PRMA-implant-failure-what-is-implant-reconstruction-failure

Implant Reconstruction Failure

What is Implant Reconstruction Failure?

Many women choose to get implants following mastectomy, but for some, they don’t offer the lasting solution they were hoping for. 

Over time, implants can fail—physically, medically, or aesthetically. Whether it's due to rupture, chronic discomfort, asymmetry, or simply not feeling “like yourself,” a failed breast reconstruction is more common than most patients are told. 

Fortunately, through advanced microsurgical procedures like DIEP flap reconstruction, we replace implants with natural tissue from the patient’s own body, providing a safer, more permanent, and more natural-feeling result.

Schedule Your Consultation
PRMA-implant-failure

Key Information

checkmark-23x23
Breast implant failure can involve rupture, capsular contracture, pain, asymmetry, or repeated infections.
checkmark-23x23

Symptoms may develop gradually and often require surgical correction.

checkmark-23x23

Implants are not permanent—most will need to be replaced or removed over time.

checkmark-23x23

Corrective options include implant exchange, removal, or conversion to natural tissue-based reconstruction.

checkmark-23x23

Natural tissue reconstruction offers a more permanent, natural-feeling solution with fewer long-term risks.

checkmark-23x23

All flap surgeries at PRMA are performed by two microsurgeons for greater safety and precision.

checkmark-23x23

Sensation can often be restored with 
TruSense® technology during natural tissue reconstruction.

Learn More

What to Expect During Surgery

Your surgical experience to correct a breast implant failure will vary based on the corrective path you choose. 

For implant removal or implant exchange, surgery is typically shorter and may be performed as an outpatient procedure. Recovery tends to be quicker, though outcomes may still involve future revisions.

For patients choosing natural tissue reconstruction, the procedure is more complex but offers lasting, natural results. These surgeries take longer and involve a short hospital stay, but recovery is carefully managed through Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) protocols to minimize discomfort and speed healing.

Learn More
PRMA-breas-implant-reconstruction-what-to-expect-during-surgery
real prma transformations

Before & After

See real results from women who’ve trusted PRMA with their reconstruction journey.
browse our gallery
Before img-1
Before img-1
Procedure: Bilateral Mastectomy with Immediate High Definition DIEP Flap Breast Reconstruction
Before img-1
Before img-1
Procedure: Bilateral Mastectomy with Immediate High Definition DIEP Flap Breast Reconstruction
Before img-1
Before img-1
Procedure: Bilateral Mastectomy with Immediate High Definition DIEP Flap Breast Reconstruction
Before img-1
Before img-1
Procedure: Bilateral Mastectomy with Immediate High Definition DIEP Flap Breast Reconstruction
browse our gallery

Recovery Timeline

  • Week 1:
    Rest is essential during the first week following a breast implant failure procedure. You’ll likely experience swelling, bruising, and soreness around the surgical area. If you have implant removal or exchange, you may go home the same day. For natural tissue reconstruction, expect a 2–3 day hospital stay to monitor healing and manage pain.
  • Week 2:
    Your energy will improve by the second week, though you’ll still need to take it easy. Depending on your progress, drains may still be present but could be removed soon. Incisions are healing, and any discomfort should be managed with less medication.
  • Week 3-4:
    By the third and fourth week, swelling and tightness typically start to ease, and many patients begin to feel more like themselves. If you work a desk job, you may be ready to return. Donor site healing continues if you had flap surgery, but you’ll still avoid heavy lifting or exercise.
  • Week 5-6:
    At this stage, most patients are moving more comfortably and can begin easing into low-impact activities with clearance from their surgeon. Incisions continue to mature, and for patients who underwent TruSense® nerve reconstruction, early signs of returning sensation may begin to emerge.
surgical-experts2

The Nation’s Destination for
Sensation Restoration

PRMA has transformed breast reconstruction with their revolutionary TruSense® procedure, a proprietary technique that restores breast sensation in qualified patients—giving back not just form, but feeling.
About TruSense®

Am I a Candidate for Breast Implant Failure Correction?

As with any surgery, not every patient is a candidate for every procedure. Your PRMA surgeon will evaluate your medical history, current symptoms, body type, and personal goals to determine which implant failure correction option is safest and most effective for you. 

You may be a strong candidate for implant failure correction, in general, if you:

  • Have experienced complications such as implant rupture, capsular contracture, chronic pain, or infection
  • Are dissatisfied with the look, feel, or long-term results of your implants
  • Have sufficient donor tissue (e.g., abdomen, thighs) if considering natural tissue reconstruction
  • Are in generally good health and able to undergo surgery
  • Are seeking a more permanent, natural-feeling solution without future implant-related risks
  • Are emotionally ready to move forward with a corrective procedure
Learn More

Find Your Surgeon

PRMA’s board-certified, fellowship-trained microsurgeons perform over 1,000 DIEP flap procedures every year, making us one of the most experienced breast reconstruction centers in the world. Every surgery is performed by two microsurgeons, enhancing safety, precision, and outcomes—with a flap success rate of over 99%. With more than 15,000 reconstructions performed to date, our team delivers world-class expertise you can trust.
minas-chrysopoulo
Dr. Minas Chrysopoulo
Championing Advanced Breast Reconstruction Access Nationwide
gary-arishita
Dr. Gary Arishita
Dedicated to Restoring Confidence Through Expert Reconstruction
oscar-ochoa
Dr. Oscar Ochoa
Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon & Fellow of the American College of Surgeons (FACS)
gary-arishita
Dr. Gary Arishita
Dedicated to Restoring Confidence Through Expert Reconstruction
oscar-ochoa
Dr. Oscar Ochoa
Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon & Fellow of the American College of Surgeons (FACS)

Will Insurance Cover Breast Implant Failure?

Under the Women’s Health and Cancer Rights Act (WHCRA), group health plans and insurance providers that cover mastectomies are also required to cover breast reconstruction, including procedures to correct complications from implants such as rupture, capsular contracture, or other medically necessary revisions. 

At PRMA, our team works closely with patients and insurance providers to ensure coverage is verified and benefits are maximized. 

For more information, visit [Insurance FAQs] in the patient resource center.

PRMA-breast-implant-reconstruction-preparing-for-surgery

Preparing for Surgery

Many of our patients travel in from all parts of the country for breast cancer surgery, revision, and implant reconstruction procedures. To help you prepare, our team will walk you through every step, from pre-op planning to travel arrangements, to ensure a smooth and supported experience.

Learn more about:
Preparing for Surgery
Travel Accomodations

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know if my implant has failed?
You might notice symptoms like breast pain, hardness, swelling, visible distortion, or changes in shape or size. Some issues, like implant rupture, may be silent and only detected through imaging. If something doesn’t feel right, it’s essential to schedule a consultation.
Can I switch from implants to natural tissue even years after my mastectomy?
Yes. Many patients come to PRMA years—even decades—after their original reconstruction. Natural tissue reconstruction is still an option as long as you’re healthy enough for surgery and have adequate donor tissue.
What is recovery like compared to my original implant surgery?
Recovery from implant removal or exchange is typically quicker than your original reconstruction. If you convert to natural tissue, the healing time is longer but more comprehensive, often leading to a more satisfying, permanent outcome.
Will I lose sensation again if I have corrective surgery?
If you transition to natural tissue reconstruction at PRMA, we can often restore sensation through our proprietary TruSense® technique. Unlike implants, natural tissue allows for nerve reconnection, helping you feel more like yourself again.

Reclaim Comfort, Confidence, and Control Today

Schedule Your Consultation