaller breast implant, a breast lift necessary for a harmonious form.

In addition, the removal of breast implants may be desired for personal reasons.

Replacement/Removal of Breast Implants – Synonyms & Principle

synonyms: Replacement/removal of breast implants

principle: Removal with/without re-implantation of breast implants (e.g. in case of capsular fibrosis, implant rupture, change in desired size, etc.)

 


is often combined with…

  • breast lift (with excess skin and downward-facing nipple
  • nipple correction (with retracted nipple)
  • autologous fat (e.g. to compensate for asymmetry)

efficiency

Basically, in theory, almost any level of efficiency (size) can be achieved here - but of course it doesn't always make sense. The framework conditions/restrictions dictate, for example:

  • fabric strength
  • extent of breast tissue
  • width of the upper body

duration of surgery

On average, a pure breast enlargement (without tightening incision, without special features) takes approx. 60 minutes


repetition of the treatment

In the past, breast implants were replaced every 10 years – because it was assumed that the material would wear out and capsules would form after this time

Nowadays, an implant exchange only when problems arise (e.g. capsular fibrosis, sagging of the breast tissue, etc.) necessary

If you are lucky, a follow-up operation or repetition of the treatment is no longer necessary – but you cannot simply assume the opposite


Application in which body region

Breast


decision-making aids

Essentially, these are fundamental decisionsthat involve changing a breast implant or removing breast implants.

1

Should I have breast implants already exchangeor rather wait – or remove it altogether?

Good advice highlights all the advantages and disadvantages of an operation – and thus helps you make the right decision.

2

Size: Find the implant pass and take it with you to the consultation – usually when exchanging rather a slightly larger implant a consideration (when removing the capsule, some tissue is lost and the implant pocket may be slightly larger than in the first operation) or a breast lift to rejuvenate a possible excess skin. Autologous fat is therefore usually not an equivalent substitute, because autologous fat half a cup of size increase is already extremely good – but even this extra volume is not always guaranteed to last.

After implant removal, the breast can develop very differently: in many cases I have experienced that the excess skin and tissue does not have as negative an effect as expected. But an implant weighing an average of around 300g simply has a certain lifting and filling effect that disappears after removal. This is why the shape of the breast can deteriorate significantly after implant removal. It is not always easy to predict this in advance. This is why all possible variants with their advantages and disadvantages should be considered carefully before the procedure.

3

With which material Should the breast be enlarged after breast implant removal – or not at all?

  • Autologous fat is only the method of choice in some cases: the big limit here is 1/2 cup – even with optimal results, more than this is normally not possible in terms of size increase
  • Most people choose a silicone breast implant. There are numerous companies, shapes, surfaces, etc. and there are also certain arguments in one direction or the other.
  • Allowing the cavity to heal (sometimes serous fluid has to be drained) is of course always an option
4

Where should the cut = scar best placed?

The old scar is of course used as the incision. In some cases, it may be useful to widen the incision to create tightening cuts.

 

5

implant above or below the pectoral muscle (or partly/partly, but also subfascial (i.e. under the muscle fascia))?

Sometimes, when the implant is changed, the location/position of the implant is also re-selected, e.g. changed from subglandular to submuscular (especially in the case of severe capsular fibrosis - before laboriously removing the capsule completely and creating an oversized pocket, it is often more sensible to cover the new implant with as much muscle as possible and create a new pocket)


What should you have heard/read before having a breast implant removed or changing/exchanging breast implants?

Volume loss with loose tissue and excess skin – is always the question whether the removal of breast implants alone will not lead to

capsular fibrosis: Like any foreign body, a breast implant causes a connective tissue capsule to form around the foreign body (breast implant). This means that 100% of patients with breast implants develop capsular fibrosis. This also has the purpose of protecting the implant and keeping it in position. A follow-up operation is only necessary for capsular fibrosis if it causes problems - distortions, pain, etc. - then the normal state can be restored with an operation in which the capsule is usually cut or partially removed and a new implant is almost always inserted.

 


Prejudices

a breast always looks terrible after removal of a breast implant...


facts

...even if that could be the case in theory, you can also be very positively surprised. Unfortunately, you don't always know that from a distance...


most common possible side effects/complications

  • Serom in the old cave
  • Asymmetry (always present on two sides to a certain extent)
  • infection
  • postoperative bleeding
  • Capsular fibrosis (with breast implants)
  • too much expected volume (with autologous fat)

details Information on possible complications can be found in the information documents

In summary, good preparation (information, explanation, preliminary examinations, upper body analysis, tissue analysis, etc.), the experience of the surgeon and the material of the possible implant are important factors. Since there are usually many different options, it is advisable to weigh up the advantages and disadvantages of the different options!


You should avoid…

  • implants that are too large
  • short cuts at any price (after surgery, a good shape is always more important than the length of the incision)

anesthesia

Possible anesthesiaforms for breast enlargement

  • usually general anesthesia
  • local anesthesia + twilight sleep
  • Local anesthesia: Minimal variant breast implant removal is also possible in individual cases

the operation

Deadlines must be met in Austria (surgical information and anesthesia information) – this means that there is a waiting period of at least 3-4 weeks from the decision to undergo breast enlargement, but often longer.

detailed problem analysis and analysis of the various options with advantages and disadvantages

We will inform you if a psychological report may be necessary before your surgery.

THINKING POSITIVELY – helps. It not only prolongs life, but is also always a good first step towards any treatment or operation.


the operation

rest for 3 weeks in the sense of:

  • do not lift more than 5-6kg
  • nothing jerky
  • don't work headfirst

sports bra (usually with chest strap) for 6 weeks day and night


our preferred technique/recommendation

  • depending on the problem very individual
  • for implants: as much as possible under the pectoral muscle for better coverage and lower risk of capsular fibrosis
  • soft implants with nanotexturing e.g. Motive Ergonomix
  • approx. 300cc plus or minus
  • Anesthesia: gentle general anesthesia

Cost

Guidelines:

approx. 6500 Breast augmentation with Motiva Round implants including anesthesia

6500 Breast augmentation with PEARL Breast implants from GC Aesthetics including anesthesia

6900 Breast augmentation with Motiva implants Ergonomix including anesthesia

8000 NEW: Breast augmentation with the latest hybrid implants from Motiva Ergonomix 2 incl. Qid, incl. anesthesia (including extended warranty package) – smaller cut possible!

200 expected additional costs for large implant sizes

100 Premium version with funnel for gentle insertion of breast implants for a shorter scar (already included in the JOY package)

20 Additional costs for implants with Chip = Qid

300-1200 expected cost of tightening (depending on extent

400 Overnight stay at the clinic with nurse/450 if overnight stay from Friday to Saturday – if necessary and reasonable

100 daytime shot

100 sports bra with integrated chest strap

70 optional special price recommended scar ointment + disinfectant spray

50 Costs for anesthesia information

minus consultation costs

 

0 Insurance Motiva for the first year included upon registration

100 optional for Motiva insurance for an additional year (only possible for implants without a chip)

200 optional for Motiva insurance 4 additional years (only for implants with chip possible)

 

approx. 3900 Removal of breast implants under anesthesia

approx. 2900 removal of breast implants under local anesthesia (if possible)

 

The prices listed are average values and could be cheaper or more expensive. The final total price will be determined during the second consultation (=consent) depending on the individual effort/planned operation time, combinations, desired clinic/room category and other factors.

At the turn of the year, clinic prices are adjusted and may then be slightly higher.

reasonable budget

A final cost estimate is only possible and meaningful after a detailed on-site inspection and clarification of individual wishes.


downtime

In general, 2-3 weeks of rest be taken into account – this means specifically:

  • lifting no more than 5-6 kg
  • no jerky movements
  • do not perform any activities overhead

Important to know…

  • Take your time to make a decision! Capsular fibrosis or implant rupture are not usually acute emergencies – careful consideration of the best surgical option is definitely worth it
  • It is therefore important to have professional advice and comprehensive information

 

 

Nothing can replace a personal, individual consultation with a specialist with the appropriate experience and the right aesthetic sensitivity. We will be happy to advise you in detail – arrange your Consultation appointment at 0699 19988009 or contact us via our contact form. Your consultation will take place in one of our offices in Klagenfurt at the Domplatz or in the Falkensteiner Schlosshotel in Velden (Carinthia). We look forward to seeing you!

For installment payments or financing, we can offer you beautykredit.at recommend. You can also find information about this in our STORIES.

There are various providers of consequential cost insurance in Austria. For example, we can offer you: beautyprotect.com recommend.

Where will the surgery be performed?

The operation will be carried out – individually tailored to you – in the following operating rooms:

AestheticOP at THE HOLLY Klagenfurt

Hospital Barmherzige Brüder Sankt Veit an der Glan

Private Clinic Humanomed Klagenfurt

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