16th March 2022

Breast Implant Replacement: What You Need to Know

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Posted by Dr. James Apesos

Breast implants have about 10-20 years of lifeline, but that does not mean you will need them replaced after ten years. The FDA has not placed any regulations on the time breast implants last.

Do Breast Implants Have a Lifespan?

The first question one would ask is whether breast implants can last forever. Unfortunately, the answer is no. They do not last forever and will eventually wear out. However, some factors can affect the lifespan of your breast implants, such as:

Your body’s response to the implant

The type of implant material used
An underlying medical condition that could affect the healing process
Smoking
Rupture or leakage of your implant

Signs It Is Time for a Replacement

Breast implant designs are not to last a lifetime. Although some can remain for many years, knowing what signs indicate time to replace them is essential.

Hardening

When you first get your implants, your body creates a natural barrier around them known as scar tissue, the capsule. Typically, this capsule is thin and flexible, but it can thicken and harden over time, causing additional pain and discomfort. Capsular contractures can also cause your breasts to feel stiff or tight, look misshapen, or feel slightly uncomfortable.

Pain and Discomfort

If you are experiencing pain or discomfort in your breasts, it could signify that your breast implant has ruptured or shifted out of place. The earlier you detect these issues, the better your outcome is likely to be after breast implant replacement surgery.

Ruptured Implant

The outer shell can wear down over time and eventually rupture. This can happen with any implant, but is more common in older implants made with silicone gel instead of saline solutions. If your implant ruptures, you will need to have surgery as soon as possible.

Deflated Implant

If one of your breast implants has deflated, the chances are high that the second implant will follow suit within the next few years. For this reason, many plastic surgeons choose to replace both breast implants at the same time. The cost of replacing one implant is similar to that of replacing both.

Breast Tenderness

Another sign that one or both of your implants may need replacing is if you experience tenderness or pain in one or both breasts. While it could be something else entirely, it could also mean that an implant has ruptured and its contents have leaked into your body. For this reason, any tenderness or pain should be examined by a plastic surgeon as soon as possible.

What Happens During Breast Implant Removal?

The process of removing breast implants is known as breast explanation. During the surgery, your doctor will remove the implant from its pocket and drain any fluid from it. They may also remove scar tissue built up around the implant overtime if necessary.

In some cases, this scar tissue (known as capsular contracture) can be painful and uncomfortable after an extended period. Lastly, if you have implants with ruptures or leaks, these will be removed during explanation.

What to Expect after Breast Implant Replacement

Generally, breast augmentation surgery takes between one and two hours. The surgeon will incise within the natural crease beneath the breast, in the armpit, or around the nipple area (areola). Then he will place a breast implant under the breast tissue or muscle through this incision.

It’s normal for you to feel some pain after the surgery and experience some swelling and bruising around your breast and chest area. The surgical site will likely be sore and sensitive for up to four weeks. You may also need to wear a surgical bra for support during this time.

Your surgeon will prescribe medication to relieve any discomfort. After about two weeks, you should be fine.

If you’re looking for a plastic surgeon in Dayton and Miami Valley who provides both breast augmentation and breast lift surgery, contact Dr. James Apesos M.D F.A.C.S to schedule your consultation today!

What people say about our doctor?

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I found Dr. Apesos through another patient of his. I found that you need to know what kind of questions to ask him to get the information you want out of him because he isn’t exactly the kind of person who is very detailed in his explanations. I am very happy with the results of my breast augmentation and he was very patient with me when I would freak out and call the office numerous times a week. I would definitely recommend him to others and from my experience, be patient, don’t freak out, he knows what he is doing and if you follow his directions, you’re outcome will most likely be a good one.(I say that because everybody’s body is different and heals differently)

Definitely Recommends

I consulted Dr. Apesos for liposuction of my abdomen and thighs. I was blown away when he said he wouldn’t do liposuction until I lost my extra weight. He told me to come back, when the weight was gone and we would talk about the procedure again. He advised me, liposuction is not for weight loss. As I was leaving, he could tell I was a little upset. He reassured me that if wanted the best possible results, that I needed to loss the extra weight. So, I lost the 20lbs and I had my procedure done! I can’t tell you how happy I am!!! Especially to find a doctor that turned my money away for my own benefit! What kind of Dr. turns money down? Dr. Apesos did! I consulted two other plastic surgeons prior to consulting Dr. Apesos and they were more than happy to do my liposuction at my previous weight. After leaving my consultation with Dr. Apesos, I knew hands down that I wanted him to do my procedure. My problem areas are gone and I love sporting my bikini!

Great Advice, and Excellent Liposuction

I found Dr.Apesos to be a very thorough doctor, who more than took his time to answer any and ALL of my question. His bedside manner was very pleasant as well, he new that I was very nervous the morning of my surgery and manage to make me laugh. He took his time to listen to what it is that I wanted & and to make sure that I was going to be happy with the results. He even gave my husband his personal cell after my surgery should we need him. I would without a doubt recommend him to anyone considering plastic surgery.

Happy with Results

I landed at the Plastic Surgery Pavillion more than 10 years ago for a consultation with Dr Apesos. I had undergone a prophylactic double mastectomy with botched reconstructions by another plastic surgeon in the Dayton area 3 years prior. I had lost my self confidence and hope of ever feeling “normal” again. Dr Apesos was sympathetic, caring and thoughtful, and after the next few weeks of studying my extensive surgical history formulated a plan to “fix” me. Experience and talent does count! After a long and complicated surgery, I could not have hoped for a better outcome. I have passed along my story to many, and recommend Dr Apesos as the BEST in the Midwest. In fact, my results were so good that I have had many facial cosmetic surgeries since due to my trust in his skill and artistry. These include upper and lower blepharospasm, rhinoplasty, and an S-lift. My results are natural looking, not plastic or “pulled”. I finally look like I feel….a youthful 57!

Best in the Midwest

I vowed I would never ever put myself through the ‘ordeal’ of plastic surgery, I thought”I hope I grow old gracefully”! My work keeps me in the spotlight, and I constantly come across people who have had face lifts or some cosmetic surgery. Dr. Apesos performed the surgery on most of these people, they simply looked naturally younger! Upon meeting Dr. Apesos, his passion about his profession and his ability make people happy was evident, and helped me make the decision to have a full facelift. I had total trust, he was incredibly thoughtful, caring and put my mind at ease from the very beginning. That was 6 years ago, I continue receive compliments about my looks, I couldn’t be happier! I traveled a long distance to Dr. Apesos for the surgery, I could have gone to one of several surgeons in the state where I live, but I made the right choice! I would recommend him to anyone who considers having cosmetic surgery.

Dr. Evelyn Macenzie

I had my pre-op visit with Dr. Apeso’s recently. I have surgery in November. I had a lot of questions and concerns as I am young. He was very friendly and funny put my nervous at ease. His staff was very nice and caring on lady was quite wouldn’t really talk to me but other than that amazing. I know there are mixed reviews I guess in November I will see how amazing his work is I can not wait! Will update once I am back to myself.

Young Daytonian

A couple of dear friends of mine had went to Dr. Apesos for their BA and tummy tuck. One friend got her BA about 14 years ago and the other one was within year. They were extremely happy (both look very natural and I didn’t even know they had anything done). Also, my mother is a nurse and had worked at same hospital with him a long time ago so that verified his experience with me. I flew back to Ohio for my consult. This went very well. I got to try different implants in the bra they require for post op surgery. Dr. Apesos was aware that I wanted a very natural look as I am on TV. I was scared to go too big yet then again I didn’t want to be small. My results are perfect! Everyone on set and that I work with could not tell I had surgery yet I have nice natural looking Big ones!! haha.The scaring… can not even see it. They are exactly what I wanted. Great work guys!

Big Ones

It has been approximately one year and two months since Dr. Apesos performed my blepharoplasty (upper and lower) and my facelift. I could not be more pleased with the results. When I had my initial consultation with Dr. Apesos, he listened attentively and asked several questions for clarification as to my desired result. He provided me with a book of before and after pictures of individuals who had the same two procedures. We discussed his methodology for both procedures and what the results would be. He took a considerable amount of time answering my many questions as I had never had any elective surgery done before. Dr. Apesos carefully explained to me how I would feel after the surgery and when the follow-up appointments would take place. I was very impressed with his use of supplements to build up my cells prior to the procedures as well as reduce bruising afterward. The paperwork I took home was clear and concise as to what I was to do before and after the surgery. Having the surgery done at Dr. Apesos’s own surgical suite was convenient for me and my family. His surgical staff was kind and accommodating to a 66 year old. Never did I feel uneasy or rushed during my trips to and from the surgical suite. Although I was under anesthesia, I can remember staff members holding my hand and rubbing my shoulder during the procedure. My other memory is of Dr. Apesos’s calm voice speaking to the staff. I could not have asked for a more caring group to take care of me when I was vulnerable. My recovery was fast with very little bruising. Once the swelling subsided, I was amazed at the results that had been achieved. Dr. Apesos’s office staff was friendly and encouraging as to my healing face each and every time I came for an appointment. I continued to follow Dr. Apesos’s instructions for the next year until my eyes and face had finished changing. We had a slight reconfiguration of one eye at the one-year mark which made my results 100% of what I wanted. I continued my journey with Kathy of the Skin Center (also in Dr. Apesos’s office) to use filler on some lines around my mouth with fantastic results. Now when I look in the mirror, I can see memories of that young woman again that I once was. Because of Dr. Apesos’s conservative approach, nobody knows I have had these procedures done. People just comment on how healthy I look and wonder what I do to my skin to make it look so young. I would recommend Dr. Apesos in a heartbeat to anyone desiring these types of surgeries. He is a highly intelligent doctor who is excellent at his craft. Dr. Apesos has made a positive change in my life and in my self confidence that will last for years. I will never be able to thank him.

JBS May 26th, 2015

Hi, I severely burned my right hand as a baby. From what I was told multiple surgeons said they couldn’t fix it. However, Dr. Apesos wasn’t afraid to try. Gosh, it must have been about 30 years ago now? I’ve just recently been told the name of the surgeon that helped to restore the use of my right hand. I wanted to reach out and say thank you to Dr. Apesos. I’m forever grateful for his efforts. It’s still scarred but it’s functional I’m so grateful that it’s relatively normal looking. I’m eternally grateful for what he’s done for me. I’m glad I now know who he is so that I can voice that gratitude to him. Thanks

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Do Breast Implants Have a Lifespan?

Signs It Is Time for a Replacement

Hardening

Pain and Discomfort

Ruptured Implant

Deflated Implant

Breast Tenderness

What Happens During Breast Implant Removal?

What to Expect after Breast Implant Replacement

What people say about our doctor?

Latest News on Your Doctor's Blog

Frequently Asked Questions