Breast prosthesis replacement

If you’ve undergone breast augmentation surgery with implants, you might be curious about their longevity.

At Clinic BeauCare, all the breast implants we use are covered by a 10-year manufacturer’s warranty.

• 10-year warranty
  • About lifetime breast implants

• Medical follow-up
  • Periodic examinations
  • Consultations in case of pain
  • Inspection of macro-textured implants
• Replacement
  • New incisions and implantations
  • Change of impant size
  • Convalescence and post-operative care
• Price of change

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Over the years, various types of breast implants have been used for augmentation. At Clinic BeauCare, we recommend replacing them every 10 years. However, if you experience any discomfort, it’s advisable to schedule a check-up sooner.

It’s worth noting that even after a decade, your implants may still be intact. However, the quality of implants naturally declines over time.

In fact, the risk of implant rupture increases from 1% to over 10% after 10 years. Therefore, it’s crucial to monitor their condition and take appropriate action. Additionally, explantation (implant removal) not only allows for a thorough assessment but also provides an opportunity to benefit from advancements in medical technology.

Regular follow-ups with your plastic surgeon are important for early detection of any potential issues.

In summary, while the risks are low, replacing breast implants after 10 years serves as an added precautionary measure for your health.

Exclusive use of breast implants with a 10-year manufacturer’s warranty

At Clinic BeauCare, prioritizing your health is paramount.

Therefore, our cosmetic surgeons exclusively utilize breast implants backed by a 10-year manufacturer’s warranty. This ensures that we uphold rigorous standards of safety and reliability in every procedure we undertake.

Manufacturers understand well that breast implants are not meant to be permanent solutions, given the daily stresses they endure.

After 10 years, additional surgery may be necessary to replace breast implants. This is crucial to mitigate risks such as rupture, leakage, or even ptosis (drooping) caused by the weight of the implants.

Regular evaluation and possibly replacing the implants are important steps to maintain optimal breast health and appearance.

Our opinion on lifetime breast implants

Some manufacturers now advertise their breast prostheses as lifetime implants, expressing confidence in their durability. However, the scientific community lacks sufficient long-term data to support this claim definitively.

More information on possible complications

Check the integrity of your breast prostheses

Regular follow-up appointments with a specialist are crucial after breast implant surgery to detect any complications early, even in the absence of symptoms.

Your surgeon will schedule follow-up visits at one month, three months, six months, and annually for up to 10 years. This routine allows for ongoing monitoring and timely intervention if needed.

As the manufacturer’s warranty period ends, planning for breast prosthesis replacement is strongly recommended to maintain optimal health and safety.

Simple tests, such as monthly breast self-examinations, are also advised to monitor for any changes. However, it’s essential to consult a healthcare professional for accurate diagnosis, as breast implants can affect examination outcomes.

Periodic checks on breast implants

Regular screening appointments with your gynecologist are crucial, especially given that approximately 10% of women are affected by breast cancer today.

During these consultations, your gynecologist can also assess the integrity of your breast implants in several ways:

• MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging): This technique uses magnetic fields and radio waves to generate detailed images of breast tissue. It is effective in detecting abnormalities such as cancerous tumors or ruptured breast implants.
• Ultrasound: This method utilizes sound waves to create real-time images of breast tissue, allowing for the detection of any issues.
• Mammography: A widely utilized method for early breast cancer detection, mammography uses X-rays to produce images of the breast tissue from different angles. This enables comprehensive visualization of the entire mammary gland, looking for abnormalities like opacities or microcalcifications.

Given the potential long waiting times for MRI scans, mammography has become the preferred option for these essential safety checks. It remains a dependable tool in the early detection of breast health concerns, including the assessment of breast implants.

Please note:

The presence of breast implants should always be reported to the practitioner. He can then adapt the imaging protocol to avoid rupture of the implant by compressing the breast during the examination.

Checks on breast prostheses in case of pain

Are you currently experiencing persistent chest pain or have you noticed changes in the shape or firmness of your breasts?

If so, we advise you to schedule an appointment with your gynecologist and visit our clinic for a consultation. During this visit, one of our surgeons will evaluate your condition and discuss the best course of action with you. This includes exploring various solutions, including the possibility of replacing your breast implants if deemed necessary. Our goal is to provide you with the most informed advice and support regarding your breast health.

Checks on macro-textured prostheses

Our clinic has not offered macro-textured breast implants for several years. If you opted for these implants during your last surgery, we recommend having them checked.

Recent studies suggest a possible link between macro-textured breast implants and health issues, including a rare form of cancer called anaplastic large-cell lymphoma (ALCL), which affects the lymphatic system.

Similar to our clinic’s approach, some countries have implemented regulatory measures restricting the use of macro-textured breast implants due to safety concerns. It is important to stay informed and consider discussing any concerns with your healthcare provider.

Replacing breast implants after 10 years

Replacing breast implants differs from initial breast augmentation because it involves working within a pre-existing tissue pocket from the previous surgery.

When replacing implants, the surgeon may either remove the old implants and insert new ones or adjust the size or type of implants. In cases where the size or type is changed, the surgeon must evaluate the condition of the existing pocket to ensure it can adequately accommodate the new implants.

While this surgery can be more intricate, previous experience often leads to a quicker recovery time for breast implant replacement procedures.

Incision for breast prosthesis replacement

At Clinic BeauCare, our surgeons prioritize preserving the original scar location when replacing breast implants.

Typically, an incision is made in the submammary fold, potentially utilizing the existing scar from the old implant. This approach facilitates thorough examination and cleansing of the pocket in cases where the old implant has ruptured.

If there was significant capsular contracture leading to firmness in the breast, removal of this capsule is necessary before placing the new breast implant.

In instances where the breast exhibits less firmness or sagging, mastopexy or a breast lift may also be recommended in combination with the implant replacement procedure.

Position of breast prosthesis during replacement

Our surgeons at Clinic BeauCare also recommend maintaining the same positioning as your initial breast surgery.

If your previous implants were placed behind the muscle, we will replace them in the same location. Similarly, if they were positioned above the muscle, we will opt for the same approach with the new implants.

Consistency in implant positioning helps optimize recovery, ensuring a quicker and less painful experience following breast prosthesis replacement.

Choosing the right size for your breast form replacement

When replacing your breast implants, maintaining the same size as your previous implants is typically the simplest approach.

Opting for larger implants to achieve a larger cup size during replacement is also feasible, although it may lead to discomfort or pain similar to your initial breast augmentation, especially in the first few days post-surgery.

Conversely, downsizing to smaller implants is more complex because it involves reducing the existing implant pocket size.

In cases where capsular contracture necessitates removal during implant replacement, we often recommend slightly larger implants. This approach capitalizes on the expanded pocket size caused by capsular contracture, facilitating easier accommodation of the new implants.

Convalescence after breast prosthesis replacement

Recovery after breast prosthesis replacement tends to be quicker since the tissue pocket to accommodate them was already created during the initial surgery.

In the first few days post-surgery, some pain and breast sensitivity may still be experienced, but these symptoms typically diminish gradually. Pain relievers may be prescribed by the surgeon to manage discomfort.

It’s customary to wear a compression bra to provide support to the breasts during the healing process. Bruising and scarring will naturally fade over the following weeks. During this period, it’s crucial to rest and refrain from strenuous physical activities, avoid heavy lifting, and sleep on your back or side.

Most individuals can return to work and normal activities within a few days, though this can vary based on individual recovery. Following the surgeon’s post-operative instructions and attending scheduled follow-up visits are essential to ensure a smooth recovery and optimal healing.

Price of breast prosthesis replacement

If you’re considering replacing your breast implants, Clinic BeauCare offers an attractive pricing package. We do not charge additional fees for the removal of your old implants. Therefore, the cost of breast prosthesis replacement is the same as that for breast augmentation.

During your initial consultation, you’ll have the opportunity to thoroughly discuss all options for breast implant replacement with one of our surgeons. They will provide detailed information tailored to your specific needs and preferences.

Breast: Prices in Euros

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