BACKGROUND: The breast augmentation surgery was the most performed in Brazil in 2008. With the evolution of the technique and the quality of the implants, complications have diminished, leading to a more secure procedure. OBJECTIVE: To assess the profile of patients submitted to implant exchange in the last five years at Ivo Pitanguy Clinic, analyzing the causes that led to implant removal. METHODS: We have analyzed all patients submitted to exchange, removal or replacement of mammary implants in the last five years, at a total of 59 patients, 68 procedures and 129 breasts operated. RESULTS: The time interval from the inclusion to the removal of the implants ranged from one month to 34 years; 44 patients have first operated at our service and 24 at other services. Forty three implants were, before the exchange, made of polyurethane, 13 texturized and six smooth. The major cause of the exchange was esthetic, with 50 cases, followed by capsular contracture, 13 cases and five cases of infection, rupture or breast nodule. CONCLUSION: The major reason of implants exchange was esthetic, differing from the literature. The capsular contracture and infection rates, at this study, were comparable to several others.
Breast implantation; Reoperation; Prostheses and implant
