Breast implant replacement
Due to various reasons breast implants can require correction. In such situations a surgery is performed for the purpose of their complete replacement. Another reason for endoprosthesis replacement is such complication as fibrous capsular contracture. It means that fibrous tissue has formed around an implant and now this implant requires full replacement. The main goal of such surgery is to restore the natural shape of a woman’s healthy breast.
Breast implant replacement procedure:
If a capsular contracture formation has become a cause for breast implant replacement then surgery is performed in the same order as the initial one. A surgeon makes and incision at the same location as the first one (in the armpit, in the crease under the breast or at the areola). The damaged implants are removed, the fibrous capsule is dissected and removed. The damaged implants are replaced with new endoprostheses of better quality and enhanced reliability. In the course of the replacement procedure a surgeon can carry out breast lift, if necessary. Upon completion of surgery a surgeon sutures the cuts and applies a compressive bandage.
Preparation to breast implant replacement:
Preoperative preparation is very important for any mammoplasty surgery. Preparation stage is crucial if surgery is repeated. A doctor orders a comprehensive examination for a patient: general and biochemical blood test, urine test, electrocardiography, X-ray examination, breast ultrasound, mammogram. Blood is tested for dangerous infections (AIDS, tuberculosis, syphilis, hepatitis, etc.).
The Rh factor, blood sugar level and clotting ability are determined. Examinations by a breast cancer oncologist, gynecologist and breast physician are obligatory. Also, a consultation with an anesthesiologist is held. If a patient is currently ill and takes medicines a doctor should be warned about it.
Several weeks prior to the procedure a patient must stop smoking and consuming alcohol. She is prescribed a special diet to facilitate weight reduction and body detoxification. One day before surgery the intestines are purged using enema or purgatives. A special catheter is inserted to empty the urinary bladder. No eating and drinking is allowed 7-8 hours before surgery.
Surgery/procedure duration: 2 hours
Anesthesia: general anesthesia
Postoperative period:
After plastic surgery a patient stays at the clinic under a doctor’s observation for 3 days. During this period it is important to observe her condition closely to avoid possible complications. Bandages are replaced daily and antiseptic solutions are used on sutures. Antibacterial therapy is introduced to prevent a wound infection. During this period breast swelling and small bruising can occur. They require no special treatment and subside on their own in a few days.
From the first days after the procedure a patient should wear a special bra maintaining the correct breast shape and providing relief from the postoperative discomfort. During a month a patient should avoid visiting sauna and solarium. Taking a shower is allowed not earlier than in a week.
A doctor removes stitches in about 7-8 days. The recovery period takes approximately a month. It is important to avoid accidental trauma and intense physical activities. In 5 or 6 months the implants will be healed completely, scars will disappear and a patient will be able to see the final result of surgery.
Due to various reasons breast implants can require correction. In such situations a surgery is performed for the purpose of their complete replacement. Another reason for endoprosthesis replacement is such complication as fibrous capsular contracture. It means that fibrous tissue has formed around an implant and now this implant requires full replacement. The main goal of such surgery is to restore the natural shape of a woman’s healthy breast.
