Should I Replace My Breast Implants?

When you first decided on getting a breast augmentation, it likely did not occur to you that you may want, or even need, to have your implants removed later on. However, every year there are thousands of women who undergo breast implant removal surgery for a wide variety of reasons. Some women have physical or medical complications, some have a change of heart or their idea of the “perfect figure” changed.

Our patient chose to have her breast implants removed on the 20th anniversary of her breast enhancement procedure. Here is her story and what she experienced leading up to her decision.

Our patient’s story

As a teenager, I looked forward to having full, big breasts like my older sister. Despite lots of hope and wishful thinking, my breasts were a small B. Years later, in my 20’s, I felt insecure with my small breasts. After much debate and careful thought, I decided to get breast implants when I turned 25. Having a breast augmentation made me more confident and outgoing. For the first time in my life, I found joy and empowerment in wearing bikinis, tank tops and tight dresses.

Over the past few years, I began thinking about having my breast implants removed. My breasts began to cause back pain, and they made it nearly impossible to exercise without discomfort. I also watched as the body confidence movement took off, celebrating women of all shapes and sizes. As I thought more about my breasts, I realized that my augmented look simply didn’t feel like me anymore.

So, on the 20th anniversary of my breast implant surgery, I got my implants removed – and I couldn’t be happier. While I don’t regret my decision to get implants, I happy and proud of my decision to remove them; I’m thrilled to have returned to my natural breast size and shape. In making my decision, I wanted to work with an excellent Beverly Hills plastic surgeon and am so happy I found Cassileth Plastic Surgery. They made my breast implant removal surgery an experience that restored my happiness in my physical appearance and my comfort.

How Often Should You Replace Implants?

In 2011, the FDA released this report on the safety of silicone breast implants. Rather than reading the 63-page report, here’s the bottom line. After 10 years of an initial breast augmentation, 1 out of 5 patients need some sort of revision procedure. That means 20% of patients need another operation due to excess scarring inside the breast (capsular contracture), broken implant etc. That also means that 80% of the patients are doing fine at 10 years. (Source: www.plasticsurgery.org)

So if you’re experiencing issues, you may need to change out your implants. But with proper monitoring such as self-exams and regular physician exams, you don’t need to automatically replace your implants every 10 years. Check with your doctor to be sure.

Ideas of Beauty Can Change

Over time, through fashion or personal preference, a women’s ideals evolve and often change, including what is considered the perfect breast size. Many patients come to Cassileth Plastic Surgery to have their breast implant revision surgery to have their breasts replaced or removed after having had implants for years. This procedure can be combined several other procedures, including fat transfer to breast — where fat is liposuctioned from one part of the body (usually the tummy or “love handles”) and transferred to the breasts, to fill out the area, in a natural way.

We support each and every one of our patients and their view of beauty. There is no perfect breast, just the perfect breast for you. We want everyone that comes to our office to have the body and breasts they desire and will work with you to achieve the results you want.