Breast implant exchange

Breast implants do not necessarily have to remain in the body for life, and over the years many women decide on a Breast implant exchange or achieve a breast implant removal. This can happen for various reasons: the implants no longer match the aesthetic ideas, there is a capsular contracture, or the wish for a natural appearance comes to the fore. At the Kuzbari Centre we accompany you on the way to a harmonious and safe result. 

Reasons for a breast implant exchange or removal 

There are various reasons why women decide to have their breast implants exchanged or removed:

• Aesthetic changes: over time the aesthetic wishes can change, so that a different implant size, shape or type is wanted.
• Ageing of the implants: although modern breast implants are durable, in some cases it can be necessary to exchange them after about 10 to 20 years.
• Capsular contracture: a capsular contracture occurs when a hardened capsule forms around the implant that causes pain or changes the shape of the breast.
• Complications such as implant rupture: in rare cases a rupture of the implant can occur, which makes a removal or an exchange necessary.
• The wish for a natural breast: after years, some women decide to have their implants removed and to prefer a natural breast shape.

Who is a breast implant exchange or removal suitable for? 

A breast implant exchange or the removal of the implants is suitable for women who:

• Wish for a change in the aesthetics or the size of their breasts.
• Need an operation because of complications such as capsular contracture, pain or irregularities.
• Would like to have their breast implants replaced with new ones after several years.
• Want to have their implants removed permanently and to return to a natural breast shape. 

How the breast implant exchange or removal proceeds

1.   Individual consultation and planning

Every woman has individual reasons for an implant exchange or a removal, and for that reason the procedure at the Kuzbari Centre always begins with a detailed consultation. Our experienced specialists, Dr. René Draxler and Dr. Andreas Dobrovits, analyse your current situation and discuss your wishes and goals. Together we then decide whether an exchange or a removal of the implants is the best solution and which further steps are necessary.

2.   The breast implant exchange

With an exchange of the breast implants the old implant is removed and replaced by a new one. Depending on your wishes this can be the same size and shape or can bring about a change in volume and shape. In some cases the exchange can also be combined with a breast lift, in order to give the breast a youthful appearance. The new implants are selected carefully in order to achieve an aesthetically pleasing and natural result.

3.   The breast implant removal

If the patient decides to have her breast implants removed permanently, this is likewise possible. In such cases the implant is removed and, depending on the condition of the tissue, an additional breast lift or autologous fat treatment can be considered in order to improve the shape of the breast. Our aim is to achieve a harmonious and aesthetically pleasing result that matches the patient’s wishes.

4.   The operation

Both the breast implant exchange and the implant removal take place under general anaesthesia and as a rule last about one to two hours. The incision is made as inconspicuously as possible in order to minimise scarring. In most cases the incision is made at the same place as with the original breast augmentation, so that no additional scars arise. If the tissue has slackened, a lift may be necessary.

5.   Aftercare and the healing process

After the operation you remain for a few hours for observation in our high-tech surgical area. In the following weeks regular check-ups take place at which we monitor the course of healing and make sure that the desired result is achieved. Depending on the type of procedure the healing phase is relatively short, and after a few days most women can return to everyday life.

Benefits of the breast implant exchange or removal

• Aesthetic adjustment: an implant exchange makes it possible to adapt the size and shape of the breast to current aesthetic wishes.
• Remedying complications: complications such as a capsular contracture or implant rupture can be remedied by the exchange or the removal.
• A return to the natural breast: women who no longer want their implants can return to a natural breast shape and at the same time preserve an aesthetically pleasing breast shape.
• Gentle techniques: thanks to state-of-the-art surgical techniques the procedures are gentle and the downtime is short.

Risks and complications 

As with every operation, there are certain risks with a breast implant exchange or removal too. These include infections, (temporary) changes in sensitivity or scarring. Our experienced specialists at the Kuzbari Centre use state-of-the-art techniques in order to minimise these risks and to offer you a safe and aesthetically pleasing result.