Frequently Asked Questions

Do my implants need to be replaced?

Unless there is a good reason to replace them, absolutely not. Like everything else in the world, however, breast implants are not designed to, and will not, last forever. Occasionally, they need to be replaced. Most of the time, patients who undergo implant revision simply want bigger or smaller implants. Sometimes, capsular contracture of the implant requires surgical intervention. Malposition of the implants and deflation of saline implants may necessitate a secondary revision surgery to exchange for new implants. In any revision surgery, the goal is to restore beauty and shape to the breasts.

Are the doctors experienced in implant revision?

Our staff surgeons have performed thousands of breast augmentation, breast lift and breast reduction surgeries of all kinds with beautiful results and happy patients. We have four locations in Chicago’s Gold Coast, Oak Brook, Arlington Heights, and Naperville

What is implant revision surgery?

Breast implant exchange can be simple or a complicated, multi-step surgical procedure depending  on the intention of the end result

• Surgical removal and replacement of deflated saline implants of one or both breasts
• Exchanging breast implants to replace with larger or smaller implants for aesthetic reasons
• Removal of torn, old silicone gel implants
• Removal of excess hardened capsule around the previous breast implant and  replacement of the old breast implant by in a new  state-of-the-art breast implant
• Replacing a saline implant with a silicone implant, or vice versa
• Correcting uneven or asymmetrical appearance of breast or malposition of implants

What is saline breast implant leakage?

There are two ways saline (salt water) may leak out of your implants. The most common is leakage through the valve in your implant, through which the saline fill tube was inserted to fill your implants during surgery. With passage of time the valve becomes incompetent and slowly allows saline to escape. The other is rare chance of being punctured by sharp penetrating object, such as a needle or another impediment. Not to worry, though. Salt water is completely harmless and will be naturally filtered out of your body by your kidneys.

How often do saline implants leak?

No one knows the answer. Breast implants will not last a lifetime. However, I’ve seen patients return to my office 25 years later with their implants still perfectly intact. The implant manufacturers (Allergan or Mentor) offer lifetime replacement warranties and up to $2400 toward implant replacement surgery if the implant leaks within 10 years after initial surgery.

How soon should implants be changed when saline leaks out?

If it happens, don’t wait longer than two weeks. Change them right away to prevent scar tissue formation and deformity.

Want is implant rupture?

This is a term used with silicone gel implants. Do not fear a rupture. Implants do not explode. If they do rupture, it’s normally only a miniscule tear or rip. And today’s silicone implants are cohesive, which means very little, if any, gel spills out of the tear. Think about tearing gummy candy in half. Nothing leaks out, right? Same with the modern day gel implants.

What is a treatment of implant rupture?

Once is the rupture is diagnosed and verified by ultrasound or MRI,  expeditiously remove the entire implant and all the leaked out silicone gel via surgical intervention.

What is capsular contracture?

It is a term used when one or both breasts start to feel hard. This hardening is caused by the body’s natural reaction to a foreign object. The body sometimes creates a layer around the implant, which causes the hardening. This can be tougher to diagnose in saline implants, because they are naturally harder than silicone.

What is the treatment of capsular contracture?

Surgical intervention is required. We will, in most cases, remove the entire implant and replace it with new implant.

Are there non-surgical methods to treat capsular contracture?

Yes, but with varied forms of success. An anti-inflammatory medication treatment combined with Cellupulse treatment sessions are initiated. In some cases, the repetitive pulses to the breast capsule seems promising in breaking the hard capsule and soften the capsule hardness. It is worth giving it a chance but it is best to start early. In our practice we recommend FBD and Mega Omega Tm, a mixture of  antioxidant and omega 3.

How soon should I treat capsule contraction?

We advise that you first decide to choose surgery or nonsurgical approach. Then start the treatment of the contracture within the next two weeks. Start anti-inflammatory medication immediately, regardless of the chosen approach.  

Who can benefit:

Those who desire to change of the size of their present breast implants

How is it done:

Surgically

Procedure time:

1 hour.

Anesthesia:

General anesthesia or intravenous Sedation with local,

Number of sessions:

Usually surgical procedures are done only once

Where Are there incisions placed?

Unless the initial surgery is from the bellybutton or the armpit,  we almost always choose the present existing incision to avoid a second incision  

How long lasting are the results?

Breast implants are expected to last more than 10 years, and in many cases much longer than that.

What is the downtime associated with breast implant revision?

Normally only one to two days.

What are the key benefits of breast implant revision surgery?

Single, in office safe procedure that replaces old deflated, hardened breast implants for newer softer breast implants.

What is the goal of breast implant revision surgery?

The goal of breast implant revision surgery is to enhance and alter size of breast implants.

Who does not qualify for breast implant revision surgery?

Those who are pregnant or breastfeeding. If there are recent or present health issues that prevent surgery, or on surgically forbidden medications as blood thinners or immune-compromising drugs.

When can I resume normal activities?

Normally after one or two days, with the exception of lifting anything over 10 pounds. Usually wait about two weeks for heavy lifting.

What are some of the risks associated with implant revision surgery?

As with most breast surgery, discomfort, bruising, and swelling are common and transient.

What does breast implant revision cost?

It starts at $1500, depending of type of implant and procedure, and may be up to $7500

Free consultations are available at four convenient Chicagoland locations.

What type of breast implants do you use?

We only use the best implant from Natrelle ™ by Allergan Corporation and Mentor corporation.  All our implants are FDA approved and manufactured in the USA. We never use tissue expanders as breast implants, which is a dangerous and devious tactic some surgeons use.

Where is a procedure performed?

In one of our private and safe surgical facilities. The implants are removed and exchanged for desired size and newer type of implants.

What should I do before surgery?

You must be in good general health and avoid all medications that predisposes you to bleeding, such as aspirin or blood thinners. A general physical examination and a detailed breast examination is necessary. At times, a mammogram or an MRI may be needed. Alcohol drinking and smoking may contribute to bleeding and delayed healing. If high blood pressure or diabetes exist they must be under proper medication control.

What should I expect after surgery?

Rest, no exertion. Sleep with the head elevated for few days. No aspirin. No smoking. Keep the breast incision clean. If you are prescribed any medications, such as antibiotics or muscle relaxants, please follow all physicians’ advice. Avoid touching and rubbing of the incisions.