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. Expect six weeks of swimming/submerging in water restrictions and your final 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.
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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, and final results around 12 months post-op.