Implant change Mannheim

An implant change is always medically necessary if the implant causes health problems or complications such as capsular fibrosis. A change is also advisable if a woman suffers psychologically from the implants.

Capsular fibrosis is the most common complication that can occur in connection with breast implants. The tissue around the implant hardens and forms a kind of capsule. This can take different forms: If the tissue is elastic, it does not cause any discomfort. However, if it is firmer and thicker, it can press on the implant and thus change its shape, which in many cases is accompanied by a strong feeling of tension and pain. The change in position of the implant is also often visible. The causes of capsular fibrosis have not yet been conclusively explained. It can be assumed that this is a natural immune reaction of the body, which perceives the implant as a foreign body that needs to be enclosed by tissue.

If implants are not changed in good time, this can lead to increasing deformation of the breast and an increase in the associated discomfort (pain). In the worst case, the implant can rupture, to which older breast implants are more susceptible than modern ones.

Dr. Schumacher attaches great importance to providing his patients with comprehensive personal advice. That is why he conducts a detailed consultation before every treatment to find out the reasons for wanting an implant change and to explain the options. He will explain the exact procedure of the implant change and what you need to pay attention to before and after. If you have decided to have your implants changed by Dr. Schumacher in Mannheim, a thorough examination will follow.

The operation itself is performed under general anesthesia and takes around 2-4 hours, depending on the extent of the procedure and the initial condition of the breast or implant. To change the implant, an incision is made in the inframammary fold through which the implant was usually inserted. Dr. Schumacher carefully removes the previous implant through this incision and then inserts the new implant into the existing and slightly sculpted implant pocket. He makes sure that the pocket encloses the new implant well.

Aftercare following implant replacement is essentially the same as for the first breast augmentation. This means that you should allow yourself and your body to rest for a few days after the procedure. You will be socially acceptable again after about a week. You can return to work after 1-2 weeks, as long as it is a physically light job. To support the healing process, you should wear a special bra during the first few weeks to stabilize and support the breast. Avoid physically strenuous activities during this time, after about 6 weeks you can start doing light sport again. Dr. Schumacher recommends that patients in his practice in Mannheim avoid direct sunlight for the six months following the operation to ensure healing is as scar-free as possible.

In most cases, the access route of the original breast augmentation can be used for the implant change. This means that the incision is made in the existing scar from the first procedure so that no new scars are usually created. Only if this is not possible (for example, in the case of a simultaneous breast lift or a change to larger implants) and further incisions are required, additional scars cannot be avoided.

When carried out professionally, an implant change is associated with few risks. Nevertheless, it is a surgical procedure that is performed under general anesthesia and therefore carries certain surgical risks. These include the risk of swelling, secondary bleeding or infection. In individual cases, there may be loss of sensation in the nipple area, as with a conventional breast augmentation.