Breast Reaugmentation

Yes, breast implants are safe. Mentor implants have a unique 4 shell layer design, to prevent the implant leaking. The surface and texture of Mentor's implants are designed to ensure there is less risk of capsulation and a low risk of rupture, as well as breast implant-associated anaplastic and breast implant illness.

Breast reaugmentation usually uses the original incision created during the breast enlargement process. Please note that the scar can also migrate following surgery as the implants settle which means that the scar is not always guaranteed to fall within the natural breast crease. The rate and extent to which the scars heal and fade are variable and differ from individual to individual. Very rarely, a scar does not heal as expected.

The length of time a breast implant lasts is unknown and may vary from individual to individual. The Medical Devices Agency has recommended that implants are replaced every 10-15 years or at least visit your surgeon for an assessment during this time. Many patients choose to have implant removal and reaugmentation surgery to replace their old implants with new ones. This is usually due to natural changes that occur to the body over time, such as pregnancy, breastfeeding, weight loss and the natural ageing of skin, however, some patients choose to have new implants as their desired aesthetic has changed and opt for larger or smaller implants.

Implant removal without replacement is an option if you do not want to have new implants in place of your old ones. Your surgeon will be able to best advise what the likely result will look like.

Typically, patients will have their implants for around 10-15 years and then opt for an implant removal and reaugmentation procedure to replace them with new implants. This will normally be due to the natural changes that the female body undergoes during this time. Pregnancy, breastfeeding, weight loss and the natural ageing of the skin can cause breasts to change in shape and size, meaning that implants no longer sit on the chest wall as they once did. There are instances of patients having their implants in for 30 years, so it really does depend on your own body. In some cases, patients physical desires change over time and they may decide to change to smaller or larger implants.

Breast implants will not normally prevent breastfeeding but may adversely affect the shape of the breast as may pregnancy itself. Women should expect physical changes to their bodies that could affect the aesthetic results of surgery and in some cases, it is advised that patients wait until after completion of their family or have achieved their optimum weight before surgery.

Natural changes occur in the female body over time that contribute to breast implants needing replacing, such as pregnancy, breastfeeding, weight loss and ageing of the skin. Signs that your breast implants might need replacing are implant rupture, capsular contracture, change in sensation or touch, lateral displacement, pain in the breast, ptosis or sagging of the breast.

Patients who are having their implants removed and not replaced may notice some changes in the breasts due to their implants stretching the skin and causing ptosis. If patients are having their implants removed and replaced with smaller or larger implants, the surgeon will try to make the incision along the original scar line from the previous breast surgery to minimise scarring. Patients having implant removal and reaugmentation surgery should expect their new breasts to look firmer, fuller and lifted.

If you have had breast enlargement surgery, it is likely that you will need to have your implants removed and replaced in 10-15 years. Some patients may choose to have their implants completely removed but the majority of patients choose to have implant removal and reaugmentation surgery to replace their implants with new ones.

Our unique eConsult service allows patients to speak directly to our expert team of advisors via a secure and private video call FREE of charge. During your eConsult you can discuss the often personal and emotional reasons you are considering implant removal and reaugmentation procedure from the comfort and privacy of your own home.   

MYA’s specialist-trained eConsult advisors will guide you through the process of an implant removal and reaugmentation procedure and discuss the outcome you are hoping to achieve. MYA’s advisors have a wealth of knowledge and have helped many patients seeking surgery over the years; they understand that the process can be a little overwhelming at times, but your consultation is a safe space for you to discuss all your questions and concerns. You will also have the opportunity to look at before and after photos and discuss which surgeon is the right fit for you.   

COVID-19 SAFETY  

In response to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, MYA have introduced enhanced safety measures to protect both patients and staff. Patients should only be required to attend a clinical hub or hospital where clinically necessary. To ensure your safety, MYA will be offering virtual consultations where possible.  

Your surgeon consultation will take place at one of our clinical hubs, where you will meet your chosen MYA surgeon. The surgeon consultation provides an opportunity for you to discuss what you want to change about your breasts and the outcome you are hoping to achieve with implant removal and reaugmentation surgery.  If your previous surgery was carried out by another cosmetic surgery provider, your surgeon will request to see your medical notes about your previous breast procedure and your current implants. 

The surgeon will examine your breasts to assess your physical requirements and will then explain the risks, limitations and benefits of implant removal and reaugmentation surgery and alternative treatment options. The surgeon will also discuss the different implant sizes and placement options suitable for you and answer any questions you may have about new breast implants and advise what to expect during breast implant reaugmentation recovery. Following your surgeon consultation, you will have the opportunity to try on different implants to help you decide what size to choose for your surgery.

All MYA Surgeons are highly experienced, GMC registered and only perform cosmetic surgery. They are highly skilled in this field and will make appropriate recommendations regarding your suitability for implant removal and reaugmentation surgery. Patients are entitled to have a second surgeon consultation ahead of their operation if needed.

Following your face-to-face surgeon consultation, you will be invited to attend a ‘vitals’ appointment with a MYA nurse. During this appointment, the nurse will take physiological measurements and perform screening procedures such as taking blood samples and swabs, as required. You are also required to attend an e-pre-operative assessment with a nurse who will discuss the implant removal & reaugmentation surgery including pre and post-operative advice and requirements.  

You will receive your hospital admission time, up to 24-48 hours before your surgery date. Patients should shower either the evening before or the morning of surgery and must not apply deodorant, makeup, or skincare products.  

Patients must not eat anything (including chewing gum) 6 hours prior to the hospital admission time. If you do eat prior to the 6 hours, please ensure that it is a small, light meal such as 2 pieces of toast or 30g of cereal; if you eat too much, there is a risk of your operation being cancelled. You can drink small sips 30mls per hour of still clear water, up to 2 hours before your hospital admission time.  

Patients must not drink alcohol for a minimum of 48 hrs before surgery. If you drink more than 2-3 drinks daily, you will need to abstain (stop) for 2 weeks prior to the date of surgery. MYA advises patients must not smoke, vape or use nicotine patches for a minimum of 4 weeks prior to surgery (each Surgeon will provide you with specific guidance on stopping smoking). Patients are advised not to smoke, vape or use nicotine products until they are fully healed, as this can lead to delayed healing and infection. 

You will be admitted to your MYA hospital on the day of your implant removal & reaugmentation surgery. COVID-19 screening will be applied before you enter the hospital. Once admitted you will be taken to the ward and given your hospital gown to change into. Some patients will be asked to take a nicotine test and women at risk of pregnancy will be asked to take a pregnancy test.    

Patients are not taken straight into surgery on admission to the hospital, there can be a wait of up to 6 hours depending on the surgery list scheduled that day. Your hospital team will keep you updated on your operation time and will be able to answer any questions you may have on the day. You will meet your anaesthetist and surgeon on the ward before you are taken to theatre for surgery, they will gain your written consent to operate, answer any further questions you have and run through the process of the day. 

Your implant removal & reaugmentation procedure will be performed under general anaesthetic, this will be administered by inserting a needle into the back of your hand, it will take about 30 seconds for the anaesthetic to start taking effect. If you are worried about needles, speak to your MYA Nurse, who will inform the anaesthetist and hospital before surgery. An implant removal & reaugmentation procedure should take between 1-2 hours, depending on your physical requirements and your surgeon’s recommended treatment plan.  

During the procedure, your surgeon will make a small incision (typically between 2-3 inches) along your original scar line in the breast crease to remove your current implants. Your surgeon will then remove the capsule (scar tissue), repair the pocket and insert the breast implants either in front of the muscle, between or underneath, the placement will depend upon what has been discussed with the surgeon and your previous implant placement.

Prior to your surgery, you will have agreed with your surgeon on what implant size to use, however, some surgeons will agree on a range of implant sizes and decide during the operation which implant size will achieve the best result based on your physiology.   

The incisions will be closed with either dissolvable or non-dissolvable sutures, depending on your surgeon’s technique. Your surgeon will put dressings on your incisions which must not be removed until your post-op appointment with a MYA nurse at your local clinical hub. Following surgery you will be required to wear a post-op surgical bra for 6-8 weeks, day and night as instructed by your surgeon.   

Some surgeons may require you to wear a breast band or use strapping as their preferred technique. Both the breast band and strapping support the breasts and stop any unnecessary movement, therefore it is important that this is kept in place for the required time. It is essential that patients follow their personal treatment plan and consult their MYA clinical team if they experience any issues or discomfort.   

Patients who have undergone implant removal & reaugmentation surgery, typically take 6-8 weeks to heal from the procedure. Bruising and swelling to the breasts and chest is normal following implant removal & reaugmentation surgery and should subside after 7-21 days.   

Initially, your breasts may feel tight and tender, and your breast implants may sit high on your chest and appear slightly pointy, this will settle down over the first 6 weeks as the healing process gradually takes place, and your implants drop and fluff. Pain relief will be prescribed post-operatively to ease any discomfort.  

It is important that patients do not get their incisions wet until advised it is safe to do so by a MYA Nurse. Patients can wash around the area and have shallow baths but must not submerge their wounds in water until they are fully healed. It is very important to attend all your post-op appointments at your MYA clinical hub for a nurse to monitor your healing and deliver wound care.    

Healing will evolve over several months, but it can take up to 1 year post-op to see the final result. Scars are a natural part of the healing process following surgery, most will fade and become paler and flatter over time, although they never completely disappear.  

 Mr Giannas  
Mr Mahdi  
Mr Mileto  
Mr Netri  
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Mr Tsekouras  

A breast implant removal and reaugmentation procedure with MYA can cost anywhere from £7,695. Procedure costs are tailored to individual requirements, and you will receive a fixed price following your surgeon assessment.  

To read more about our finance options, click here.