Perhaps you received breast implants years ago and are now unhappy with the cup size. Or maybe you have experienced complications such as an implant rupture or capsular contracture. In these cases, breast implant exchange can remove your old implants and replace them with new implants of the desired size.

With Dr. Lorraine Golosow, MD, you can know that you are putting your care into great hands. She is a board-certified plastic surgeon who knows that each patient is unique. She will address each concern you have with your current implants. Golosow understands women and knows what they desire in their breasts, she will be able to help you with every step in your breast implant exchange process.

What is Breast Implant Exchange?

Breast implant exchange, also known as breast implant revision, is the process of removing the existing breast implant and replacing it with a new one. Many women who get breast implants are satisfied with their look. Some people over time become dissatisfied, maybe the implant is too big, and they want a reduction in the size, or maybe they’ve experienced some complications with ruptures or capsules. Capsular Contracture happens when the scar tissue forms over the implant and tightens, causing it to become extremely uncomfortable and often painful. At a time like this, breast implant exchange is necessary. Breast implants are not a permanent solution for aesthetically displeasing breasts. Implants can last anywhere between 10 to 15 years and should either be exchanged or removed at this time. Those who have experienced complications or simply wish to change their breast size can benefit from this procedure. Not only can breast implant exchange improve breast symmetry, but it can also help you to regain your youthful breast shape for a boost in confidence. Breast implant revision helps to improve the look of the breast with updates to the implant, this includes:

How is it Performed?

The breast implant exchange procedure will use different techniques based on what needs to be revised. An individual surgical plan will be created for you during your consultation with Dr. Golosow. She will work to make sure she knows all of your concerns about your current breast implants, as well as your new implants. If you have experienced ruptures in the past, then she will make sure to go over that with you. The procedure mirrors that of a breast augmentation. You will be put under anesthesia, which will be administered by our team for your comfort, then Dr. Golosow will make an incision in the breast. The types of incisions are:

  • Inframammary Incision- Made in the crease just under the breast
  • Peri-areolar Incision- This can be vertical or the wise pattern
  • Breast Lift Incision- This incision will be made either all the way or part way around the areola

Change in Implant Size

Often women who want a breast implant revision wish to change the size of their implant. This could be because they find their breasts are too large now. They may be suffering from back problems, or simply don’t like the look anymore. Some women find their implants to still be too small for their desired aesthetic. By speaking with Dr. Golosow about your implant size concerns, she will help you to choose the best new option for you. If an implant size needs to be changed, Dr. Golosow will use your original incision to remove and replace the implant. During this time, smaller or larger implants can be placed, if desired. Breast implant exchange is helpful in fitting your aesthetic desires to your body, if the skin has been stretched too large from a bigger implant then a breast lift may also be necessary to help get rid of the excess skin for your new implant. Dr. Golosow will also be sure to go over your options for a new implant to make sure you get your desired look with no complications.

Implant Types:

  • Saline Breast Implants
  • Silicone Breast Implants
  • Gummy Bear Implants
  • Round Breast Implants
  • Smooth Breast Implants
  • Textured Breast Implants

Capsular Contracture or Rippling

A common problem with implants is capsular contracture. This is a tightening of scar tissue surrounding the implant. This leads to pain, discomfort, and often a lump in the breast tissue. A capsulectomy may need to be performed in this case along with implant exchange. If you are experiencing complications with your implant such as capsular contracture of rippling, your implants can be removed and replaced to remedy the issue. Dr. Golosow will remove any hardened capsule and insert a new implant for capsular contracture; implants can be replaced or repositioned to correct rippling.

Am I a Good Candidate?

Since implants don’t last forever, it is often that people get them exchanged. After 10 to 15 years, implants can stop working, possibly causing complications. It is at this time that you should meet with a doctor such as Dr. Golosow to talk about getting breast implant revision done. If you are healthy, nonsmoker, and at a stable weight then this procedure is great for you. Often women want an implant revision because they are unhappy with the size, shape, or appearance of their current implants. By consulting with Dr. Golosow, she will make sure to be well-informed about your concerns and desires. As a woman, she understands her patients and their desires, she makes sure her care is well-received with the patients. Dr. Golosow and her team will be able to answer any questions you have concerning the procedure.

Recovery

Breast implant exchange is not very different from breast augmentation. Because you have undergone a previous breast augmentation you shouldn’t experience anything too different from revision surgery. Recovery from breast implant exchange surgery is similar to that of breast augmentation surgery. Your overall recovery time will depend on the extent of your surgery. Patients should be up and walking the day of surgery and should get up and move around during recovery. At the time of your procedure, you will be given a detailed list of instructions for your aftercare, as well as signs of complications. Be sure to follow Dr. Golosow’s post-op instructions to ensure optimal results.

As with any type of invasive procedure, there are some risks involved. Some risks include bleeding, infection, fluid buildup, asymmetry, looseness of skin, numbness, and more. These are uncommon but could happen. During your consultation appointment with Dr. Golosow, she will go over all of the possible risks of this procedure with you to make sure that you are well-informed. Dr. Golosow is an experienced plastic surgeon, being sure to take great care of her patients.

Schedule a Consultation

After having breast implants for a long time, you can start to dislike the look of your implants. Maybe you have experienced some complications with them. By getting breast implant revision surgery you can be sure to love your breasts again. Dr. Golosow wants each of her patients to be satisfied with their looks and to feel beautiful. Implants can change over time but that does not mean that your aesthetic goals have to. If you are interested in breast implant exchange surgery, contact our office today to schedule your consultation. We serve patients in the Ft. Myers, FL area.

FAQs

How much does a breast implant exchange cost?

The average cost of breast implant replacement is around $8,000, although the actual cost of your specific procedure will depend on whether insurance will cover any costs, what kind of surgery is needed for the exchange, and whether the implants are under warranty or not.

Is a breast implant exchange painful?

Breast implant exchange is comparable in pain and discomfort to breast augmentation, assuming similar sizes and types of implants are used.

How long does breast implant exchange surgery take?

Breast implant exchange surgery can take around two hours to complete.

What happens if you dont replace breast implants?

If there are no complications and you are enjoying the results of breast augmentation, there is no need to replace them on a routine basis. However, complications like capsular contracture and rippling can be signs you need them replaced.

How do you know when breast implants need replacing?

Breast implants that have no complications typically do not need to be replaced regularly. Only when complications arise or the appearance of the breasts change will it be necessary to replace them.

Does insurance cover implant replacement?

Only in rare cases does insurance cover the cost of breast implant replacement. Talking to Dr. Golosow is a good way to know what kind of insurance plan you have in regards to the breast implants and potential complications.

How do I prepare for an implant replacement?

Preparation for replacement surgery is similar to breast augmentation. You will need to avoid eating or drinking in the evening prior to surgery and avoid certain medications and substances in the weeks prior.

What happens if breast implants are not replaced?

Breast implants are not permanent implants, which means at some point they will need to be removed or replaced. Complications that can affect breast implants include unsatisfactory appearance as well as medical complications such as capsular contracture.

When do I need to remove or exchange my breast implants?

An individual would only need to remove or exchange their breast implants if they are experiencing complications or discomfort. This often occurs around the 10-year mark, which is why most surgeons recommend replacing them after 10-15 years.

When should you have breast implants replaced?

You should seek out breast implant replacement when you are no longer satisfied with their appearance or when you notice a change in how your breasts look or feel, especially when it involves pain of any kind.