Breast Implant Replacement Sydney

Reasons for considering implant replacement

Implant Rupture

A ruptured implant is a common reason for replacement. Some ruptures have no associated symptoms (silent ruptures) but can result in a change of breast shape and size. Although a rupture is not a medical emergency, many plastic surgeons typically recommend surgery to replace the implants.

Capsular contracture

This is where abnormal scar tissue forms around the implant, making it feel hard and sometimes, even look distorted. If capsular contracture occurs, it can cause discomfort. When these symptoms occur, breast implant revision surgery is often recommended to remove the scar tissue and replace the breast implant.

Ageing and natural body changes

Our breast tissue and skin lose elasticity as our bodies age. These changes will also impact the appearance and feel of your implants. Additionally, a change in body weight can also affect the appearance of the breasts. Consequently, some women choose to have implant replacement surgery, possibly combined with a Breast Lift to adjust these natural changes.

Personal preferences

Over the years, our lifestyle and personal preferences change. Consequently, it is not uncommon for women to want a different size or shape implant. Alternatively, some women decide they want no implants at all and elect for explant surgery (implant removal).

Addressing additional implant complications

If an individual has previously experienced complications with an implant, such as an enlarged implant pocket size that results in an implant becoming too mobile, sliding laterally or ‘bottoming out’, they may request surgery to address these issues, while also exchanging the implant during the same procedure.

Anxiety

Late in 2019, several (but not all) implant brands and varieties were removed from the market due to an association with a rare type of cancer (ACLC). However, no healthcare body or healthcare professional has recommended that women with these older cell implants have them removed. Nonetheless, some women with these types of implants were left feeling anxious and, despite reassurance, preferred to have their implants removed and, on some occasions, replaced.

Considering breast implant replacement surgery

All surgery should be considered thoroughly. You should also take the time to choose your surgeon carefully, as the right surgeon for Breast Implant Replacement is critical. Your surgeon must possess the knowledge, experience and skills to address the numerous intricacies and complexities often associated with replacement surgery.

Breast Implant Replacement Surgery is performed under general anaesthesia in a private hospital and takes approximately one to three hours, depending on the complexity of your procedure.. Typically, it’s performed as a day procedure, which means you can go home on the same day as the surgery. You’ll experience some pain and discomfort after your procedure, but you’ll be given pain medications to take home with you that will make your recovery more comfortable. You’ll have to take some time off work, avoid specific activities and heavy lifting for several weeks and give your body time to heal. Of course, there are also benefits to look forward to, such as having new implants that are more in keeping with your current lifestyle or preferences. Alternatively, if replacement is due to complications, these will now hopefully be remedied. By thinking through these issues and learning as much as you can about your procedure, you’ll be in a better and more confident position to make an informed decision about your proposed surgery.

Surgical Options for Implant Replacement

REMOVAL ONLY (EXPLANT SURGERY)

Some women simply don’t want to have breast implants anymore (whether for medical or aesthetic reasons), so permanent removal without replacement is requested. Removal only can result in a ‘deflated’ look with a very empty upper part of the breast, so these issues need to be discussed before surgery.

REMOVAL & REPLACEMENT

If you’re keen on maintaining your breast fullness, but still require removal of your existing implants, then a replacement with new implants may be recommended.

REMOVAL & BREAST LIFT (Mastopexy)

Natural breast tissue changes over time, and some breasts droop more than others. If drooping seems likely to occur after your implants are removed, a Breast Lift (Mastopexy) may be recommended to remove some of the excess tissue to lessen the amount of droop (ptosis).

REMOVAL, REPLACEMENT & BREAST LIFT (Mastopexy)

If you’re keen to keep the fullness of your breasts but your breasts have sagged over time, then a removal, replacement with new implants and a Breast Lift (Mastopexy) may be recommended.

Your Initial Consultation with Dr Dona

Your consultation allows you to discover whether Breast Implant Replacement Surgery is right for you. During this appointment, Dr Dona will:

• Discuss your concerns and goals
• Review your medical history and any previous procedures
• Examine your upper body to assess an appropriate options for you

If  Dr Dona considers you a suitable candidate, he will discuss the surgical approach, outline the expected recovery and outline all potential risks and complications.

Dr Dona is also very approachable and will take the time to answer your questions, so you feel fully informed before making any decisions.

Travelling from out of town?

Many of our patients visit Dr Dona in Bella Vista from interstate and overseas. To help make your journey smoother, we’ve created a dedicated information page with everything you need to know, from referrals and pre-surgery consultations to nearby accommodations, nursing care, transportation options, and more.

Patients considering Breast Implant Replacement Surgery typically have the procedure performed in a day surgery. You’ll be required to stay in Sydney for one week post-surgery and be seen in our clinic daily for post-operative monitoring, light therapy sessions and other recommended in-clinic treatments.

Breast Implant Replacement Costs

Will I receive a Medicare rebate?

If breast implant replacement surgery is performed for aesthetic reasons, Medicare does not provide a rebate.

In certain circumstances such as implant rupture, leakage, infection or significant capsular contracture,  a Medicare item number may apply if the procedure meets the clinical criteria for medical necessity. In most cases, Medicare item numbers relate to the removal of implants rather than their replacement. If new implants are inserted, this component of the surgery is typically not covered.

Eligibility for a Medicare rebate can only be determined following an Initial Consultation with Dr Dona, where your individual circumstances will be assessed.

Will my Private Health Insurance fund provide a rebate?

If you are eligible for a Medicare item number, your Private Health Insurance fund may contribute toward hospital and theatre costs associated with the medically indicated portion of the procedure, depending on your level of cover. It is important to note that health funds generally do not cover the cost of new implants or procedures performed for cosmetic reasons.

In some cases, implant manufacturers offer warranty programs that may assist with the cost of replacement implants if specific criteria are met. We recommend contacting your implant provider directly to understand what may apply.

Following your consultation, and if a Medicare item number has been provided, you should contact your Private Health Insurance fund to confirm your level of cover and any potential rebates.

Recovery and Your Post-operative Care Plan

Supporting optimal healing and scar minimisation every step of the way…

Before your procedure, we’ll give you a tailored and comprehensive post-operative care program. This will commence soon after surgery and involves multiple weekly in-clinic post-operative care visits with our nursing team that continue for several weeks. It enables our nursing team and Dr Dona to carefully monitor your progress, initiate post-operative treatments and wound care and ensure you achieve all the necessary recovery milestones.

As part of your recovery, you will be supported through our HeaLED Program.

Key components of the HeaLED Program may include:

• LED Light Therapy – Used to assist with the management of swelling, inflammation and post-operative discomfort, and to support the healing process.
• Rejuran Therapy – A treatment that supports skin quality and collagen production as part of post-surgical care.
• Medical-grade Skincare – Formulated to support the skin during recovery and assist with scar care.

These treatments are designed to support recovery and skin healing following surgery. Individual experiences and outcomes will vary.

Potential risks & complications

Every surgical procedure carries potential risks and complications. It’s essential to be aware of these before making any decisions about surgery.

Specific risks of Breast Implant Replacement

Breast Implant Replacement Surgery has the same potential risks and complications associated with Breast Augmentation Surgery. These may include (but are not limited to) capsular contracture, rippling (where the folds of the implants become visible), implant rupture, symastia (where the breasts sit too close together, resulting in little to no cleavage) or ‘bottoming out’ (where the implant drops below the position where it was initially placed).

FAQs

Do I need to stop my weight loss medications?

If you’re currently taking prescription weight loss medications from the GLP-1 receptor agonist class (or dual GLP-1/GIP agonists), you do not need to stop taking your medications. However, you must follow some specific (but simple) precautions before your surgery to minimise risk during anaesthesia. To learn more about what’s involved, please visit our information page, which provides full instructions for those on weight loss medications undergoing surgery.

Is implant replacement surgery painful?

Each individual’s experience of pain after surgery is unique. Some patients experience negligible pain, while others may be in significant discomfort. Typically, though, Breast Implant Replacement Surgery is far less painful than primary Breast Augmentation Surgery.

How much time do I need to take off work?

Sedentary office work, can be recommenced after one week, provided you feel comfortable. Individuals who have had more extensive surgery, such as a Breast Lift, may need two to three weeks before they return to work. Physically engaging work, such as hospitality work, can be resumed after approximately four weeks. Let commonsense caution and comfort levels be your guide.

Can I hire at home nursing care after my procedure?

Yes. If you do not have anyone at home to help you, particularly for the first week after surgery, there are nursing agencies available to help. Also, if you have private health insurance your provider may cover part or all the costs for transport and in-home nursing care. Please contact your private health insurance fund for more information.

For home visits, we recommend:

• CareNext Door -Post-Operative After-Care
• Care For Family – Post-Operative Care Services

For transport, several nursing transport companies are available to take you from the hospital to our clinic for your appointments.

• MediRide (T 02 9666 7930)
• National Patient Transfer