Many women who have undergone breast augmentation surgery will retain their implants for many years without complication, or desire to change. However, when implant exchange is recommended, in some cases where the original implants have dropped over time, a breast uplift (mastopexy) may also be considered. We will work together with you to determine the correct course of action taking into consideration your personal desires and concerns, during your pre-operative assessment.
During your surgery, we will usually try to follow the pattern of the previous incisions so as to minimise visible scarring; it is worth noting that this may not be possible when a mastopexy is also being performed. The new implant will then be placed either in front of or behind the chest muscle (the placement of the implant will also be decided during your pre-operative assessment), and the wound will be closed.
At REAL, breast implant removal / exchange is carried out under general anaesthetic. We use total intravenous anaesthesia as it has greater potential benefits compared to other forms of anaesthesia. Intravenous anaesthesia is more rapid in onset, and elimination which allows for speedier recovery. Further benefits include; increased haemodynamic stability (stabilised blood flow), decreased risk of organ toxicity, decrease in surgical haemostasis (bleeding), reduced risk of postoperative nausea and vomiting, and improved, more predictable recovery.
