Breast Implant Exchange

If you are unhappy with the shape or size of your previously-enhanced breasts, or if you experienced problems during your breast implant procedure, then a breast implant revision at DiFrancesco Plastic Surgery may be right for you. This surgery corrects problems occurring months or years after a breast augmentation procedure, and is recommended if:

  • The initial breast augmentation surgery did not meet your goals and expectations
  • Your body has changed or the appearance of your results have changed
  • You experienced complications during the procedure, including rippling from saline implants, scar tissue surrounding the implant (capsular contracture), implant malposition, scarring, healing, breasts sagging, change in size, ruptured silicone implants

Breast implant revision surgery is performed as an outpatient procedure under general anesthesia. Many of our patients return to normal activity in one to two weeks and resume full activity in four to six weeks.

If you have experienced complications or unsatisfactory results with your previous breast implant surgery, a double board-certified plastic surgeon like Dr. DiFrancesco can effectively revise your results or exchange your implants after a previous breast augmentation. revise your results or exchange your implants after a previous breast augmentation.

What is Breast Implant Exchange or Revision?

Breast implant revision and breast implant exchange surgery are procedures that aim to improve on a previous breast augmentation that you underwent with either Dr. DiFrancesco or another plastic surgeon. There are many different reasons to consider these options. For example, many women simply want to change their implants for a new type, size, or shape. Others experience changes in their results over time because of factors like aging, weight gain or loss, and childbearing. Some women experience unsatisfactory results. However, others require a revisional procedure because of complications like capsular contraction or silicone implant ruptures. No matter the motivation, revisional breast surgery can refine and improve your breast augmentation results.

Candidates for Breast Implant Exchange or Revision

The best candidates for these procedures are prior breast augmentation patients who would like to change or revise their results. The same candidacy factors as breast augmentation apply to a revisional procedure— primarily, you should be in overall good health and able to undergo surgery. Dr. DiFrancesco can discuss the proper timeframe for a revisional procedure if your breast augmentation was recent, since you should be fully recovered and have achieved your results from the initial surgery. During a private consultation, Dr. DiFrancesco can discuss your best options for new or different implants if you wish to change them.

Breast Implant Exchange and Revision Considerations

Most commonly, Dr. DiFrancesco uses the same incision type as your initial procedure to reduce scarring visibility. There are many other factors that can be corrected or changed with a revisional procedure, including different implant placements. Additionally, the nipples and areolae can be repositioned, and a breast lift can be performed to correct sagging. Some patients benefit from liposuction in the surrounding areas to further enhance their results. There may be more than one of these techniques used to achieve your ideal results during a revision surgery. In short, your revisional procedure will be unique to your situation, goals, and preferences.

Testimonials

Kind words from our patients

Dr. D. and her staff are the utmost professionals. From my initial consultation to surgery and post-op, I could not be more pleased. The results were more than I could have ever hoped for. I feel pretty for the first time in my life and I have Dr. D. to thank for this. Would highly recommend her.

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Breast Implant Exchange or Revision Procedure

During your consultation, Dr. DiFrancesco will go over your surgical plan and make sure you understand each unique step. Each procedure is performed under general anesthesia, but you can generally return home the same day.

Breast Implant Exchange

Before your breast implant exchange, you’ll discuss with Dr. DiFrancesco your preferences for your new implants. If you’re opting for a different placement method, you’ll go over this as well. During the procedure, an incision is created following your prior incision pattern so that the previous implants can be removed. Then, the new implants are placed according to your goals and surgical plan.

Breast Implant Revision

During this procedure, Dr. DiFrancesco will use surgical techniques to refine your results and manage your existing implants. In the case of capsular contracture, the hardened scar tissue can be removed using specialized methods. Sometimes, fresh implants will be required and can be placed according to your preferences.

Breast Implant Exchange or Revision Recovery

You can expect a recovery period similar to your initial breast augmentation, and Dr. DiFrancesco will ensure you have instructions to follow. You’ll wear a surgical bra during this time and can usually return to normal activities within one week. Dr. DiFrancesco can use a long-acting nerve blocker so that you’re comfortable and experience a little discomfort for the first few days, and you’ll be prescribed medications to manage swelling. You should avoid putting pressure on your breasts or sleeping on your side so that your incisions can heal effectively. Overall, you can expect to return to your full activities within four to six weeks.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you feel a ruptured breast implant?

Depending on the type of implant, you may notice that your breast implant feels different, or the size and shape are dissimilar to before. With new ultrasound technology, Dr. DiFrancesco can examine your implants during your consultation and confirm possibility of rupture. Next, you can schedule a strategic explant procedure or replacement, depending on what type of implants you have.

How do you fix capsular contracture?

Capsular contracture exists when scar tissue forms around the implant and creates firmness that causes discomfort in the breast. To relieve the pressure around the implant, the capsule and implant are removed from the breast and new implants are inserted.

How often should breast implants be replaced?

Breast implants are designed to maintain their aesthetic form long-term and don't need to be replaced due to age. Patients are encouraged to maintain their health and observe any changes their breasts undergo through aging. If they experience changes in their breast size or laxity, or experience discomfort, they are advised to visit their plastic surgeon to discuss an implant exchange.

When should I consider breast revision surgery?

The number one reason for breast revision is to increase the size of your implants. Other reasons include implant rupture or leak, capsular contracture or scar tissue around the implant and implants which have shifted in position. Loose skin or stretched skin after pregnancy or massive weight loss may distort your breast shape and require breast revision surgery.

How long will my results last?

Breast implant surgery usually has long-lasting results. However, significant weight gain or loss, pregnancy and gravity may affect the length of your results.

Can I exchange my breast implants?

Patients with breast implants continually undergo physical changes related to weight fluctuation and aging. They reflect years after surgery that they desire a new size based on their current appearance. When visiting your plastic surgeon, you'll explore size options as well as consider a lift to accompany your implant exchange. Depending on when your initial implants were inserted, you may also change the type and profile to best accommodate your desired results.

How much does breast implant exchange cost?

Breast implant exchange cost varies, depending on the extent of the surgical procedure, including the need for implant replacement or additional breast surgeries. Pricing will be discussed in detail at your initial consultation and we recommend financing options through Alphaeon Credit.

Schedule a Consultation

It can be discouraging to complete your breast augmentation only to find you don’t like the results or experienced complications. The best way to revise your results and achieve your goals is with the help of a double board-certified plastic surgeon with experience in achieving excellent breast surgery results. To get started, contact our Atlanta office by calling or filling out our online form. Dr. DiFrancesco can begin planning your customized implant exchange or breast revision during a private consultation.