Breast implant replacement

When is a breast implant replacement warranted?

Replacement of a previously fitted breast implant may be warranted for several reasons. In most cases the procedure is performed due to the ’aging’ of the implant and for aesthetic purposes (e.g., change in size, position or shape). It can also be due to breast implant damage, inadequate quality or a late complication (e.g., shrinkage) requiring implant replacement, which involves another breast augmentation procedure. After breast implant replacement you can be proud of the most beautiful symbol of your femininity and live with your renewed breasts without any problems.

What happens at the first consultation?

During the consultation our plastic surgeon will assess the current condition of your breasts and, based on their experience and references - and your needs - will suggest the best possible solution as well as show you your expected outcome after the operation.

In our private hospital we currently use Mentor and Motiva implants, which are FDA- and CE-certified products from leading American manufacturers. Mentor implants have a lifetime warranty, while Motiva products are made with a patented nanotechnology SilkSurface® exterior for maximum safety. Implants, in terms of shape, can be round or teardrop, with a textured surface, and provide the greatest safety and best quality.

Preparing for surgery

As with all surgeries, before a breast implant replacement you will be required to undergo a full examination, which includes laboratory tests, ECG and x-rays, as well as ultrasound and mammography if necessary. At our clinic, we perform all the necessary tests at the same time to save you time and make your preparations for surgery more convenient. You will then receive some lifestyle tips to help you prepare for surgery and to speed up your recovery. These include quitting smoking - at least temporarily - as nicotine slows the healing processes, consuming adequate amounts of fluids, vitamins and trace elements (vitamin C, selenium, zinc) and avoiding the use of aspirin, ginkgo biloba and other natural remedies, because these affect blood clotting.

What happens during surgery?

Breast implant replacement surgery is always performed under anesthesia. The method of implant placement will be determined by the plastic surgeon performing the surgery, taking into account your individual attributes, breast structure, and previous surgical scars. During breast surgery, the plastic surgeon usually makes an incision a few centimetres along the fold beneath the breast by removing the scar from the previous surgical incision. He then removes the existing implant, cuts out the previous sheath and partially places the new implant under the pectoral muscle (dual plane technique). Breast implant replacement surgery usually takes an hour. After breast implant replacement surgery, a thin scar remains on the skin in a barely visible place that is permanent but gradually fades over time. The breasts acquire their final shape after six months to a year.

Recovery, regeneration

After breast implant replacement you will need to spend one night in our private hospital to rest in comfortable and pleasant surroundings on the first night after surgery. The next morning, our plastic surgeon examines the surgical area, which should not be exposed to water for a week. You must wear a special bra, which we provide for you, for 4 weeks after surgery. All strenuous physical activity should be avoided for two weeks after the operation, after which you can gradually resume your daily routine, and after the third week you can take light exercise. The solarium, sunbathing and the sauna should all be avoided for two months after the procedure. Our plastic surgeon will call you back at specified intervals for a postoperative examination. The healing time of external scars is approximately 6 months, while internal scars heal completely within 2 years. The use of scar treatment creams is recommended to promote scar healing. Although we try to eliminate all risk factors during preoperative breast implant replacement examinations, unforeseen complications may occur. At the first consultation your plastic surgeon will inform you about these and how to avoid them.

After breast implant replacement a thin scar remains on the skin in a barely visible place that is permanent but gradually fades over time. The breasts gain their final shape after six months to a year.