BREAST IMPLANT REPLACEMENT SURGERY

Breast implants eventually need to be replaced or removed. Breast Implant Revision Surgery is usually a simple procedure, but the trick is to know when you should do it. The Plastic Surgeons at Cassileth Plastic Surgery in Beverly Hills are breast surgery specialists who are dedicated to educating patients about their breast implant options. If you are unhappy with your current implants, we can discuss changing the size of the implants or type of implants in order to achieve the look you want.

Breast implant removal without replacement is addressed in our breast implant removal page. You can learn more about the different types, sizes, and placement of breast implants on our breast augmentation page.

Dr. Cassileth
Breast Specialist

Board-Certified Beverly Hills Plastic Surgeon, Breast Specialist, and Direct-to-Implant Breast Reconstruction Inventor

American Society of Plastic Surgeons
American Board of Plastic Surgery
American College of Surgeons
The Aesthetic Society
Dr. Cassileth

WHY REPLACE BREAST IMPLANTS?

Women sometimes seek breast implant replacement because they would like a different size implant or different type of implant. If they have lost weight and now have a smaller frame, they may want a smaller implant for a more proportionate figure. If they have gained weight, they may want a larger implant or even liposuction around the bra area or a breast reduction to reduce the amount of natural breast tissue. The aging process can also change the appearance of breasts after augmentation and many women seek a breast implant replacement along with a breast lift procedure in order to restore perkiness.

The type of implants you have also bring up specific replacement concerns:

WHEN SHOULD YOU REPLACE YOUR SALINE IMPLANTS?

Many patients ask us when they should replace their implants with new implants. The truth is that problem-free implants do not really need to be replaced. If your implant is saline and the breast size and shape are normal, then the implant is intact. As the implant gets older, the chance of rupture gets higher, so it's good to put a plan in place in case the implant ruptures unexpectedly. If the saline breast implant does rupture, it releases the saline fill into the body. The saline is a common sterile IV solution used for rehydration and is similar to salt water, so it is not a cause for concern. If your implants are twenty years old and still intact, come in for a consultation to discuss a replacement plan.

WHEN SHOULD YOU REPLACE YOUR SILICONE IMPLANTS?

There are actually fifty or more different types of silicone breast implants, all filled with different types of silicone or silicone gel, that have been approved by the FDA over the years, many of them since recalled. All silicone implants over twenty years old should be replaced, as they are at high risk for rupture.

Soon after a breast implant is placed, the body forms a natural layer of scar tissue around it called the capsule. While ruptured implants can sometimes sit harmlessly in the capsule, the silicone of an older, gel-type implant will become incorporated into the capsule when ruptured (intracapsular rupture), and can travel outside of the capsule and into the lymph nodes (extracapsular rupture).2 Newer implants should also be replaced if they are ruptured, or if the implant style has been recalled.1 Textured implants, specifically the Allergan 410 implant, carry a tiny but real risk of Breast-Implant-related anaplastic large cell lymphoma (BIA-ALCL) which is a type of lymphoma (not breast cancer) and should also be replaced sooner than later. The capsule should be checked and possibly removed at the same time.


Dr. Killeen

Dr. Killeen
Breast and Body Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon

Double-Board-Certified Beverly Hills Plastic Surgeon and Breast & Body Specialist

American Society of Plastic Surgeons
American Board of Plastic Surgery
American College of Surgeons
The Aesthetic Society
Cassileth Plastic Surgery & Skin Care

Contact Cassileth Plastic Surgery about capsular contracture in Los Angeles, Beverly Hills, Santa Monica, and beyond.

Before & After

Browse our photo gallery of plastic surgery results.

Every surgery will yield unique results, but before-and-after images are an excellent way to see the quality of natural-looking outcomes our experienced plastic surgeons are capable of providing.

Patient Testimonials

Anonymous
Anonymous' Story

Dr. Kelly Killeen is not just an outstanding surgeon and artist, she is also an angel. I had 15+ surgeries to correct an ongoing problem for last 10 years, numerous super-famous doctors worked on me, in different parts of the world, including Geneva, Berlin, etc.. So by the time I got into Dr. Kelly's hands the words "total mess" don't even begin to describe the actual condition of what used to be my breasts. Dr. Killeen, just as regular angel performed a miracle and made everything good again. I love you. There is also nurse Dee who is just incredible human being, here level of compassion, love and care is truly rare. Last but not the list there is a Brit called Jade - she is so beautiful, funny and totally awesome, I will find a reason to come again for some facial peeling or something else simple just to see you guys! I am so blessed to have met these beautiful people, they maybe just part of exceptional medical team, but in my heart they will always be my friends...

Why Breast Implants Need to Be Revised - Dr. Lisa Cassileth

Cassileth Plastic Surgery & Skin Care

Arrange a consultation for capsular contracture treatment at Beverly Hills' Cassileth Plastic Surgery. Women from Santa Monica, the entire Los Angeles area, and beyond can Send a message online or call (310) -278-8200.

1U.S Food & Drug Administration. The FDA Requests Allergan Voluntarily Recall Natrelle BIOCELL Textured Breast Implants and Tissue Expanders from the Market to Protect Patients: FDA Safety Communication. Available: https://www.fda.gov/medical-devices/safety-communications/fda-requests-allergan-voluntarily-recall-natrelle-biocell-textured-breast-implants-and-tissue. Accessed February 15, 2021

2 Mayo Clinic. If silicone breast implants rupture, what are the possible complications? Available: https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/womens-health/expert-answers/breast-implants/faq-20058454. Accessed February 15, 2021

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