Find a plastic surgeon you like, first. Either go back to your old one if you had a good experience, or do your research and find a well-trained plastic surgeon whose results you like. Then see them for a consultation and talk about what you'd like to change. Implants of any "age" don't necessarily need to be changed if you're not having problems with them, but if you'd like to change something about them, now's the time to talk about it! Make a plan with them and go from there!

Published on Jul 11, 2012

If I were you, I would begin by asking myself why I want new implants. If your breasts look and how you want them to, why fix something that isn’t broken?

If not you need to see a surgeon who specializes in the type of breast surgery that you need.

Do you want to increase or decrease your cup size? Do you want or need a lift? Do you want to switch between saline and silicone?

Think about all of these questions and do your research before you consult with a breast implant expert ... that you, you two can collaborate most effectively!

Published on Jul 11, 2012

If you have a good experience, I would return to your first surgeon. If he or she is no longer practicing, then I would look for a board-certified plastic surgeon in your community. You can call or visit the American Society of Plastic Surgeons website at https://find.plasticsurgery.org/default.aspx

Published on Jul 11, 2012

There is no reason to change your implants unless you are having a problem, don't like the way they look or want to be bigger or smaller. It is good, if possible, to have the information about the implants you have in. This can help with the size of the new implants.

I would see a plastic surgeon to discuss what you want when you change, and that will start the discussion.

Published on Jul 11, 2012

You need to call the doctor's office where you had it done. Also, refer to your implant information and call the company. Also check the website for more information.

Published on Jul 11, 2012

You start by calling a plastic/cosmetic surgeon's office and making an appointment for a consultation.

Published on Jul 11, 2012

Thank you for your question. Saline implants have a 10-year warranty, but that doesn’t mean you have to get them replaced every 10 years. If you have liquid silicone implants, you may want to consider replacing them for the new cohesive gel silicone implants. If you don’t have any problems with your implants and you are still comfortable with the aesthetics, you can leave them alone. If you have liquid silicone, you may want to research top surgeons in your area who specialize in breast implant exchanges.

Published on Jul 11, 2012

Thank you for asking. You should start by seeing your plastic surgeon. If he or she is no longer in practice, set up a consultation with a board-certified plastic surgeon who can guide you. There may be new options today that were not available or offered 14 years ago. See more than one consultation if you need to gather more opinions. Best wishes!

Published on Jul 11, 2012

If they are still perfect, stay home. No one can make them more perfect. But if you desire change, start with a local board-certified plastic surgeon, preferably one who is a member of ASAPS.

Published on Jul 11, 2012

Breast implant exchange is a fairly straightforward process. The most common reason for breast implant exchange is for size, either smaller or bigger. Implant rupture, deflation and scarring are other reasons. The process would start with defined patient goals: new implants (either bigger or smaller), new shape and/or silicone. With this, a consultation with a plastic surgeon would be in order, and the options can be discussed with a surgical plan laid out. Secondary breast surgery has very easy recovery because of the previous incision and surgery.

Published on Jul 11, 2012

If they are saline, there is no need to change unless you want a different size. If they are silicone, I recommend changing to smooth high profile saline, although many surgeons would say leave if no problem. Silicones all leak eventually.

Published on Jul 11, 2012

Why? Do you have saline or silicone? If you have saline and they are intact, soft and you still like the appearance, there is nothing that has to be done. If you have silicone and are concerned, you might want to get an MRI to make sure they are still intact.

However, on the other hand, if you had your implants prior to children, prior to nursing or prior to any condition that might have made your breasts change and you no longer like the appearance of your breasts, you might want to consider a consultation with a board-certified plastic surgeon.

The best way to start, would be to see your original surgeon. If you don't want to, or he is no longer in practice, you might start by asking friends and family for recommendations or contact the American Society of Plastic Surgeons and look at their roster of member surgeons. Best of luck.

Published on Jul 11, 2012