Implant Exchange

Want To See Real Breast Revision Results?

Are you concerned that you may need to get your breast implants exchanged? Have you heard that women with breast implants should replace them every 10 years? 

We get asked these vital questions a lot. Like many other medical devices, breast implants are not permanent and are subject to wear and tear. Although breast implants aren’t guaranteed to last a lifetime, we no longer tell patients that they need to get a new set of implants after 10 years. Newer implants are more resilient than older models, but there are several reasons patients may want to consider replacing or exchanging their implants in the future.  

At Restora Austin, breast implant exchange or replacement is a frequent topic of discussion among patients with both new and older implants. Because Restora is one of the region’s leading plastic surgery practices, Austinites regularly turn to Dr. Reid and Dr. Gordon for guidance on what this procedure is and how it can help them regain lost confidence. Learn more about breast implant exchange by calling 512-371-8817 or completing our online form to schedule your consultation today. 

Reasons for Changing Your Breast Implants

A patient’s motivation for pursuing breast implants is highly personal and unique. For some, changes to their bodies due to aging and various life events have left them feeling uncomfortable with how their implants look. For others, damage to the implant or medical concerns have made implant exchange a necessity. Whatever your personal reasons are for undergoing implant exchange, our team is here to help. 

Dr. Reid and Dr. Gordon are experts in plastic surgery and have helped countless patients find the right procedure for their situation. Some of the most common reasons our surgeons hear from patients interested in implant exchange include the following.

Leaks and Rupture

Like any other medical device, age and wear can change the structural integrity of a breast implant. Ruptures and leaks are especially common as older silicone implants age. Likewise, old saline implants are prone to leaking. These issues can not only interfere with your appearance—they can also lead to medical issues if left untreated. 

New Implant Options

Implant technology has come a long way since the first breast augmentation, with innovations in the last decade opening the door to new types of implants. For women with older gel implants prone to rupture, implant exchange is an excellent solution for transitioning to a newer, safer implant that looks and feels natural.  

Different Size

Life can change the way implants look on a woman’s body. In particular, aging and pregnancy can affect the fit of previously placed implants. Breast implant exchange gives these women the opportunity to reclaim their figure again and enjoy newfound confidence in their looks. 

Changing Preferences

Similarly, preferences can change over the years. Where large implants may have suited a woman’s frame earlier on in life, she may choose to go down a cup size as she ages to maintain a more natural-looking appearance. Likewise, some women opt for breast implant exchange to increase their breast size.

Medical Concerns

Not all reasons for breast implant exchange are cosmetic. As researchers continue to study the long-term impacts of breast augmentation and implants, we have learned more about conditions like capsular contracture and breast implant associated anaplastic large cell lymphoma (BIA-ALCL). In the case of capsular contracture, a complete capsulectomy and exchanging the implants helps reduce excessive scar tissue and removes and remaining infected tissue. For patients who’ve developed BIA-ALCL, implant removal is a major component of treatment and ensures a healthy recovery.

Implant Changes

Thin-skinned? Depending on implant placement, skin elasticity and the type of implant, some patients may end up with rippling or wrinkled-looking implants. For women with thinner skin, these unwanted changes to the implant are visible through the skin, resulting in an unflattering appearance. Breast implant exchange allows patients to address these changes while continuing to enjoy a size they’re comfortable with.

Asymmetry

Natural breast volume changes over our lifetime. Similarly, the way our bodies age and the experiences we undergo can lead to changes in how breast implants appear. Breastfeeding in particular can lead to implant asymmetry later on, causing some patients to feel self-conscious over their appearance. Choosing breast implant exchange surgery means patients can restore their desired figure.

What Is Breast Implant Exchange Surgery?

Unlike traditional breast augmentation, the implant exchange procedure is somewhat more complicated due to several factors. A surgeon must consider factors like skin elasticity and tone, nipple position, the implant capsule, and the state of your existing implant when developing a tailored implant exchange treatment plan. Depending on the condition of these different factors, your doctor may choose one of the following ways to carry out your procedure.

Simple Implant Exchange

For patients swapping their implants for a bigger or smaller size, the procedure takes place by making a new line along the same incision as the initial augmentation scar. From there, our surgeons will remove the old implant. If you’re going for a smaller implant, our surgeons may also remove or alter your implant capsules to prevent an unflattering final look. The procedure concludes with the surgeon sterilizing the breast implant cavity, placing the new implants, and closing the incisions. 

Breast Lift Plus Exchange

For patients who’ve experienced significant changes to their natural breast tissue and implant position, our surgeons may recommend a breast lift alongside the implant exchange. During this form of the procedure, your surgeon removes excess tissue to tighten skin and improve nipple position. They remove the old implant, sterilize the cavity, and place the new implants. The results are perkier, natural-looking breasts. 

Recovering from Austin, TX Breast Implant Exchange

Recovery from breast implant exchange is similar to the recovery from traditional breast augmentation. Most patients stay home for several days up to a week following surgery, and we advise them to avoid any strenuous activity for at least three weeks after surgery. 

It’s important to expect some swelling after surgery, meaning it can take anywhere from four to six weeks for patients to see their final results. During post-operation consultations, our Austin plastic surgeons will provide you with a personalized recovery timeline and instructions to ensure healthy recuperation.

Ready to Get Started with Your Breast Implant Exchange at Restora Austin?

Have questions about replacing your breast implants? Our team is here to help. Call Restora Austin at 512-371-8817 or complete our online form today to schedule your Texas breast implant exchange consultation with Austin’s leading plastic surgeons. We look forward to helping you achieve your goals!