Breast Implant Exchange

Refresh your implants and restore youthful breasts

Breast implants can last for many years; however, they aren’t meant to be life-long devices. Therefore, at some point after your breast augmentation, you’ll likely require an implant exchange. The implant exchange can also be opted for when it’s not required if the patient wishes for different implants in regards to shape, size, or material.

What is a Breast Implant Exchange?

Implant exchange is a second breast augmentation procedure during which the old implants are removed and new implants are placed. The breast implant exchange procedure is much like the initial breast augmentation unless complications like a rupture or capsular contracture have occurred. In these cases, the complication would be addressed along with placing new implants. Implant exchange is required in these cases or can be opted for when a woman changes their mind about their implants.

Who is a Candidate for a Breast Implant Exchange?

Candidates for a breast implant exchange are those who choose or require to have their old implants taken out from a previous augmentation and replaced with new ones. After ten years with breast implants, the risk for certain complications begins to arise. New implants can be placed after this time to ensure the safety and structure of the implants, especially in the case of silicone implants. Although ruptures are rare, their occurrence would require an implant exchange. Other more common complications include capsular contracture when scar tissue develops, rippling, or implant rotation. An implant exchange can revise these complications and restore the appearance of the breasts. Those who change their mind about the implant size, shape, or material can also benefit from an implant exchange to achieve the new look they desire.

How is a Breast Implant Exchange Performed?

A breast implant exchange procedure is performed much like the initial breast augmentation. General anesthesia will be used to ensure the patient’s comfort. An incision will then be made over the previous incision to avoid additional scarring. The old implant is then removed and any scar tissue is revised. The new implants will then be placed and the incision is closed.

Recovery and Results

After a breast implant exchange, patients can expect recovery similar to the initial breast augmentation. Some swelling, redness, and discomfort will be present for several days and a compression garment should be worn as often as possible. Patients should take at least a week off work to properly rest and recover at home. Exercise and movement restrictions will also be required to follow in order to ensure successful healing.

Once healed, patients can enjoy their refreshed breast implants with minimized risks of complications. Patients are still required to ensure the structure of their new implants with regular exams.

To learn more about the breast implant exchange procedure, contact our office and schedule your consultation with board certified plastic surgeon, Dr. Berman.

Dr. Jonathan Ross Berman is a Boca Raton plastic surgeon who has been certified by both the American Board of Plastic Surgery and the American Board of Otolaryngology / Head and Neck Surgery with over 30 years of service experience specializing in Breast Augmentation, Rhinoplasty, Face Lift, Liposuction, and many other types of plastic surgery in Boca Raton, FL.

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