Sponsored content courtesy of Wayne Yamahata M.D.

At some point, most women who get breast implants begin considering replacing them with a new pair. Implants are not meant to last forever, and most plastic surgeons and manufacturers say patients shouldn't be surprised if they need to be replaced within 10 to 15 years after breast augmentation surgery.

But it's not unusual for women to start thinking about getting new implants even before any complications occur. They may decide to downsize or get larger implants, which surgeons say is more common, or they may want to replace older implants with newer versions that look and feel more like natural breasts. That's especially true for women who initially chose saline-filled implants and now decide they want cohesive silicone gel implants that are now more popular. 

The trend toward getting more natural-looking breasts is another reason some women are returning to their plastic surgeons. Yes, they still like having enhanced breasts, but maybe want them to be a little less obvious.

"There was a general shift in focus from bigger is better to finding an implant that matches the body's natural curves in 2012, when anatomic or 'gummy bear' breast implants were approved for cosmetic use," says an article published earlier this year on the Cosmetic Surgery Times website. "It was then that patients and doctors also were becoming more aware of factors, such as excessive upper pole fullness leading to an unnatural look and making sure that implant diameter matches the patient's skin envelope."

Silicone breast implants for cosmetic breast augmentation were reapproved by the FDA in 2006, meaning if your implants are more than 10 years old, they are most likely filled with saline. (Silicone implants were also available before 1992.) There are many more implant choices now than a decade ago.

 Regardless of why someone wants to exchange her implants, the revision surgery is almost always more complicated than the initial breast augmentation, at lease from the surgeon's perspective, so it's important to find an experienced, board-certified plastic surgeon who performs breast implant exchange procedures on a regular basis. 

Why is revision breast surgery more complicated? Board-certified plastic surgeon Wayne Yamahata, who specializes in breast augmentation and implant revision surgery at his Roseville practice, outlines the main reasons on his website:

Scar tissue that has developed both inside and outside the breast must be removed, particularly if you have had multiple breast surgeries performed.

The quality of the breast skin has become compromised because it stretched out and thinned since the initial surgery.

The breast anatomy and chest wall have already been changed during the initial surgery, making it more challenging to provide natural-looking results.

Additionally, if the revision surgery is the result of a complication, that adds a layer of complexity to the procedure. The most common complication that occurs is capsular contracture, a condition in which the capsule created by the surgeon during the first procedure begins to harden and squeeze the implant. 

If you were satisfied with the outcome of the original surgery, chances are you'll return to the same plastic surgeon for the revision procedure. But if you've moved or weren't pleased with the results, there are some things to consider when selecting a different plastic surgeon:

Make sure the surgeon is certified by The American Board of Plastic Surgery. General surgeons can call themselves cosmetic surgeons, but they don't have the additional training of board-certified plastic surgeons.

Don't look for bargains. Everyone has a budget, but cost should be low on the list of factors when it comes to your health and beauty.

If you feel like the surgeon is trying to sell you on certain implants, keep looking. A consultation is a time for education and getting your questions answered.

Search online for reviews of the surgeon. RealSelf.com and Vitals.com are known for having impartial assessments of surgeons. 

Finally, trust your gut. If something doesn't feel right, schedule more consultations.

Sponsored content courtesy of Wayne Yamahata M.D.