Deciding Between Breast Implant Exchange vs Removal

Posted on by Dr. Golosow
breast implant removal exchange

Breast implant removal or breast implant exchange can be a difficult decision to make. There are many reasons women may want to undergo one of these procedures, but it is essential to understand the benefits and risks of each type before making a decision. This article discusses some considerations for both procedures so the patient has more knowledge about their options and can make an informed decision about which method is best for them.

What is Breast Implant Removal?

Breast implant removal, or explantation, involves removing an existing breast implant while leaving the scar tissue created by the initial surgery intact. In most cases, the scar tissue will shrink with time and become less noticeable. If a patient already has stretched out or ruptured implants, they may choose to undergo breast reconstruction surgery in conjunction with removal. Women decide to remove their implants because they are experiencing problems with their breasts, such as pain or discomfort.

What is Breast Implant Exchange?

Breast implant exchange involves replacing an existing breast implant with a new implant. In some ways, this is similar to breast lift surgery because it corrects the positioning of the existing implants. The procedure is helpful for women who feel that their current implants are not providing them with fullness in the upper part of their breast or are positioned too high on their chest wall.

Issues to Consider Before Choosing Breast Implant Removal

One of the main reasons a woman will choose to have her breast implants removed is because they are causing her pain, discomfort, or other issues. If this is the case, it is essential to find out what the cause of this issue is so that it can be effectively treated. Most implant removal procedures are complicated and require significant recovery time. As a result, the patient must be 100% committed to recovery. When deciding whether to undergo this procedure, it is essential to consider:

Existing Implants

If you are considering having your breast implants removed because they are causing you pain or discomfort, you must ask about any existing implants. Some women have excessively large implants or have ruptured the silicone and silicone gel into their skin. These implants may cause more problems in your body and lead to more severe issues such as inflammation, infection, and even capsular contracture. It is important to remove the damaged implants but if you do not want them permanently removed, new implants can replace them.

Scar Tissue

Many women who undergo breast implants will experience some level of scar tissue formation after their initial surgery. If this scar tissue becomes too severe, it can limit the degree to which your breasts will be able to expand as a result of the new implants. In this case, a breast implant removal will be necessary so that this scar tissue can be removed and your breasts can expand to their full potential.

Size of the Implants

The size of your implants will also affect the recovery you experience after your surgery. If you have small implants and choose to remove them, you will find it easier to recover than women with larger implants. It is also easier to transition back into your regular life afterward.

Issues to Consider Before Choosing Breast Implant Exchange

The main reason a woman will choose to have her breast implants replaced is that they are causing problems or she would like larger or smaller-sized breasts. However, it is essential to consider the possible issues that may arise after surgery before choosing this option. The following are some considerations to make:

Previous Surgeries

If you have had other surgeries in the chest area after your breast implants were placed, you may find scar tissue buildup, which may restrict the degree to which your breasts can be expanded after an exchange. As a result, you may need to undergo additional surgeries for the two procedures to work together.

Placement of New Implants

If you want your new implants put in a different location from your old ones, you will need to find a surgeon with experience with this type of procedure. This way, they can ensure that both areas are appropriately filled out. If they are not correctly filled out, it can result in the buttocks and the outer upper chest wall looking disproportional and unnatural.

Skin Changes

If your skin is changing due to high levels of silicone gel inside of the implant, it may not be possible for the two procedures to work together correctly. Additionally, your skin may have changed over time and lost elasticity, which causes your breasts to sag even with the implants or previous breast augmentation. This will require additional surgeries before your new implants can be placed or removed.

Schedule a Consultation

If you are interested in breast implant removal or breast implant exchange, it is essential to schedule a consultation with Dr. Lorraine Golosow and other board-certified plastic surgeons. Call our office today or fill out an online contact form.

Warnings Signs You May Need To Replace Your Breast Implants

Posted on by Dr. Golosow

If you have breast implants, it is important to be aware of the signs that they may need to be replaced. Some women experience implant problems, such as leakage, rupture, or capsular contracture. If you experience any of these symptoms, it is important to see a doctor right away.

1. Change in shape

If you notice that your breasts are no longer the same shape as they were before, this may be a sign that your implants need to be replaced. Implants can often become misshapen over time, especially if they have leaked or ruptured. This is due to the natural process of the implant capsule contracting due to changes in the scar tissue that forms around it.

2. Hard lumps or bumps

If you feel hard bumps or lumps in your breasts, this may be a sign that your implants need to be replaced. Often, these lumps are caused by capsular contracture, which is a condition where the scar capsule contracts and squeezes the implant. This can cause the implant to become misshapen or even rupture.

3. Swelling or inflammation

If you experience swelling or inflammation in your breasts, this may be a sign that your implants need to be replaced. Often, this is caused by capsular contracture but is also a common sign of other complications that have arisen since inserting the implants.

4. Pain or tenderness

If you experience pain or tenderness in your breasts, call Dr. Golosow and come in for an examination. This pain can often be caused by capsular contracture, which can cause tightness and pain around the implant. Also, if the implant has leaked, the leaked silicone can cause inflammation and pain.

5. Leaking or rupture

One of the clearest signs that your implants need to be replaced is if they start to leak or rupture. Saline implants will leak out and the solution will be absorbed into your body safely, leaving the affected breast visibly smaller in a matter of days. Silicone implants may not cause any discernable symptoms, which is why it’s important to have your implants checked every three years or so to check on their integrity. Leaking and rupturing are both common problems with breast implants, and they can often lead to other health complications.

6. Capsular contracture

Capsular contracture is a condition where the implant capsule contracts and squeezes the implant. This can cause the implant to become misshapen or even rupture. If you experience any of the symptoms associated with capsular contracture, it is important to see Dr. Golosow right away to remove or exchange the implants.

7. Breast skin shrinking and thinning

If you notice that your breast skin is thinning, this may signify that your implants need to be replaced. This is often a sign that the implant capsule has contracted and squeezes the implant.

8. Dimpling or puckering of the skin

If you notice that the skin on your breasts is dimpling or puckering, this may be a sign that your implants need to be replaced. It’s also something most people with implants don’t want to see or show off, so even if there’s nothing wrong with the implant, they may remove or replace them regardless.

Breast Implant Removal and Exchange in Fort Myers, FL

If you are experiencing any of these warning signs, it is important to call Dr. Golosow right away. Breast implants are not meant to last forever and often need to be replaced after a certain amount of time. If you are unsure whether or not your symptoms require your implants to be removed or replaced, it is best to play it safe and schedule a consultation with Dr. Lorraine Golosow. She will be able to advise you on the best course of action.

How Painful is Breast Implant Exchange?

Posted on by Dr. Golosow

Why Choose an Implant Exchange?

There are several reasons someone might want to perform an implant exchange. For example, you may be dissatisfied with the size or shape of your implants and want to change them, or you may want to swap saline implants for silicone ones. It is relatively common to seek breast implant revision surgery, particularly after having children, as this can cause significant changes in breast anatomy and firmness over time. Whatever your circumstances and reason for considering implant exchange, it’s vital that you understand what you should expect during recovery from the procedure and how much pain is involved.

In terms of discomfort, most patients report moderate levels of pain following the surgery (around 5 out of 10 on average). However, some can expect significantly less or much more discomfort depending on factors such as age. Despite this level of discomfort, few patients find that their pain is so unbearable that they are unable to perform their everyday activities.

Does Everyone Experience Pain from Breast Implant Exchange?

It’s important to note that while there are many positive studies on outcomes after breast implant exchange, not everyone will experience them, particularly when other factors such as age and smoking history are taken into account. Therefore, you must discuss your expectations with Dr. Golosow before proceeding with any revision or implant exchange surgery.

 

Implant Exchange Costs

The price of implant exchange typically varies depending on the number of surgeries you need. For example, a breast lift may be required in addition to the exchange if the implants have been in place for a long time and caused your breasts to sag. The overall cost can vary from $8,600-10,000– or more for two operations.

 

Time for The Procedure

Implant exchange is likely to take between 1-2 hours depending on whether other procedures are being performed at the same time. In terms of downtime, most women need around four weeks before returning to their normal activities, but there is no way of predicting how long it will take until you have seen your surgeon after surgery. However, every patient is different, so no one should expect this kind of recovery period without seeking information from an expert.

 

Schedule a Consultation

Dr. Lorraine Golosow is a board-certified plastic surgeon with over ten years of experience specializing in cosmetic and reconstructive surgery. Dr. Golosow is one of the few surgeons in Florida to offer 4D imaging, which allows you to see your body from different angles before, during and after surgery. Our offices are conveniently located on Sand Lake Road near The Mall at Millenia, making it easy for our patients from all over the state to receive treatment.

For more information, call 407-650-1507 or contact us online.