Breast Implant Removal & Replacement

Expert Breast Renewal Surgery in Indianapolis, IN

Breast implants used during cosmetic breast augmentation do provide many women with long-lasting results but they do not last forever. While many breast implants last for decades, others may need to be changed in a much shorter period of time.

Dr. Greg Chernoff advises patients that over time, women who have had breast augmentation surgery will ultimately need a breast implant revision procedure. Dr. Chernoff is a board-certified plastic surgeon who is experienced in breast implant removal surgery and techniques to restore a woman’s breast.

Both types of implants; saline and silicone can need replacement. (Learn more about breast implants.)

Women may also want to have their breast implants changed due to:

  • Desire to change the size and type of the breast implant
  • Desire to remove the implant
  • Implant rupture Repositioning of existing implants
  • Hardening of the breast capsule (capsular contracture)
Considering-Breast-Implant-Removal2

Why Breast Implant Removal & Replacement?

Both saline and silicone implants may need replacement due to the conditions listed below, though the implications differ for each type.

  • Patients Preference
    Patients may decide they would like smaller or larger implants. Additionally, some patients who have saline implants may want to change to gel, or what is referred to as gummy bear implants. We discuss all options with our patients and make recommendations based on a woman’s individual anatomy, lifestyle, and goals.
  • Hardening or Capsular Contracture
    Capsular contracture is scarring that forms around the breast implant. For the majority of patients, the capsule that develops around the implant is soft and unnoticeable. A very small percentage of patients develop a capsule that is firm and may feel like it shifts or contracts, and changes shape. The reason patients develop capsular contracture is unknown. It is not dangerous but, in most cases, patients prefer the implant be removed.
  • En Bloc Capsulectomy – Explant Surgery
    An en bloc capsulectomy removes the implant and the capsule in one piece.  This is a meticulous procedure that removes the entire capsule along with any part of the capsule and scar tissue attached to the chest wall and ribs.  In some cases, it is necessary to repair the pectoralis muscle.  Not all patients require an en bloc capsulectomy and all options are discussed during your consultation.
  • Implant Rupture
    Both saline and silicone implants can rupture. Ruptured implants should be removed and/or replaced. Replacing implants is a relatively straightforward procedure. In some cases, if gel implants (gummy bear implants) have been left for many years, they can be difficult to remove and require additional time and expertise.

Breast Implant Removal and Replacement Surgery

Prior to your breast implant and removal procedure, Dr. Chernoff will discuss the surgical removal procedure and help you select your new implant.

Dr. Chernoff recommends that all our patients read our "Patient Guide for Plastic Surgery". The guide explains important points that all patients should think about as they are considering a surgical procedure.

What Results Can You Expect After Your Surgery?

You can trust your breast enhancement surgery to Dr. Chernoff, a triple board-certified facial and reconstructive plastic surgeon. He has performed breast rejuvenation surgeries on many women over the years. After medical school, he completed an additional eight years of advanced training in breast rejuvenation techniques and combined this with aesthetic vision and patient-centered care to create the optimal surgical experience.