Breast surgery in Alicante
Removing your breast implants and placing new ones when there is capsular contracture, a rupture, older implants or a wish to change size. Dr Navarro first assesses the condition of your implants and tissues so he can suggest the right option for you.
Anaesthesia
General
Duration
1.5 to 3 hours
Hospital stay
Usually one night
Support bra
Around one month
Back to work
Around 2 weeks
Final result
Around 3 to 6 months
Approximate figures. They are confirmed at your consultation for each case.
The technique
Breast implant replacement involves removing the implants you currently have and placing new ones suited to your current situation and what you are looking for. It is not simply a swap: the space where the implant sat is also checked and treated.
The body forms a capsule, a thin layer of tissue, around any implant. If it is thickened, hardened or contains silicone from a rupture, it is removed completely or partially (capsulectomy). If it is thin and healthy, it can be left in place.
Depending on the case, the implant plane, size or shape can also be changed, or a breast lift can be added if the breasts have dropped over the years.
Some textured implants have been linked to a very rare type of lymphoma (BIA-ALCL). If you have no symptoms, removing them for this reason alone is not recommended: your usual check-ups are enough.
Get in touch if you notice that a breast is getting bigger or swollen, or you find a lump, especially years after surgery.
Suitability
Having had implants for many years does not, on its own, mean they must be replaced. If there is no discomfort and your scans show no changes, continuing with regular check-ups may be enough.
At your consultation, Dr Navarro will tell you clearly whether a replacement makes sense now or whether it is better to wait.
Before you decide
Before suggesting anything, it is important to know which implants you have and what condition they are in. At your first consultation, Dr Navarro sees you personally and takes the time to review your case.
01
What worries you or what you would like to change, when you had your surgery and whether you have any symptoms.
02
Examination of the breasts and, if you have them, your surgical report and implant card (brand, model and size).
03
If needed, an ultrasound scan or MRI to assess the condition of the implants and the capsule.
04
You take the proposal home in writing, together with the quote and the risks. You can raise any questions before you decide.
On the day of surgery
Beforehand
Pre-operative tests and an assessment by the anaesthetist. The new implant is chosen according to your tissues and what you are looking for.
To begin
The procedure is carried out under general anaesthesia. Whenever its position allows, access is through your previous scar.
Removal
The implants are removed and the capsule is examined. If it is thickened or hardened, or there is free silicone, it is removed completely or partially (capsulectomy).
Placement
The space is prepared, changing the plane if appropriate, and the new implants are placed. If the breasts have dropped, a lift can be added.
To finish
The incisions are closed with fine stitches and a dressing is applied. After a capsulectomy, a drain may be left in for one or two days.
Afterwards
First night
You usually spend one night in hospital. Any discomfort is controlled with the prescribed medication.
At 48 hours
The dressing is removed and replaced with a non-wired bra, which you will wear for about a month.
Weeks 1 and 2
A follow-up appointment with Dr Navarro. Many patients return to work that is not physically demanding after around two weeks.
Weeks 4 to 6
You gradually return to exercise, as Dr Navarro advises. The timing depends on what was done during surgery, not on the shape of the implant.
Months 3 to 6
The implants settle. During these months it is advisable to care for your scars with the products Dr Navarro recommends and to keep your skin moisturised.
Important information
Like any surgery, breast implant replacement carries risks. Most are uncommon, but it is important to understand them before you decide:
There are also the risks associated with anaesthesia. Dr Navarro will go through them with you at your consultation, and they will be set out in the informed consent form.
Common questions
There is no fixed date. Implants are not for life, but if they are not causing problems and your check-ups are normal, there is no need to replace them on a schedule.
Sometimes there are no symptoms. In other cases the breast changes shape, hardens or hurts. It is confirmed with an ultrasound scan or MRI.
It is the complete or partial removal of the tissue capsule that the body forms around the implant. It is done when the capsule is thickened, hardened or contains silicone.
Yes. A replacement lets you choose an implant of a different size or shape, always within what your skin and tissues allow.
Yes, that is possible. Depending on the condition of your skin and breast tissue, a breast lift or, in some cases, your own fat can be added to improve the shape.
If you have no symptoms, removing them simply because they are textured is not recommended. What matters is having regular check-ups and getting in touch if you notice a breast getting bigger or a lump.
Usually gradually from around 4 to 6 weeks, as Dr Navarro advises. It depends on what was done during surgery, not on whether the implant is round or anatomical.
It depends on what needs to be done (capsulectomy, a change of plane or a lift) and on the implant. You will receive a personalised quote after your first consultation.
Your surgeon
Plastic surgeon in Alicante, focused on facial, breast and body surgery. He sees you personally at the first consultation, during surgery and at every follow-up.
“Every procedure is unique. My commitment is to combine advanced technique with sound medical judgement, with one clear aim: natural results in harmony with your face and body.”
Clinic at Carrer de Velázquez, 2, 03560 El Campello (Alicante)
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