Breast Implant Exchange Beverly Hills

Treatment Overview

First, you will meet with Dr. Anita Patel in Beverly Hills to share your concerns and discuss the results that you hope to achieve. This will be followed by a review of your medical history and a focused physical exam. Breast implant removal and replacement requires a consultation to assess the amount of volume present naturally versus via the implants, discuss the new goal size or shape, and plan for what current problems need to be addressed, if any are present.

Dr. Anita will then go over the risks and activity restrictions, and give you time to ask questions. Prior to the surgery, you will fill out consent forms.

Breast implant removal typically involves removing the breast implant through the same incision via which they were placed, and may also involve partial or total capsulectomy (removal of scar tissue), and/or breast lift, depending on the circumstances. If implants are being replaced, the new implants will be inserted via the same incision.

General anesthesia will be administered for this surgery and we recommend that you arrange to have someone drive you to and from the surgery appointment.

• Length of Surgery: 1-4 hours depending on the extent of the procedure
• Anesthesia: General
• Post-Op Activity: Walking same day is encouraged. Avoid strenuous activity for 6 weeks.
• Return to Work: 1 week

Please Note: These are general estimates that may or may not apply to you individually.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do Breast Implants Last Forever?

Breast implants are not expected to last a lifetime, and are not considered permanent lifetime devices.

How Long Are Breast Implants Good For?

There is no exact number of years that applies to each patient. The general guideline is to expect to change the implants every 10 years. That being said, if a complication were to arise earlier than that, the time would obviously be shorter in that circumstance. On the other hand, if one has no problems with the implants and no desire to change any other aspect of the breasts at 10 years, then they can be left in place longer with appropriate monitoring as directed.

How Long Do Saline Breast Implants Last?

While the general guideline is to expect to change the implants every 10 years, if you are not having any symptoms or issues at 10 years, you can keep saline implants in longer.

How Often Should Breast Implants Be Replaced?

In general, one should expect to replace implants approximately every 10 years. The exact amount of time varies according to implant type and individual circumstances.

How Often Does Breast Augmentation Need to Be Redone?

One should expect to replace implants or breast augmentation approximately every 10 years, possibly waiting longer if there are no other issues. They may also last less long if issues do arise, such as leak or rupture or capsular contracture.

Will Breastfeeding Ruin My Implants?

While breastfeeding does not ruin implants themselves, it can definitely cause a change in the amount and location of the breast tissue, the laxity or looseness of the skin, and degree of drooping present. All of these may contribute to wanting breast implant revision with or without a lift, but they do not always result in changes that require surgery.

Do Breast Implants Sag Over Time?

It is normal for breast tissue to change with age and develop more sagging, and breast implants may or may not sag to the same degree. If the implant does not sag and the breast tissue does, then a breast lift can be done without changing the implants (though if they are old, it is a good time to change them). Large, heavy implants can contribute to greater sagging or faster sagging, especially in cases where the skin that has poor elasticity or the implant is out of proportion to the frame and creating extra stress on the body.

How Much Does Breast Implant Replacement Cost?

The cost for breast implant removal and replacement surgery will depend on many factors, including type of implants, and if you require additional procedures such as breast lift. To provide you with accurate pricing information, we invite you to book a complimentary Pre-Consult Phone Call with our Patient Care Coordinator by calling 310.205.0212. During that phone call, important information will be discussed and ballpark pricing will be provided.