Hundreds of thousands of breast augmentations are performed each year, leaving many satisfied patients. However, some patients are unhappy with the initial appearance of their breasts after the procedure. Others may experience initial contentment with their results but become dissatisfied over time. As the years go on, your breasts and implants will naturally change. Pregnancy and aging can change the look of your implants. Regular wear and tear of the implants can also cause them to change shape or size. In any case, if you are dissatisfied with the appearance of your breasts after augmentation for any reason, board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Haven Barlow performs implant exchange surgery. This procedure improves the appearance of previously augmented breasts, which in turn can help improve your self-image and restore your confidence. Implants can be exchanged for a variety of reasons:
- Unsatisfactory breast size
- Unsatisfactory breast appearance
- Change of size due to breastfeeding
- Breast asymmetry
- Capsular contracture
- Implant rupture
- Implant rippling or wrinkling
IMPLANT EXCHANGE PROCEDURE
An implant exchange is performed under general anesthesia, and the process is very similar to your initial breast augmentation. In most cases, the incision site used for your first breast augmentation will be used to provide access to the breast pocket. During your consultation, Dr. Barlow will discuss whether a different incision location needs be used to perform your surgery. The existing implant is removed from the breast pocket and removed. Your new implant is inserted into the breast pocket. Some women might choose to change their implant placement to submuscular if they are dissatisfied with their subglandular implant placement.
RECOVERY
The recovery from implant exchange surgery is very similar to that of breast augmentation surgery. Initially, you will experience some bruising and swelling. Any discomfort can be helped using pain medication. You will need to limit your physical activities. Most patients return to work within 1-2 weeks and resume their regular exercise routine after few weeks. If you wish to improve the appearance of a previous breast augmentation, schedule your consultation with Dr. Haven Barlow today. Dr. Barlow is a board-certified plastic surgeon with extensive knowledge and experience in implant exchange. Contact Annapolis at 410-224-2395 or Tyson’s Corner at 703-448-3800 or fill out our online contact form.
Chesapeake Plastic Surgery