.jpg)
A breast implant exchange is a surgical procedure to replace existing breast implants with new ones. This may be done to update things like size, type, or profile for a new look.
Exchange your current implants for any combination of implant size, profile, placement, type, and brand.
Implant exchanges are commonly broken down into two categories: simple and complex.
Your surgeon will work with you to create a plan based on your goals, anatomy, and concerns, if any.
It's important to remember that these are general guidelines. Always check in with your provider and follow their specific guidelines for your unique anatomy and treatment.
If you had a crease incision in your primary breast augmentation, you’ll have no additional scars.
Your surgeon will make an incision along the old one and remove existing scar tissue for a brand new scar. Like most incisions, they will take around six weeks to close completely. During that time you may be asked to wear tape over the incisions and avoid submerging in water.
Keep in mind it takes at least 12 months for scars to look their best. It’s important, especially in the first year to follow and be consistent with your surgeon’s scar protocol.
The {procedure} type for you is the one that will be the most successful in helping you achieve your goals. A good relationship with a good plastic surgeon will allow you to talk through your options based on your unique anatomy and goals.
Simple exchanges are best suited for someone who is generally happy with where the implants sit but wants a new implant style, profile, or size. The procedure is often less than an hour and is commonly done awake under local anesthesia.
The downtime after a simple exchange is nearly zero. A patient can often comfortably walk out of the office right after the procedure. If no anxiety or narcotics are taken, the patient can even drive themselves home.
Though every recovery is unique, simple implant exchange recovery is typically shorter than the initial surgery with minimal discomfort, even in the days immediately following the surgery. Many patients can expect six weeks of swimming/submerging in water restrictions and results will likely evolve quickly.
A complex exchange is typically for someone who wants to change the implant position to feel more supported or to position the implant higher, lower, more towards the center or more towards the side on the chest.
The procedure is more complex and therefore often requires general anesthesia. A complex exchange may involve things like mesh, a breast lift, pocket work, changing implant placement, or a significant increase or decrease in size.
Because the procedure is diverse, so are the recovery and final results. Typically, you can expect six weeks of lifting and water submersion restrictions, in some cases 5-7 days of downtime, results around 12 months post-op.
Patient education is at the heart of Amelia Aesthetics. Here is a little more information to help you in your {procedure} research.
Keep in mind that every recovery is unique. Your surgeon will give you individualized instructions and timelines during your consultation.
Keep in mind that everyone’s healing and results timeline are unique. Your provider will give you specific instructions and timelines based on your treatment and anatomy.
View {procedure} results from the surgeons of Amelia Aesthetics
Here are some of the most common {procedure} questions answered by the plastic surgeons of Amelia Aesthetics.
