The surgical technique used by your Specialist Plastic Surgeon will depend on whether you are undergoing breast implant replacement or removal. If the reason for removal or replacement is due to rupture or silicone leakage, you might need to undergo an ultrasound or mammogram before the surgery. Your GP can provide you with a radiology request form to arrange this imaging before your consultation with the surgeon.
During the procedure, incisions are typically made along the scars from your previous surgery. The existing implant is then removed, and the internal structure of your breast, known as the breast pocket, is carefully evaluated. In cases where the previous implant was inserted through incisions in the armpit, the surgeon will usually remove them through an inframammary incision, which is preferred.
If the implant removal or replacement is due to capsular contracture, a capsulectomy will be performed concurrently to remove the scar tissue capsule surrounding the implant.
For those undergoing implant replacement, the new implant will usually be positioned in the same location as the previous one – behind the breast tissue, either in front of or behind the pectoral muscle, depending on the reason for replacement. Your surgeon may also reshape the breast pocket if necessary. We use premium silicone implants from Mentor (Johnson & Johnson), a leading breast implant manufacturer, and we do not use Poly Implant Prothèse (PIP) implants. Additionally, your new breast implants will be registered with the Australian Breast Device Registry, a Government initiative aimed at monitoring the safety and quality of breast implant procedures at no cost to the patient.
In cases where a straightforward implant removal is conducted, you may require a mastopexy to lift your breasts. Implants can stretch the skin and breast tissue over time, and after removal, patients may experience breast ptosis (sagging of the breast) and downward-pointing nipples and areolas.
The most appropriate approach for your situation will be determined by your surgeon. It’s important to understand that both breasts, nipples, and areolas are never perfectly symmetrical in size and shape.
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