Breast implant revision is a surgical procedure designed to replace older silicone implants with new saline-filled implants (or in certain patients, with newer silicone-filled implants).  It can also be done to exchange saline implants for another set of saline implants.  Implants are exchanged for a desire to alter the size, or to address problems with the implants, such as scar contracture.During your consultation, Dr. Pane will provide more details on the procedure and associated fees.

Women have been taking advantage of breast implant surgery since the 1960s, and many are still opting for the procedure. However, some women experienced problems with their silicone gel implants in the 1990s, leading to questions about the safety of these implants. The life of the average silicone gel implant is about ten years. Therefore, women who had silicone gel implant surgery several years ago may want to consider having them replaced with saline-filled implants. Some doctors recommend having them replaced before there are signs of a problem. Other doctors suggest leaving them alone.

Serious questions have been raised about the connection between silicone leakage and chronic ailments from mild fatigue to lupus.

The FDA ruled that saline-filled implants (made by Mentor and McGhan) were safe to use in breast augmentation surgeries. Unlike liquid silicone, saline is a salt-water solution that can be safely absorbed by the body without side effects. So, if one of these implants breaks, the leaking fluid will not present the same kinds of risks.

Both saline and silicone breast implants have been studied extensively by many medical experts, and they are considered safe.  However, they should not be considered lifetime devices, meaning that after several years, revision and/or exchange of the implants may be required.