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Breast Implant Exchange Overview

Refine Your Figure With Breast Implant Exchange in Austin

Breast augmentation regularly ranks as one of the most popular cosmetic surgeries in the world. Although it is a procedure known for having a very high satisfaction rate, some women may decide to exchange their breast implants due to the effects of weight fluctuations, breastfeeding, hormone changes, aging, or simply a desire to increase or decrease their breast size.

Furthermore, breast implants are man-made devices that do not last forever and may rupture, shift, or become contracted over time. Because of this, essentially every woman will need to have her breast implants replaced at least once over the course of her lifetime. Whether you’d like to change your look or it’s simply time to replace your implants, the team at Austin Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery can help you address this with a breast implant exchange procedure.

Breast Implant ExchangeBefore & After Photos

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What Is Breast Implant Exchange?

Breast implant exchange is a cosmetic surgical procedure in which a woman’s breast implants are replaced with new implants, often of a different size, shape, or type. For example, a woman may decide that she’s not satisfied with the size of her breasts after undergoing breast augmentation. Alternatively, she may decide that her saline implants don’t look or feel natural enough, prompting her to switch to silicone implants. Whatever your reasons may be, breast implant exchange gives you the opportunity to replace your implants with new implants that are customized to your current preferences.

Breast implant exchange surgery includes three key steps. First, your surgeon removes the existing breast implant(s) and scar capsule from the breast pocket, known as an en bloc capsulectomy. If necessary, corrective work is performed to repair the pectoralis muscle (if the implant was initially placed under the muscle), to revise the pocket, and/or remove ruptured implant material. Lastly, your surgeon will place the new implant(s) to restore a beautiful, natural breast appearance.

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When Is Breast Implant Exchange Appropriate?

There are quite a few reasons why you may decide that breast implant exchange is the right choice for you, including the following:

  • To change to a smaller or larger implant size
  • To switch from saline to silicone implants (or vice versa)
  • To improve the shape, feel, or symmetry of the breasts
  • To replace large implants that are interfering with physical activity
  • To accommodate changing aesthetic tastes or trends
  • To reverse unwanted changes due to aging, pregnancy, or weight fluctuations
  • To address sagging (commonly performed with a breast lift)
  • To switch to a new product that has become available

Even if you are happy with the initial results of your breast augmentation, complications may arise that necessitate exchanging your implants. Potential breast implant complications include the following:

  • Swelling and/or redness in the breast
  • Breast pain or discomfort
  • Capsular contracture (formation of tight scar tissue around the implant)
  • Rippling
  • Distorted muscular animations (common with implants placed under the muscle)
  • Changes in nipple or breast sensation
  • Implant malposition
  • Implant rupture or leak

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What to Expect During Your Breast Implant Exchange Procedure

The implant exchange process begins with a consultation to discuss your goals. During this initial meeting, your plastic surgeon will review your medical history, inquire about any symptoms you are experiencing, and discuss your personal goals. The consultation also involves a physical examination in which your surgeon will take measurements and assess your current implants and breast tissue. You will have the opportunity to decide on the type, size, and shape of your replacement breast implants.

Breast implant exchange surgery is performed under general anesthesia. To begin the procedure, your surgeon will make an incision in the location that was agreed upon during your consultation. An inframammary incision, located in the crease under the breast, is commonly used because it offers the greatest control over the implant pocket and leaves a thin scar that is easily hidden in the fold of the breast. Another option is to use the incision lines from the original breast augmentation when exchanging implants to avoid creating new scars.

Once the necessary incisions have been made, your surgeon will carefully remove your breast implant(s) and the surrounding scar tissue. Next, your new, customized implants will be carefully inserted and positioned to give your breasts a balanced and proportionate appearance. Finally, the incisions will be closed with sutures, and bandages will be applied as necessary.

What Is the Recovery Like After Breast Implant Exchange?

Some bruising, swelling, and discomfort are to be expected in the initial stages of healing after your breast implant exchange procedure. You will be advised to wear a front-closing post-surgical bra for about two weeks to minimize inflammation and promote faster recovery. Most patients comfortably return to work after a few days or a week, as long as their job does not involve strenuous physical activity. However, it’s best to wait at least three or four weeks before engaging in strenuous physical activity.

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Who Is a Good Candidate for Breast Implant Exchange?

If you’d like to have your current breast implants replaced, either for aesthetic reasons or due to complications or discomfort, you could be a good candidate for breast implant exchange in Austin with our team. To be an ideal candidate for the procedure, it’s important to be in good physical health, not currently pregnant or nursing, and a non-smoker.

Why Choose Austin Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery for Breast Implant Exchange in Austin?

Whatever your reasons for pursuing breast implant exchange may be, our surgeons at Austin Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery can help you achieve your goals. Our all-female practice ensures breast surgery patients feel at ease discussing their procedure and confident that their surgical team understands their concerns. Additionally, every member of our staff is here to guide you through each step of your journey. We invite you to learn about your breast implant options and receive individualized treatment recommendations by scheduling a consultation. Please call (512) 815-0123 to schedule your consultation today.

Breast Implant Exchange FAQ

How long does breast implant exchange take?

What are the risks of breast implant exchange?

How do I prepare for breast implant exchange surgery?

How long does breast implant exchange take?

You can typically expect your breast implant exchange procedure to take between one and three hours, depending on the specifics of your treatment plan. You’ll need to stay at our on-site surgical center for a couple of hours for monitoring after the procedure. After that, you can have a friend or family member drive you home.

What are the risks of breast implant exchange?

Just like any surgery, a breast implant exchange comes with a few risks that patients should be aware of. These risks include anesthesia-related complications, breast implant-associated anaplastic large cell lymphoma (BIA-ALCL), asymmetry, rupture, leakage, and the possibility of other rare breast implant-associated squamous cell carcinoma (BIA-SCC). However, under the care and high-quality treatment of the experienced and skilled doctors at Austin Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery, these rare risks can often be avoided, and any common side effects can easily be managed.

How do I prepare for breast implant exchange surgery?

You can prepare in advance for a complication-free breast implant exchange procedure by doing the following:

  • Maintain a healthy diet
  • Maintain a stable weight
  • Consult your primary doctor about stopping prescription medications that may interfere with the procedure
  • Get a medical evaluation
  • Get a mammogram, ultrasound, or MRI for breast implant imaging
  • Stop smoking at least six weeks before your procedure

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