Breast Implant Replacement in Sydney with Dr Kernohan
Breast Implant Replacement or Breast Implant Exchange Surgery can help if you want to replace your old implants with new ones. It is primarily performed to resolve existing breast issues or simply alter the size of the breast implants.
Specialist Plastic Surgeon, Dr Michael Kernohan, is a highly experienced plastic surgeon in Sydney NSW. Dr Kernohan performs Implant Replacement surgery in Sydney’s Southwest Suburbs and the Southern Highlands regularly.
Download Dr Michael Kernohan Cosmetic Breast Surgery Guide
What is Breast Implant Replacement?
There are many reasons why women seek breast implant replacement surgery with Dr Kernohan. In some cases, the older implants have become very hard. This is a condition known as capsular contracture and sometimes calls for complete or partial removal of the surrounding capsule with the implants.
In other cases, women gain or lose a significant amount of weight and their breasts do not suit their bodies anymore. Sometimes, breast revision surgery is required to correct problems from the initial procedure.
Regardless of the reason, it is important to have a thorough discussion with Dr Kernohan about the size of the new implant in order to rectify and replace an aged or unwanted implant. Breast implant replacement surgery is a very delicate procedure and involves detailed knowledge of the initial breast procedure.
Symptoms that you may need Breast Implant Removal and Replacement
Look out for these signs and symptoms if you have had breast implant surgery:
- Your breasts are appearing asymmetrical; one of the breasts might look lopsided
- Some women experience bottoming out of implants. It can be identified by a higher position of nipples and a dropped implant underneath
- Capsular contracture, or hardening of the tissue surrounding the implants, is one of the most common reasons why women get the replacement surgery
- Some women notice a crease in the lower part of their breasts – this is known as a double bubble and needs replacement
- Your implant is ruptured and needs replacing
- You are dealing with Symmastia a condition characterised by breasts too close together, also known as uniboob
Breast implant replacement before and after photos
Taking a look at previous breast replacement procedures can help you see the expertise of a specific surgeon. You can see photos of Breast Implant Replacement when you visit Dr Kernohan’s clinic.
What to expect from implant replacement?
When replacing an implant, your surgeon first needs to remove existing implants. You don’t have to go to the same surgeon who performed your first surgery. During the initial consultation, Dr Kernohan will assess the state of your implants and present you with a suitable treatment plan. You may also have an ultrasound or MRI to assess your current implants.
Based on your preference, Dr Kernohan might do either of the following; implant removal with replacement of implants or replacement with a breast lift, and removal of any hard/lumpy tissue. It is important to understand that implant removal alone can lead to smaller breasts, sagging, dimpling, and/or asymmetry. Hence, doctors recommend replacing implants after the removal or having fat transfer to the breast.
Based on the type of procedure performed, you may or may not be able to return home on the day of the surgery. The recovery time is different for different patients.
Increasing breast implant longevity
One of the most common reasons why people opt for implant replacement is dissatisfaction with the size and shape. Make sure to choose an implant size that you can live with for the next decade or two.
For the optimal outcome, it is important to choose your surgeon carefully and follow all the postoperative instructions given by Dr Kernohan.
Recommended time to replace your implants
The exact time for replacing implants varies from person to person. Ideally, you should consider replacing them every 10 to 15 years. However, some women don’t replace them and have their implants in impeccable condition for decades. There are varying medical opinions about implant replacement. It is good to keep in mind that the risk of implant rupture increases with every passing year – especially with earlier versions of implants.
- Nothing lasts forever including your implants
- Some patients can keep their implants for decades
- Most implant manufacturers recommend keeping the implants for about ten years
- Research shows that older implants have a higher risk of future complication
- Some women wish to switch to a newer style, shape or size of implant
How soon can implants be replaced following Surgery?
In most cases, you can get your implants replaced after 12 months post the initial surgery. If you are dissatisfied with the results of your current breast implant surgery, you will need a referral from a local GP before booking a consultation with Dr Kernohan.
Recovery and aftercare
After breast implant replacement surgery, your breasts will be covered with a dressing and a support bra to minimise swelling and provide added support. For the initial three weeks, stick to light activities and aim to rest as much as possible. Most patients will be able to go back to their work activities within 7 to 21 days post-surgery depending on the type of work
It is normal to experience some bruising and swelling for the first two weeks after the surgery. By week three, all these symptoms will start to subside on their own.
Risks and Complications of Breast Replacement Surgery
Like any other cosmetic procedure, breast implant replacement has a certain degree of risks and complications such as:
- General Anaesthesia – Patients might feel dizzy and nauseous for a few days after getting general anaesthesia
- Bleeding – Excessive bleeding is a potential risk that can be minimised by testing for possible blood anomalies, right techniques and taking care of incisions
- Infection – This can be prevented by the use of antibiotics, the right surgical technique, modern dressing, and proper care
- Changes in nipple sensation that are often just temporary
- Potential asymmetries are also a concern. An often daunting one especially when you are going for breast replacement
- Other general complications include anaesthetic, pain, bleeding, infection, wound opening
- Specific possible complications include a scar, seroma, capsular contracture, implant leakage or deflation, rupture, implant extrusion, autoimmune disease, palpable implant, etc.
For more information read Dr Kernohan’s risks of surgery page.
How much is breast implant replacement surgery in Sydney
After having the initial consultation with Dr Kernohan, you will be given a detailed quote that will cover the following: surgeon’s fee, anaesthetic fee, assistant’s fee and hospital fees, including theatre and day stay fee.
Generally speaking, a breast implant removal and replacement surgery in Sydney can range from around $15,000 to $22,000, depending on several factors.
Find out more details about the costs of breast implant replacement surgery in Sydney on Dr Kernohan’s pricing page.
Also, you can call or contact his team to get a cost estimate for your procedure.
Does Medicare Cover the Breast Implant Replacement Surgery?
A Medicare rebate might be available based on your circumstances for undergoing breast implant replacement surgery. If you are getting breast implants removed and replaced for purely aesthetic reasons, you may be interested in medical financing options.
How to find the best surgeon in Sydney
A breast implant replacement surgery can be more complicated than the first breast augmentation surgery. Hence, it is important to choose a plastic surgeon who has the right skills and expertise to perform the surgery.
If you have had an unpleasant experience during your primary breast augmentation surgery, you’ll need to be extra careful when choosing the surgeon to perform the replacement.
Always choose a specialist plastic surgeon who has experience. Your surgeon needs to be highly skilled to minimise potential post-op risks and complications and guide you through the recovery process.
1. Do Your Research
If you have just started your search, it is best to look up the surgeons in your local area and visit their websites one by one. The website is like a portfolio for surgeons. You will be able to find all sorts of valuable information about the surgeon’s background.
That will give you something to work with during the consultation. Make sure that the surgeon has private hospital privileges as this speaks volumes about the credibility of the surgeon.
You can also attend a consultation with two or three surgeons. We don’t recommend more than three consultations as it will further confuse you. During the consultation, ask all the questions you have and make sure you are fully satisfied with the answers you get.
2. Find a Surgeon you are Comfortable With
Trust your instinct. Pay attention to how you feel with a particular surgeon. If a surgeon has all the experience and expertise required to do the job, go ahead with him/her. If you don’t feel comfortable, you can always look for another surgeon.
Breast Implant Replacement Surgery FAQs
Here is a list of frequently asked questions we get regarding breast implant replacement:
How do I know when my breast implants need replacing?
There are many different potential scenarios that can lead to implant replacement or in some cases removal of breast implants. Some of the most common reasons are:
- Rupture of breast implant
- Displacement of implant
- Breast implant bottom out
- Implant malfunction
- Capsular contracture
- A surgical error
- Change in personal aesthetics
- Change in lifestyle
- Breast implant-related illnesses
What happens if you don’t replace breast implants?
- Implants are not designed to last a lifetime. With each passing year, the chances of implant rupture increase by one per cent. The older the implants are, the higher the chances of breast implant-related complications are (such as implant rupture).
How many times can you replace breast implants?
- Most of the silicone/saline implants are designed to last for 10-20 years. However, this doesn’t mean that you have to get them replaced every 10 years. Most patients may only need 1 to 3 replacements in their lifetime.
What happens to implants after 20 years?
- In many cases, breast implants can remain in good shape for 20 years or more. However, the chances of rupture increase by one per cent per year after a decade. So, you are at a much higher risk.
Does replacing breast implants hurt?
- You won’t feel anything during the surgery as it is performed under anaesthesia. Post the surgery, you might experience some discomfort which can be countered with pain killers.
How often should implants be replaced?
- It is recommended to get your implants replaced every 10 years.
Can you remove breast implants and not replace them?
- Yes, if that is something you want, you can totally remove your implants but you might be left with loose skin and in need of a breast lift.
Does insurance pay to have breast implants replaced?
- If the removal of an implant is deemed as a medical necessity, insurance may cover for a part of the costs of the surgery. Ask your health fund if you policy will cover Breast Implant Replacement.
How long is surgery to replace breast implants?
- Breast implant surgery can take one to three hours depending on the complexity of your procedure.
Further Reading & Medical References
Read Dr Kernohan’s page on Breast Implant Removal
Read Dr Kernohan’s page on Breast Implant Removal with a Lift
