Breast Implant Replacement
Breast implants eventually need to be replaced or removed, and breast implant revision in Los Angeles is one of the most commonly requested procedures at Cassileth Plastic Surgery. Breast Implant Revision Surgery is usually a simple procedure, but the trick is to know when you should do it. Beverly Hills plastic surgeon Dr. Lisa Cassileth specializes in breast implant revision surgery and is dedicated to educating patients about their breast implant options. If you are unhappy with your current implants, we can discuss changing the size of the implants or type of implants in order to achieve the look you want.
For women who want their breast implants removed without replacement, Dr. Cassileth has pioneered procedures that expertly remove the implant, while keeping the breast looking elevated and full. Please see our breast implant removal page. Learn more about the different types, sizes, and placement of breast implants on our breast augmentation page.
Breast Implant Replacement Topics On This Page
Why Consider Breast Implant Revision in Los Angeles?
Women sometimes seek breast implant replacement because they would like a different size implant or different type of implant. If they have lost weight and now have a smaller frame, they may want a smaller implant for a more proportionate figure. If they have gained weight, they may want a larger implant or even liposuction around the bra area or a breast reduction to reduce the amount of natural breast tissue. The aging process can also change the appearance of breasts after augmentation and many women seek a breast implant replacement along with a breast lift procedure in order to restore perkiness.
The type of implants you have also brings up specific replacement concerns:
Signs You May Need Breast Implant Revision
Not every patient knows when it is time for revision. Some changes happen gradually. Here are the most common signs:
- Capsular contracture: scar tissue hardens, causing firmness, distortion, or pain
- Implant rupture: saline deflates visibly; silicone ruptures may only show on imaging
- Size dissatisfaction: you want to go larger, smaller, or switch implant type
- Malposition: the implant has shifted, sitting too high, too low, or laterally
- Rippling: visible implant edges show through thin tissue
- Asymmetry: noticeable difference in size, shape, or position between breasts
If any of these apply, a consultation for breast implant revision in Los Angeles with Dr. Cassileth can help you understand your options.
When Should You Replace Your Saline Implants?
Many patients ask us when they should replace their implants with new ones. Problem-free implants do not need to be replaced. If your implant is saline and your breast size and shape look normal, then the implant is intact. As the implant gets older, the chance of rupture gets higher, so it’s good to put a plan in place in case the implant ruptures unexpectedly. If the saline breast implant does rupture, it releases saline into the body. The saline is a common sterile IV solution used for rehydration and is similar to salt water, so it is not a cause for concern. If your implants are twenty years old and still intact, come in for a consultation to discuss a replacement plan.
When Should You Replace Your Silicone Implants?
There are actually fifty or more different types of silicone breast implants, all filled with different types of silicone or silicone gel, that have been approved by the FDA over the years. All silicone implants over twenty years old should be replaced, as they are at high risk for rupture.
Soon after a breast implant is placed, the body forms a natural layer of scar tissue around it called the capsule. While ruptured implants can sometimes sit harmlessly in the capsule, the silicone of an older, gel-type implant becomes incorporated into the capsule when ruptured (intracapsular rupture), and can travel outside of the capsule and into the lymph nodes (extracapsular rupture). Newer implants should also be replaced if they are ruptured, or if the implant style has been recalled.Textured implants, specifically the Allergan 410 implant, carry a tiny but real risk of Breast-Implant-related anaplastic large cell lymphoma (BIA-ALCL) which is a type of lymphoma (not breast cancer) and should also be replaced sooner than later. The capsule should be checked and possibly removed at the same time.
What to Expect During Breast Implant Revision in Los Angeles
Breast implant revision in Los Angeles begins with a thorough consultation.
Dr. Cassileth evaluates your current implants and discusses what you want to change, whether that involves size, shape, type, or a complication from previous surgery.
The procedure varies by goal. Straightforward exchanges mirror your original augmentation recovery. Complex cases like capsular contracture or malposition may combine the exchange with capsulectomy or a breast lift.
Most patients return to desk work within a week and full activities by four to six weeks. Schedule a consultation to discuss your options.
Patient Results
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Why Breast Implants Need To Be Revised - Dr. Lisa Cassileth
Frequently Asked Questions About Breast Implant Revision
The cost of breast implant revision in Los Angeles varies depending on the complexity of the procedure, whether additional treatments like a breast lift or capsulectomy are needed, and the type of implants selected. During your consultation, Dr. Cassileth provides a personalized estimate based on your specific case.
Most patients report that revision surgery is comparable to or easier than their original augmentation. Dr. Cassileth uses Exparel, a long-acting local anesthetic, to minimize discomfort in the days following surgery. Pain is typically manageable with over-the-counter medication after the first few days.
The procedure typically takes one to three hours depending on complexity. A straightforward implant exchange is on the shorter end, while revisions involving capsulectomy, pocket work, or a concurrent breast lift take longer.
Yes. Many patients choose breast implant revision specifically to change size. Whether you want to go larger, smaller, or switch between implant types, Dr. Cassileth will discuss the best options for your anatomy and goals during your consultation.
While modern implants are durable, they are not lifetime devices. Most surgeons recommend considering replacement or evaluation after 10–15 years. If your implants are functioning well and you have no symptoms, regular monitoring may be sufficient. Dr. Cassileth evaluates each case individually.
Recovery mirrors initial augmentation for most patients. Plan to take about a week off from work and avoid strenuous exercise for four to six weeks. Final results typically settle over three to six months as swelling resolves.
Dr. Lisa Cassileth at Cassileth Plastic Surgery in Beverly Hills is one of the most experienced breast revision surgeons in Los Angeles. She performs hundreds of revision procedures annually and specializes in correcting complications from previous surgeries.
Schedule a consultation to discuss your breast implant revision in Los Angeles.
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