Breast Implant Replacement

What is a breast implant replacement?

Breast implant replacement (sometimes called breast implant revision) is a surgical procedure where old implants are removed and replaced with new breast implants.

You might be a candidate for breast implant replacement if:

You have complications from breast implants, such as capsular contracture, breast implant rupture, or implant malposition (your implant has moved).
You are unhappy with your breast implant size or shape, and want your breast implant or breast tissue adjusted.

What does breast implant replacement involve?

Breast implant revision is performed under general anaesthetic (with you asleep), can take between 1 – 3 hours, and is performed either as day surgery or overnight hospital admission surgery.

The first part of the procedure involves removal of your old implants – this is performed using a breast crease incision, and may involve removal of the scar capsule that surrounds the implant (capsulectomy).

The second part of the procedure involves reinserting new breast implants.

A thorough clinical assessment is essential to plan how the new implants will be inserted, including the implant shape, implant size, implant location, and if the breast tissue itself requires adjusting (for example, a breast lift).

What is the recovery after breast implant replacement surgery?

At a glance:

Discomfort, bruising, swelling are common in the first two weeks.
Time in hospital: day case or overnight stay.
Time off work: 1 – 2 weeks (if strenuous job).
Time before driving: 1 – 2 weeks.
Time wearing a supportive garment: 6 weeks.
Time before exercise including gym: 6 weeks.
Time until final results: 3 – 6 months.

Breast implant revision may require a longer recovery and healing time, as scar tissue from previous surgery may slow healing and increase swelling. Previous scar tissue is known to make the risks of complications higher (such as capsular contracture, breast asymmetry, or irregular healing), meaning that a more careful recovery is needed.

What are the risks associated with breast implant replacement?

General Surgical Risks

Infection
Bleeding & haematoma
Poor wound healing
Unsatisfactory Results
Revisionary surgery
Nipple sensation changes
Breast pain

Implant-Related Risks

Implant malposition
Breast asymmetry (differences in size / shape / position)
Capsular contracture
Implant rupture
Implant rippling
BIA-ALCL ((Breast Implant-Associated Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma)
Breast Implant Illness

Breast implant revision is similar to any other surgical procedure, in that it has risks associated with it. Before deciding to have any operation you should always speak to an appropriately qualified health practitioner to discuss these potential risks.

Breast revision surgery has a greater risk of complications that the original breast operation, due to presence of scar tissue and changes in normal anatomy.

What scars can I expect after breast implant replacement?

Most breast implant revision surgery can be performed through a breast crease incision, either through your previous incision, or if your previous implants were inserted through the armpit (transaxillary) or nipple (periareolar) then a new breast crease incision is made.
If a breast lift is performed at the same time, then incisions are placed around the areola, in front of the breast, and sometimes in the breast crease. Dr Colbert will always discuss the location of any scars with you during your preoperative consultations.

How is breast implant revision different from the original augmentation?

Breast implant revision is more complex due to scar tissue, stretched skin, or previous implant placement.
Breast implant revision may require adjusting the implant size, implant type, implant location, implant pocket, and the lying breast tissue.
Breast implant revision has a longer healing period, and a higher risk of needing further surgery.

Why should you see Dr Colbert for your breast implant replacement?

Dr Colbert MBBS FRACS (Plastic Surgery) is an Australian trained and fully qualified Specialist Plastic Surgeon.
Dr Colbert is one of only a few Specialist Plastic Surgeons in Australia who focuses exclusively on breast and body surgery.
Dr Colbert personally performs all surgery and aftercare himself, and doesn’t get surgical assistants or nurses to treat you during or after your operation.
Dr Colbert and his staff are renowned for their amazing patient care, delivered in a comfortable and stress-free environment.

Meet Dr Colbert

How much does breast implant replacement cost in Perth?

Costs associated with breast implant replacement in Perth can be difficult to understand, especially since Medicare rules for breast implant revision are frequently updated.

In general, the main fees associated with implant revision surgery are those of the surgeon, the implant, the Anaesthesist, and the hospital.

Medicare and your private health fund may partly subsidise some parts of these fees if you meet strict eligibility criteria for MBS item numbers 45553 and 45554. These criteria include a medical need for replacement (such as severe capsular contracture, or rupture), with implant removal resulting in an unacceptable cosmetic deformity (severe concavity with significant with excess skin), confirmed by intraoperative photographs. If you don’t meet these criteria then Medicare and your private health fund won’t subsidise any part of your surgery.

With so many factors associated with the total cost, an accurate quote can only be obtained after a consultation with Dr Colbert.

Where can I find out more?

A consultation with Dr Colbert is a great way to find out more about breast implant replacement in Perth.

To arrange a consultation please contact our friendly office staff, or alternatively you can leave a message by filling out our contact form.