Most women who have breast augmentation never imagine they’ll need or want another surgery down the road. But the truth is, bodies change. Preferences change. Life happens. And sometimes, what once felt perfect doesn’t fit quite the same anymore.
At The Aesthetics Centers in Newport Beach, Dr. Siamak Agha meets many patients who come in years after their first augmentation, curious about whether it’s time for an update. Some have questions about how their implants are aging; others are simply ready for a different look. Whatever the reason, the goal is always the same—helping them feel comfortable and confident again.
Dr. Agha explains it simply: “Your body isn’t static. It evolves, and your surgery should be able to evolve with it.”
For some women, that means implant exchange, replacing older implants with new ones that better match their body or preferences. For others, it’s implant removal, choosing to return to a more natural look or combining removal with a breast lift for shape and balance. There’s no one-size-fits-all answer—it’s a conversation.
Sometimes, women decide to change their implants because their bodies have changed after pregnancy, breastfeeding, or weight loss. The implants might still look good, but they sit differently. Or maybe the overall shape no longer feels right for their current style or lifestyle. Dr. Agha often hears patients say, “I loved them when I got them, but I’m at a different stage in my life now.”
Implant technology has also improved significantly in recent years. Many of Dr. Agha’s patients who had saline implants years ago choose to replace them with modern cohesive silicone gel, often called “gummy bear” implants, which look and feel softer and more natural. Some also opt for a smaller or more subtle result—still feminine, but less pronounced.
Then there are medical reasons. Over time, some implants can shift, ripple, or develop a hardened capsule around them, known as capsular contracture. While not always painful, it can distort the shape or cause tightness in the chest. Replacing the implant or removing it altogether can resolve those issues and restore comfort.
And of course, there’s simple peace of mind. Many women like to refresh their implants after ten or fifteen years, even if there’s nothing “wrong,” just to know everything looks and feels right. “It’s like maintaining anything you value,” Dr. Agha says. “It’s not about chasing perfection. It’s about preserving harmony.”
For women choosing removal without replacement, the goal is usually balance and softness. Sometimes, that means combining removal with a breast lift, which helps reshape the remaining tissue and restore the breasts to a youthful position. When done thoughtfully, removal doesn’t have to mean losing your shape — it just means embracing a more natural one.
The recovery process depends on what’s being done. Most implant exchanges have a fairly smooth recovery, similar to the original augmentation, but often easier because the pocket is already established. Removal with a lift can take a bit longer, but patients are often surprised at how comfortable they feel afterward. Many say they feel “lighter,” both physically and emotionally.
What’s most important is the conversation — understanding your options, what’s possible, and what feels right for you today, not ten years ago. Dr. Agha believes that honesty is essential. “My job isn’t to convince anyone to replace or remove,” he says. “It’s to listen, explain, and help them make a decision that truly fits their life.”
At The Aesthetics Centers in Newport Beach, implant exchange and removal aren’t about undoing the past. They’re about continuing your story—adjusting the details as your body and confidence evolve.
If you’ve had implants for several years and you’re wondering whether it’s time for a change, the answer doesn’t start with surgery. It starts with a conversation—one built on understanding, comfort, and trust.
